Eman Shah

Content Creator, Pentest People

In my first year at University I had the opportunity to do two placements, one at ITV Leeds and the other at Iron Box Films in London.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity and my favourite memories

I chose Leeds Trinity University because of the filmmaking facilities they have. I looked at other universities, but Leeds Trinity really stood out to me after attending the Open Day and speaking to the lecturers in film and media. I knew then that Leeds Trinity was for me.

My most memorable experience from Leeds Trinity was being able to grow and be my most confident self as well as learning the filmmaking industry in depth. I had always had a passion for filmmaking since growing up and would watch films from a very young age with my Dad. 

What I enjoyed most about the course

All my lectures at Leeds Trinity were amazing. I have to mention Darren Harper, my lecturer in Radio for always supporting me and believing in me.  Helped me to reach my potential was and always on hand to help. 

I enjoyed the freedom of being creative in my Film and Media course and the practical projects I was able to work on. This was from making short films to making an actual film with my lecturer Ricardo Barker that got screened in Festival International du Film PanAfricain de Cannes. I was proudly the sound designer for this film.

I realised my strengths were in sound and editing so I then went on to do a Masters in Sound Design and Editing for Film.

Incredible placement opportunities

In my first year at University I had the opportunity to do two placements, one at ITV Leeds and the other at Iron Box Films in London. My work placement at ITV included learning how to use the ITV Archive to edit and source clips to customers and other departments at ITV.

My placement at Iron Box Films was amazing. I met such lovely people, who I am still in contact with now. My placement included reading scripts, giving feedback on them, and shadowing editors. In my second year, I did my work placement at Working Title Films in London, my role was similar to Iron Box where I shadowed editors and also got to see the Johnny English film being edited with Rowan Atkinson. I have been able to make many great contacts in the film industry. 

My career after graduation

After completing my MA, my career did not go to plan straight away because of the pandemic, but in November 2021 I secured a role at Pentest People as a Content Creator, it was a long wait but was really worth it. 

Pentest People are the fastest growing independent cyber security company headquarters based in Leeds. My role entails all the media side of work, I film and edit videos. I release a cyber news story every month where I interview cyber security experts. I really love my job as I get to film, edit, sound record and write scripts. I am very happy that I can apply the skills and knowledge that I gained during my time at University. 

My advice to students

My advice for students is to be the most confident and hardworking person in the room because if you're not then there is always going to be someone else that is more confident and more hardworking than you.

Develop your own style. Your style encompasses who you are, what you’re trying to say, and the way you express it. When going for an interview, it’s always that first impression that is so important. Remember you have to give your full energy for that time because that’s the time that counts and that’s how the person is going to remember you.