Alumni Spotlight – Joshua Miles
- Wednesday, 10 January 2024
We spoke with Joshua Miles, a BA Hons Film alumni who has made a big impact in the entertainment industry. His remarkable journey, marked by collaborations with icons like Beyoncé, Jay Z, Idris Elba, Kendrick Lamar, and Travis Scott, reflects the work he applied into his degree.
Joshua Miles
BA Honours Film
Class of 2021
How was your university experience with MDX?
It was definitely a whole new chapter that I was excited – but not ready – for! I had my expectations coming into it and it ended up being so much more than I imagined. The University makes you feel so welcomed and at home. From the atmosphere, the facilities, the staff and the numerous social activities all together made the experience that much better.
Do you have any specific memories that highlight your experience?
It would probably be the moment in my last year when we were working on our final film project. I feel like that was the turning point of my experience as a BA Film student. Those last couple of months taught me so much and pushed me to do things I never know I was capable of. Working day and night, spending hours in the studio just to reach that moment where you finally play the final cut of your film right before submission. Those were the days I will never forget. And what made it even more worthwhile was that I got to do it with peers who have now turned into lifelong friends. They were there with me throughout it all, learning from one another, working on each other’s projects, and pushing each other to be better.
What was your dream career when you went to Uni? And did that change in the process of your studies?
It’s kind of funny looking back now. I went into BA Film wanting to be an actor. But as time went on, I got to understand more about what happens behind the scenes and the amount of work it takes to make a film. It was such a fascinating process, and I eventually became invested in cinematography and directing.
What do you do for a career now? And how did you find yourself there?
I now work as a Freelance Photographer and Content Creator on social media. I’ve always had a passion for storytelling and capturing moments. I was that kid in the family who ran around with a camera taking pictures of
everything. During my first year in university, I started to experiment with photography a little bit more by reaching out to local influencers and clothing brands. Whenever we didn’t have classes, I would go out and offer to shoot for free just to get some experience and try to improve my skills in the process. Eventually after 2 years of trial & error, I was able to build a portfolio and learned how to network with clients. What was once a hobby has now turned into a career.
How has your degree helped your current role and how do you see if helping your progression in the future?
I knew I made the right decision when I chose to study Film at Middlesex. The 3 years were a roller coaster of experiences and I’ve been fortunate enough to learn and improve on my skills as a filmmaker and photographer which led me to where I am now. The guidance and support from my professors have played a significant role in helping me understand the way things work in the industry. They really bring out the best in you, and push you to your creative limits. You learn a lot about yourself and things you never knew you were capable of. I’m looking
forward to diversifying my career in the industry, and to see where it takes me next
Do you have a message for current and graduating students?
Learn to be present and patient with yourself! So many people struggle with their version of what success is, because they’re too busy looking at someone else’s. Make the best of what you have, keep practicing and embrace the failures as you go. There’s a difference between moving up and moving forward, so just keep working on your craft, try to be 1% better every day, and by the time an opportunity presents itself, you’ll be ready. Stay curious, ask questions and surround yourself with people that are better than you, as well as good friends that push you to be better. Be kind to others. Most people say it’s not what you do, it’s who you know, but more importantly it’s who you are as a person. Remember, you’re writing your own story, and at the end of it all ask yourself, how do you want it to be told? Wishing you guys all the best!
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