Why did you decide to pursue postgraduate study?
I had been working in an admin job when one day I realised that I didn’t want to do that anymore. I wanted to have a career that I thought was cool; that my kids thought was cool. That initially led me to earn my bachelor’s in 3D animation.
I had been thinking I needed to add to my skillset for a while, so I started looking around for programmes and spotted an ad for UC’s Master of Virtual Production. It looked so cool and super fascinating, and I thought, “Yeah, that’s a bit of me”.
What stands out to you about UC’s Master of Virtual Production?
I get to work with really cool, industry-standard equipment right here at home. The LED wall that we have at UC is the only one like it in the South Island. It’s amazing to be able to study and work with such great facilities here in Christchurch, especially because I have children, so I can’t just up and move.
What would you like to do once you finish your studies?
As I've gotten further into the world of virtual production, I've really opened up to the idea of doing TV and commercials. I’m currently working on an assignment of producing a commercial, and my tutor is heavy in the TV scene here in Christchurch with Whitebait Media. Talking to her about her experience and being exposed to these projects has helped shape my mindset.
I'm a massive Minecraft nerd, so to work on anything Minecraft-related would be a dream.
How do you feel the Master of Virtual Production is preparing you for your future career?
I get so much hands-on experience with great facilities and equipment, like the commercial I’m shooting on the LED wall.
When I’m done, I'll be able to walk into the virtual production studio and set up the wall and understand how to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.
I also have a background in photography, painting, and animation, and with this degree I’ll have built a really niche skillset with 3D in the digital and virtual environments. That's going to help me get paid to do something that I love.
What is it like working with your lecturers and peers?
The people I’ve met at UC share my passion. We just click. I feel like I’ve found my people. I wanted a degree that would let me collaborate and work with a community of likeminded people, and I’ve found that here. Everyone is so knowledgeable and really approachable.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to be studying at UC, surrounded by these amazing people and fantastic facilities.
What was it like returning to study as an adult student?
There was definitely an initial anxiety around going into these spaces with talented people who are younger than me. It was intimidating walking into a space where I was potentially the oldest student in the room, but I very quickly got over it when I realised we’re all here for the same thing.
I also think that having a bit of life experience behind me and knowing how to apply myself, how to research, and how to understand what I'm getting myself into has helped me find my path.
What gives you purpose in life, and how does what you're studying tie into that?
I love to create. My purpose is to create, to make things and share them with people. Looking around my office at home, it’s filled with things that I’ve made, with things my kids have made. It’s so cool to see them making things that they love, because they’re inspired by me making things that I love. I want to continue making things that inspire them, that inspire others.
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See other postgraduate study experiences from UC students.
