This summer, I had the opportunity to write and direct my very first music video. It was an exciting milestone for me, as it allowed me to put into practice many of the skills I have been developing throughout my studies. Because I had already built some industry connections in Mongolia through friends and previous contacts, I was fortunate to secure a position as a writer and director at one of Mongolia’s major media and film production companies during the summer break, before returning to the UK for the new academic year.
One of the biggest differences I noticed while working in Mongolia was the way productions operate under very limited budgets while still producing work that meets a remarkably high commercial standard. For example, the music video I recently directed was produced with a budget of approximately £8,000. Although this may seem modest compared to many international productions, the team was expected to deliver a polished, professional result. We also had to complete the entire shoot in just a single day, which meant every department had to work efficiently and make quick creative decisions. The experience taught me the importance of preparation, communication, and adaptability under pressure.
Another aspect of the industry that stood out to me was the demanding schedule. In Mongolia, especially within the commercial production sector, working hours are often unpredictable. During this project, our filming day began at 9:00 a.m. and continued until nearly 2:00 a.m. the following morning. It was certainly physically demanding, but because I genuinely enjoyed the work, the long hours never felt discouraging. Being surrounded by passionate and talented people made the entire experience incredibly rewarding and reminded me why I chose to pursue filmmaking in the first place.
I also realised that working on commercial projects such as music videos, television commercials, and branded content offers valuable creative opportunities alongside narrative filmmaking. While feature films and short films are often the ultimate goal for many film students, commercial productions require equally strong storytelling, visual thinking, and problem-solving skills. The fast-paced nature of these projects pushes you to think creatively within practical limitations, and many of the lessons learned can later be applied to larger film productions.
If I could offer one piece of advice to fellow Film Production students, it would be not to focus exclusively on making films or short films. Taking on commercial projects—whether music videos, advertisements, or other creative productions—can provide invaluable hands-on experience. They challenge you to develop technical skills, improve teamwork, strengthen your creative decision-making, and build confidence in a professional environment.
Every project, regardless of its size or format, is an opportunity to grow. The experience I gained this summer has given me a much clearer understanding of the realities of the industry, while also reinforcing my passion for filmmaking. I hope this encourages other students to actively seek opportunities beyond the classroom, because every production teaches you something new and brings you one step closer to becoming the filmmaker you aspire to be.
I am also incredibly grateful for how the BA Film Production course at the University of Roehampton has encouraged me to discover and develop my own creative voice. Throughout the program, I have been guided from many different perspectives to express my ideas with confidence and authenticity, rather than simply following conventional approaches to filmmaking. The screenings organised by our lecturers, together with the arts and cultural events we attend each semester, have significantly broadened my perspective and strengthened both my critical thinking and creative abilities. These experiences have helped me appreciate a wide range of filmmaking styles and artistic practices, which continue to influence my own work.
Another aspect of the course that I truly value is the Personal Tutor system. Beyond supporting students academically, our Personal Tutors are genuinely committed to helping those who are eager to learn and grow outside the classroom. They are always generous with their advice, whether it concerns career development, creative projects, or navigating the film industry.
On many occasions, they have also invited students to film screenings, festivals, and other cultural events, creating valuable opportunities to engage with the wider creative community. Looking back, I believe these experiences have played an important role in my development, both as a filmmaker and as a student.