Fabian Wagner graduated from the Northern Film School 2003 with an MA in Film & Moving Image Production before going on to work as a cinematographer in both film and TV. Fabian has worked on shows including Game of Thrones, for which he won the American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Regular Series.

When discussing how he first became interested in film Fabian said, “I knew from very early on that I wanted to work in the film industry - I was around fourteen. I started off shooting stills and then moved on to shooting videos with my Super 8.”

He moved from Germany to complete a Diploma at the National Film School of Denmark before coming to Leeds to study for his MA. “Doing a degree seemed like the best way to meet people and make connections in the industry for my future career. I came from Germany and had only studied in Denmark - so I didn’t know anyone. I knew I wanted to be in the UK as I wanted to be able to work on more international productions - so I just applied to Leeds and I didn’t even think about it!”

Fabian credits his time at Leeds Beckett with the connections he made while he was there. “What helped me the most was the people I met there. It is those people who inspire you, and who you end up working with in your career - some for a long time. My focus puller, Borja Berrosteguieta, on season eight of Game of Thrones is a great example of that. We had met 16 years before at university and have been best friends ever since.”

Looking back on his career so far Fabian already has many achievements and accolades including Emmy nominations, his win at the American Society for Cinematographers Awards, and working on some of the most iconic shows and films in recent years. However, despite all of this, his driving force is still the same passion he had for film as a fourteen-year-old. “It’s not a job to me. It’s my love, my passion, my hobby. I also love meeting people. So many people all over the world. Seeing amazing places - and some horrible ones too! Every job is a highlight, whether good or bad. We are so incredibly lucky to be working in such an industry.

“To those aspiring to work in film, and those studying at Leeds Beckett, I would say that it’s a tough industry, I’m not going to lie. It’s hard work, you have to dedicate yourself to it - day and night. And you also have to have a lot of luck, meeting the right people at the right time. But it is also the best thing you can do. You can have so much fun and create something with a random bunch of people. I would say just enjoy it! Work and create as much as you can. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes - in fact, make as many as possible! Learn how to learn from those mistakes. And above all just be yourself.”