Find the right Film and Media course for you
From Bangor University to HBO's House of the Dragon
Film and Media graduate Kieran Samuel secured a paid placement on HBO's House of the Dragon while studying at Bangor University.
Working with the production's Lighting Department, Kieran spent six weeks gaining first-hand experience of professional television production and learning from industry experts on set.
His placement was secured through Bangor University's partnerships with Screen Alliance Wales as part of the Creative Wales initiative, helping students access valuable industry opportunities with leading employers.
At Bangor University, industry experience isn't just something you learn about. You'll benefit from;
Industry partnerships
Practical, career-focused learning
Professional networking opportunities
Explore Film and Media at Bangor University and discover where your degree could take you.
My experience was amazing on House of the Dragon as a lighting trainee. It taught me how to paint with lighting.
This is the place...
To find your voice. To develop your craft. To bring new ideas to life.
At Bangor University, your creativity comes to life. You'll learn from experienced academics and industry professionals, explore your ideas in specialist facilities, and become part of a supportive community.
Whether you're performing, producing or researching, you'll gain the skills, experience and confidence to take your next step.
See what's possible when creativity meets opportunity.
Video transcript: Study a degree in the Creative Arts at Bangor University
Welcome to Bangor University....
Two students walk outside the Main Arts Building while talking to each other.
An orchestra rehearses in Prichard Jones Hall with a conductor leading the performance. A lecturer works with a student in a music studio surrounded by instruments.
A group of students sit together discussing work with notebooks and reading materials. A group of students practice a dance routine in a studio.
[On-screen text] This is the place...
Aerial view of the Main Arts Building. Two students walk outside while talking.
Inside a recording studio, two people operate audio production software from a workstation. Beyond a soundproof window, a performer stands in a vocal booth beside a microphone.
[On-screen text] To hone your skills...
A student sings into a microphone in a music studio.
Several students stand while enjoying and playing brass instruments, including trombones, trumpets, with sheet music attached to their instruments.
Three students lean on the railings at Bangor Pier overlooking the sea.
[On-screen text] To push boundaries...
A group of students film a project using video equipment while a lecturer stands with them.
[On-screen text] To tell your story...
A lecturer teaches students in a classroom while students work on laptops and discuss in groups.
[On-screen text] This is the place...
Two students walk down the steps of the Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre. A group of students sit outside talking in the sunshine.
[On-screen text] To find your people...
Two people work together at a large audio mixing desk in a professional music studio. A student is seated at a computer workstation while the lecturer stands beside them, looking at the screen.
[On-screen text] To learn from the experts...
A conductor leads an orchestra rehearsal in Prichard Jones Hall.
[On-screen text] In our beautiful facilities...
A student sits playing a traditional stringed instrument in a classroom while the lecturer stands nearby observing.
[On-screen text] This is the place...
Students attend a lecture in a theatre, taking notes on laptops while the lecturer speaks.
A student plays the piano.
[On-screen text] To find inspiration...
Students film a project using professional video equipment while discussing their work.
[On-screen text] And inspire others...
A lecturer leads a music session while students practice in Powis Hall.
Students play piano while another student adjusts sound levels on a mixing desk in a studio with a lecturer present.
[On-screen text] The future...
Students rehearse a drama performance in a studio space.
[On-screen text] It’s for you to create...
A student speaks on stage while performing. A film production student holds a boom microphone overhead while standing beside the pier. Two other people lean against railing and look out across the landscape.
A student plays a musical instrument while another works at a sound mixing desk.
Outside the Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, two students are stood leaning against the colourful painted wall art, smiling, laughing, and looking at their phones together.
The video ends with a slow aerial view of the Main Arts Building with clear blue skies in the background, before the Bangor University crest appears on screen.
Hannah Grimston Finding My Place to Create
Why did you choose to study at Bangor University?
"The course offered was so different to what else was on offer, it didn’t limit me to one vocation. When I came for an open day, I was stunned by the environment and knew it was the right place for me."
In what way did studying at Bangor University enhance your employability?
"Due to being quite a small university, I felt I was able to participate in a number of experiences that really helped my CV, like a number of society-made films, a Santander work internship and creating content for The Welsh Mountain Zoo."
In one sentence, what was your favourite thing about studying at Bangor University?
"The creative freedom and beautiful views."
Hannah graduated in 2019 with a BA in Creative Studies and is now an English Teacher in a Secondary School.
Behind the Scenes at a Working Film and TV Studio
As a Bangor student, you'll have opportunities to connect with the industry through our partnership with Aria Film Studios. Go beyond the classroom and visit a real-life set, learn how creative teams bring stories to life, and gain insight into the journey from script to screen.
Take a virtual tour of the Rownd a Rownd set and get a glimpse behind the scenes.
Reception
Welcome to the Aria Film Studios in Llangefni. Here’s the reception with the stunning mural of the exterior of the building and the mountains in the background.
The Studio
Here we are in Studio 2 which is home to some of ‘Rownd a Rownd’s characters. As you can see, the sets are backed up to maximise the space.
Dani’s House
We are now in Dani’s house, one of the series’ most popular and longest-serving characters. Here is a kitchen and lounge area.
Notice that Dani has only half a hallway – as we or the camera cannot see around corners, there was no need to continue the build. The actual front door is located on the street in Menai Bridge.
Siân’s House
Here’s the hallway in Sian’s house. Notice that the stairs do not lead anywhere, as there is no upstairs on the set. This is an exact replica of a private house in Llandegfan. The kitchen set had to be recreated exactly like the real house because it was not possible to film on location after the pandemic.
Jason’s Flat
This is Jason’s flat, and in the story, it is located above the Tŷ Pizza set, which is on the main set in Menai Bridge.
The Boatyard Shop
This is the biggest set in the studio. Once again, the exterior of the shop i sown by the Menai Straits in Menai Bridge. The interior was recreated here to facilitate the filming due to the huge amount of set dressing and pops required to fill the shop.
Arthur’s House
As we make our way to Arthur’s house the rest of the sets can be seen clearly. A wall has been taken out here in order to create space for the film crew to work as the set itself is relatively small. From the hallway you can see how close the sets are in relation to each other.
The K’s House
Ken and Kay live here. The actual house is on the ‘Rownd a Rownd‘ lot in Menai Bridge, but after COVID, more space was needed, so this set was built slightly bigger than the original house, even though you would not notice this on screen.
From the hallway, we can see into the kitchen.
Dylan and Sophie’s House
This is definitely ‘Rownd a Rownd’s’ grandest set – Dylan and Sophie’s luxurious house. The Art Department had fun designing this set.
And here’s the hallway with the staircase leading nowhere and the entrance to the lounge area.
The Gallery
In the corner of the studio the gallery area is situated. Here the director and the rest of the technical crew sit during the filming. They watch the action on the monitors and go back and forth to the individual sets as required.
Costume Department
The costume department is located behind the studio and here all the character’s costumes are stored, sorted and washed. It’s here that the actors come each day and change into their costumes.
Make-Up Room
After changing into their costumes, the actors come here for their makeup. The make-up department is also responsible for hair styling and cutting, as well as creating special effects like cuts and bruises.
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