Elian Beaumont

Multiple Award Winning Filmmaker

By the end of 2024 and still during the year I graduated I won a third award.

Why I chose to study at Leeds Trinity

After leaving school I worked full-time instead of going to college. During this time I was also following my passion of working on my own short films. But when the country was coming out of the COVID-19 lockdown I decided that I really wanted to go to University. I was offered a foundation year from Leeds Trinity, which game me the chance to prove my skills and commitment to making films.

The course and the media department were very well known to me as well as the array of kit that would be at my disposal. I wanted to make short films on the best resources available and Leeds Trinity could offer me this. All these assets made Leeds Trinity the perfect provider for what I needed.

Winning an award before graduating

Between my second and third year as an undergraduate over the summer break I decided to make a film, Strangers, in my own time but taking advantage of the kit available from Leeds Trinity. After a lot of hard work I was able to submit my work in two different film festivals, one of which was the Royal Television Society. Strangers won the Royal Television Society Student Cinematography Craft Award in March 2024 whilst I was still a student. Winning an award before graduating was a huge boost.

Leaving University with new confidence

My confidence grew so much through making the films, in turn this also brought out my confidence as a rounded person. This combination was so important in terms of me starting a career. Any films that I make are a product of me, as good as the film may be, I still need to be able to promote it effectively and go to networking events to get my name out there.

My all-round interpersonal skills grew so much that I really mastered how to come across in a professional and friendly way. This has given me the confidence to submit to any competition and attend any festival.

My career since graduating

Although my studies came to an end my filmmaking certainly did not. I continued to edit and release films with the backing of the University. Shortly after graduating, a film I made called Find Me won an Exceptional Achievement Award at the MDIF Festival. This was another huge boost that gave me even more exposure and more Industry professionals were getting in touch with me about my films.

By the end of 2024 and still during the year I graduated I won a third award for Craven, which received Best Drama at the Graddies Awards 2024. At the same time, before the year comes to a close, my first award winning film Strangers has had over 2.2 million views on my YouTube channel.

My next ambition is to set up my own production company that would bring other creatives within the Leeds area together which would make a hub for local filmmakers.

My advice for other students

Have all the faith in yourself possible. During the first year of my studies I didn’t have the confidence to create the films I really wanted to make. Through the course you will make films during different modules but you should always remember, there is nothing stopping you from using the kit in your own time as well.

A combination of having faith in yourself and working your hardest will see you succeed with the support you will also get from the lecturers and the media centre. If you put everything possible in yourself they will really push you to reach your limit.

You can find out more about my work and view all my films on FilmFreeway