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- From acting to filmmaking: My journey at...
I’ve always loved performing. My journey started in high school theatre, where I fell in love with acting, and over the years, I built a career working on international projects in front of the camera. But after a while, I felt the need to grow and explore the other side of filmmaking. I knew that understanding what happens behind the camera would make me a better actor, but at the same time, I realised that I actually enjoyed the creative process of filmmaking itself. Learning how to put a story together, from directing to producing, felt like a natural next step.
That’s when I found AUB. I already knew it had a great reputation in film, and the MA Film Practice (Online) course gave me exactly what I was looking for. The 15-credit system meant more variety, regular feedback, and a chance to develop a wider skill set without feeling stuck in one thing for too long. Plus, since I work as an actor and model in Taiwan, moving to the UK for a year just wasn’t realistic. Studying online was perfect – it allowed me to balance my work and studies while still gaining all the benefits of a Master's course.
One thing people worry about with online courses is networking, but honestly, I didn’t find that to be an issue at all. I met some great people during the course, and we’ve already started collaborating on personal projects. One of the most challenging (but also most rewarding) experiences for me was the Co-Lab project. Working in a team across different countries and time zones, with each of us specialising in different areas of filmmaking, was an intense but really valuable learning experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a real taste of what it’s like to collaborate on an international scale.
At the start of the course, I wasn’t entirely sure what kind of projects I wanted to focus on. Ironically, the more I experimented, the more confused I got. But by the time I finished my final project, everything suddenly fell into place. I figured out what I didn’t enjoy and, more importantly, what I actually loved – psychological thrillers with non-linear storytelling. I also realised that I didn’t just want to act – I loved being involved in multiple areas of film, from directing to producing. After finishing the course, I can definitely say my approach to filmmaking has changed completely. I see things differently now, especially in terms of storytelling and working with a team.
For anyone thinking about studying at AUB, my biggest advice is, try everything and leave your ego at the door. Some projects might not feel like “your thing” at first, but that’s exactly why they’re worth doing. The best way to grow is by stepping outside your comfort zone. Even the projects that seem small at first might end up being way more useful than you expect – not just for your final thesis, but for your future career.
Looking back, I’m really glad I took this step. Studying at AUB gave me new skills, new connections, and a whole new perspective on filmmaking. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.
