Former Student Returns to Inspire the Next Generation of Creatives
On Monday, the 29th of September, former Overton Grange student, Chelsea Pentecost, returned to school and delivered a talk on her career as a set designer in film and television. Chelsea, who has worked on TV shows like Star Wars: The Acolyte and is currently working on HBO’s eagerly awaited Harry Potter series, finished her A Levels at Overton Grange in 2016. This was the first event hosted by Overton Grange Creative Academy—a group run by Mr Jackson to give students practical advice and training with a focus on developing creative industries.
Hosted in the school library, Chelsea’s talk covered how she started out on student films as a set designer, building up a portfolio of work while she was at university. In her second year, Chelsea was able to gain vital experience at Warner Brothers Studios in Watford, and she has continued to work in the industry ever since, while also completing freelance graphic design projects.
Students got the chance to see Chelsea’s portfolio and asked a wide range of questions about her career in the arts. The discussion covered many topics, including how to make the right connections to break into the film industry, the importance of developing a strong and focused portfolio, and the realities of working freelance in such a competitive field. Chelsea offered valuable insight into her journey, explaining that “you learn with time what people are looking for” and that “quality over quantity” is key when showcasing creative work.
When asked about the challenges of the industry, Chelsea was honest about the demanding nature of her work, describing it as “very tough but very rewarding.” She encouraged students to take risks and believe in their potential, reminding them that even when things seem daunting, “it’s extremely rewarding—it shows you what you’re capable of, even if you think you don’t have the potential. You can do it.”
Following the main session, Chelsea stayed behind to speak with a smaller group of students who are considering careers in film, concept art, and direction. She offered more in-depth advice about how to build experience, the importance of networking, and the range of career paths available within the art department of film and television production.
Students left the session feeling inspired, with a clearer understanding of the opportunities in the creative industries and what it takes to succeed. The Creative Academy will continue to host similar talks and workshops throughout the year to help students gain valuable insight into creative careers and build the confidence to pursue them.