Graduate Mark Singer gained a first in BA (Hons) Film and Television Production at Bucks New University and returns to host Show Off Your Shorts! at Fisheye Film Festival on Saturday 7 March.

The writer, director, and producer graduated in 2014 and has since won awards for his own short film, The Elephant in the Room, and is busy working on three short films, a documentary, spoken word poetry piece, and a short comedy film shooting in April.

In between his busy schedule, Mark took time to answer a few questions from us about his career and how he benefited from studying at Bucks.

So, Mark, what will you be doing at Fisheye Film Festival?

Mark: With my friend and fellow filmmaker Jamie Terry I will be compering at at Show Off Your Shorts! It’s for filmmakers of all kinds to screen their work in front of a live audience and answer questions. Should be a great session, with the audience seeing and hearing all about the making of a wide range of quality short films as part of a relaxed sociable event.

What are you doing now in your career?

Mark: I’m editing, as well as working at an advertising agency, and also directing, producing, and writing short films. And directing the occasional short play, so I’m very busy.

What have been your most significant achievements since graduating?

Mark: I would say winning awards for my short film The Elephant in the Room has been a highlight. It will be released online later this year so keep your eye out for it.

Other than that it is doing a job which is good fun, cutting and creating short stories/films for brands, working on some of the biggest brands, and working with some highly skilled and creative individuals.

What career advice would you give to students?

Mark: Know your subject, be friendly, approachable and never be scared of asking questions.

How have you benefited from studying at Bucks?

Mark: It opened up opportunities in the form of knowledge, of film theory and technical skills. It also opened up opportunities as I met other liked-minded creative individuals and friends who are interested in the same things.

Therefore, it’s about not only learning skills and acquiring knowledge but also appreciating the resources available and the opportunities you have to learn from others.

Here are other events taking place at Bucks for Fisheye Film Festival.

- Filmmaking and career insights day for 16-18-year-old students about the Art of Cinematic Sound, with lecturers Al Green and Alison Tedman.

- Screening of an episode of the programme Black Mirror, part of which was filmed at the University. 

- Touring dance company Spiltmilk Dance performing in The Venue at Bucks Students’ Union.

- Lecturers Carson Black and Al Green on the judging panel for the Fisheye Film Awards at Cineworld in High Wycombe.

- Tammy Riley-Smith, a former Bucks lecturer in screenwriting, chairing a discussion panel featuring Tony McHale, of Eastenders and Holby City; and Glen McCoy, of EastEnders and Emmerdale, on the future of storytelling in the age of new and diversified media.

Follow all events at Fisheye Film Festival on its Twitter feed.