MEMBER NEWS
Bucks graduate lands role on major Hollywood film just three months after graduating
A 22-year-old graduate landed a role on a major Hollywood film just three months after finishing university – describing it as the moment he realised he had“ made it”. Alfie Vince, who graduated in summer 2025, recently finished working behind the scenes on a large-scale Universal production due for release in summer 2027.
He was part of the props department – the team responsible for creating everything a character interacts with on screen, from handheld items to large-scale set pieces.
“ I finished university and within three months I was working on a major production. That was the moment where I thought- right, I’ m in,” he said, adding the whole experience still feels“ quite surreal”.
Originally from Lincolnshire, Alfie’ s route into the industry began in local theatre.
He said:“ I started out acting when I was younger, but I became more interested in what was happening behind the scenes – how everything was designed and built.”
This interest grew into a passion for set and prop-making, supported by a practical upbringing.
He said:“ My dad’ s a carpenter, so I grew up around that kind of work. It definitely helped- understanding materials and how things go together- and inspired me down a route of hands-on skills and creativity.” Alfie’ s went on to study a hands-on production design course at Bucks New University, choosing it in part for its industry links.
While studying, he built relationships
Alfie Vince
with visiting professionals and secured work placements alongside his course. Technical staff also gave him valuable insight into the industry, with many having recently worked in – or still being connected to – professional productions.
“ One of the guest lecturers opened the door for me. I stayed in touch and it led to valuable work experience,” he said.
Now working freelance, Alfie says the industry is fast-moving and competitive.
“ It’ s very competitive. You’ ve got to be ready – if you don’ t pick up the phone, someone else will,” he explained.
On a feature he worked on, he was part of a large-scale on-site team helping to create detailed, immersive environments.
He said:“ It was very collaborative. You’ re working as part of a big team, all bringing different skills together.”
Despite the rise of CGI, Alfie says there is still strong demand for practical, hands-on skills.
“ There’ s a lot of new technology coming in, but there’ s still a huge need for physical builds,” he said.“ A lot of productions are still choosing practical effects because of the creative possibilities they offer. It’ s not just about what technology can do – sometimes the decision is about creating something more authentic for the audience.”
Looking ahead, Alfie plans to continue building his experience across different areas before specialising.
He said:“ At this stage, it’ s about learning as much as possible. You don’ t want to limit yourself too early.”
Shadowbox Studios creates initiative for indie productions at Shinfield and Atlanta sites
Shadowbox Studios is targeting independent film and TV productions with an initiative to make it easier for independent producers to access its UK and US facilities at Shinfield and Atlanta, respectively.
Shadowbox Independent is focused on supporting new and emerging talent, arthouse productions, and low-budget productions, with special packages enabling producers shooting in the UK to access reduced rates on stages, offices, workshops, the backlot, with local businesses, and in Atlanta for lighting and grip.
In the UK, Shadowbox Studios will also leverage its partnership with the regional agency Screen Berkshire to help producers with locations, suppliers, crew and talent.
Eligible films should be budgeted under
Source – Vianney Le Caer.‘ Think of England.’
the Independent Film Tax Credit cap of £ 23.5m, but do not have to be of UK origin. The initiative is also open to TV productions that consider themselves to be independent, without a strict definition. In Atlanta, eligibility will be for productions budegted at $ 5m or less.
“ We want this initiative to offer a gateway to world-class film studios for independent productions,” said Beth Gallagher, senior director of global sales at Shadowbox Studios.“ We know that accessing premium facilities can feel increasingly out of reach for limited budget productions. Shadowbox Independent has been designed to change that.”
Shadowbox is also developing studios on the Gold Coast, Australia, partnering with Jordan’ s Olivewood Studios to manage its operations. Shadowbox Studios is majorityowned by US investment firms Silver Lake and Commonwealth Asset Management.
58 Autumn 2026