Tayyib - Facilitating Film
Tayyib Mahmood
Studio Manager and Social Media Content Creator
BSc (Hons) Digital Film Production*
Tayyib didn’t think university was for him, until he realised that BCU’s courses allowed him to be creative and work in an industry-standard environment. After building his experience and confidence at BCU, Tayyib has gone on to work on huge blockbusters such as No Time To Die and Kingsman alongside becoming a content creator for the Film industry.
“Originally, I didn't want to go to university as I've always been someone who prefers hands-on learning as opposed to sitting in a classroom, so I thought getting a job was the best option. I hadn't realised that you could study something creative at university, so when I discovered BCU's Digital Film Production course and the creative freedom it offered, I was sold.
The facilities at BCU are state-of-the-art and we were given a lot of freedom to experiment with the kit which prepared me to use equipment in the industry. I felt like I was working in a professional film-making environment, surrounded by lecturers and students who were passionate about film. The insights from lecturers who have worked in the film industry are invaluable, they gave me a lot of advice that's helped me become a good crew member.
When I started studying at BCU, I was filled with a lot of uncertainty about whether I had what it takes to succeed as a filmmaker, but the assignments on the course allowed me to develop my technical skills, confidence and resilience. The film industry can be competitive, but I graduated with a positive mindset, knowing that I'd received the best training and that I could contribute meaningfully to any projects I worked on.
I began my career in the film industry by participating in the BFI Film Academy in 2015, which laid the foundation for my passion for filmmaking. In 2016, I was thrilled to be selected for the prestigious NFTS residential course, where I was able to further develop my skills and deepen my understanding of the industry.
Early in my career, I was fortunate to secure runner roles on high-profile films like Ready Player One and Kingsman. These experiences were invaluable, giving me a firsthand look at the workings of large film sets. A major milestone came in 2019 when I was selected to be a studio unit trainee for the James Bond film, No Time to Die, which was an incredible opportunity to work on such a significant project.
Since then, I've had the privilege of working with major film studios like Warner Bros, HBO, and Disney, contributing to the creation of content for their upcoming films such as The Batman and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning. Currently, I work in the Locations/Studio Unit department, focusing on High-End Television (HETV) and Hollywood film productions. My role involves supporting the logistical and operational aspects of filming, ensuring that everything runs smoothly on set.
These opportunities have allowed me to work alongside some of the best in the industry, gaining invaluable insights and honing my skills in a real-world setting. The scale and complexity of these productions have challenged me to grow professionally, and I'm proud of the contributions I've been able to make to these projects.
Alongside my work, I've developed a social media presence focused on film content, where I've amassed a following of over 600,000 followers. This platform has given me the opportunity to share my passion for filmmaking with a large audience, engage with other film enthusiasts, and even influence the way people think about and appreciate film. It's been incredibly fulfilling to see how my content resonates with others and to know that I'm part of a larger conversation about film and storytelling.
Going to university is the best decision I've ever made. As a BCU alumni, I carry with me the knowledge, skills, and experiences that allow me to push for excellence in every job I do.”
*This course was previously called Film Production Technology.