Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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The force is strong for Leeds Beckett graduate
Anne-Marie Minty, who graduated in 2010 with a BA (Hons) in Filmmaking, worked on the most anticipated film of the year as Property Coordinator – a role which involved working closely with the Property Master and assisting with budget management, sourcing and ordering materials, and overseeing the schedules and payroll of the props department.
Speaking about the role, Anne-Marie said: “When I was first offered the role I could not stop smiling – I literally beamed for days! It took a while for it to sink in how huge the project was going to be. I had never worked on anything of this scale; it was a completely different role which took me out of my comfort zone.”
Having worked on several TV productions, including ITV’s crime drama Whitechapel and the BBC’s miniseries, The Hollow Crown, Anne-Marie was put forward for the Star Wars role by Set Director, Jo Berglund, after meeting on the set of ‘This is England 88’ when Anne-Marie was on work experience.
Anne-Marie commented: “I had never undertaken a coordinators role before so pre-filming I was invited to spend a couple of days shadowing the Property Master. Those two days were spent helping to source and buy original components for one of the key legacy props; Luke Skywalker's lightsaber. This entailed having to research the history of the film and digging into the buying archives, which I absolutely loved.
“The role involved a lot more administration than I was used to which has helped a lot; it is a skill I will need when I start applying for more senior roles.”
Based at Pinewood Studios, Anne-Marie added: “Pinewood is an incredible place; it has such an inspiring atmosphere and is steeped in so much history.
“Although I did go on set from time to time, mostly to visit the standby props, I didn't spend a lot of time there when the unit was in as I had so much else to do! But when I did it was incredible seeing JJ Abrams in action. I got the chance to see the sets before they were used, and they were beautiful. It was honour to work with such an incredible crew, who are some of the most talented people in the industry.”
The Northern Film School is one of the most renowned film and television schools in the UK, making innovative and award winning films for over 25 years. The School offers filmmaking awards at BA (Hons), MA and PhD levels, attracting students from around the world.
Speaking about her time at Leeds Beckett, Anne-Marie commented: “The Northern Film School was a great introduction to the industry and especially the art department. I had originally enrolled at Leeds Beckett with the intention of going down the route of editing, however I feel that had I not made the choice to move into the art department I would have never got an opportunity like this.
“When I finally got to see the film at the cast and crew screening it was exciting seeing it all put together - and especially seeing my first film credit on a cinema screen! It made all the hard work, long hours and stress worthwhile and it will be an experience I will never forget. I'm very fortunate to have been involved in the team that made such an epic film.”
Andrew Fryer, Head of School for the School of Film, Music & Performing Arts at Leeds Beckett, added: “Anne-Marie’s successful career and her contribution to such an iconic film as Star Wars is an inspiration to all our students at the Northern Film School.”