Breaking into the film industry is tough. You need talent, contacts and luck! Screen and Film School Manchester Muhammed Bitaye from Bury impressed one of Hollywood’s best-known cinematographers who awarded Muhammed a sought after £30,000 scholarship.
The award-winning cinematographer Fabian Wagner is the Patron of the film school. He is best known for his work on Game of Thrones, The Crown, Sherlock, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which have earned him two Emmy nominations and the prestigious BSC and ASC Awards. Fabian’s career started in the North of England on shows such as Jimmy McGovern’s The Street and The Accused, DCI Banks and Scott and Bailey.
Commenting on why he chose Muhammad as the inaugural ‘Fabian Wagner Scholarship’ recipient for the three-year scholarship, he said, “For years, I’ve tried to give young people opportunities wherever I can. Someone who feels restricted may be inspired to go for it with this scholarship. I saw something in Muhammed Bittaye. He has a passion for filmmaking. The list of applications was long and full of talented young students, so settling on a winner was extremely difficult, and I took the final decision seriously.
Supporting young filmmakers and aspiring cinematographers have long been a passion of mine, so I’m delighted to be giving this opportunity to another fantastic talent in Muhammed. I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops and supporting him in whatever way I can in the years to come. I will be there to support Muhammed every step of the way, as will everyone at Screen and Film School Manchester.
My advice to Muhammed would be to take everything that he possibly can from the three years with us.”
Asked what makes a student successful in the film industry, Fabian answered, “There’s no one path to follow. There are many different ways to achieve what you want to do. It’s about staying true to yourself and collaborating with as many people.”
Muhammed Bittaye is originally from The Gambia and, along with his mother and little brother, moved to the UK seven years ago and applied for asylum on their arrival. The inspiring story chimed loudly with Fabian. Muhammed and his family have settled in Bury in Greater Manchester (Town of Culture for 2021), where he studied at Bury College.
Although almost lost for words when he found out that Fabian had chosen him as the scholarship winner, he said, “Firstly, a huge thanks to Fabian for giving me this opportunity, I am very happy and grateful, and this motivates me to work hard so I can hopefully be able to do the same thing for someone else in the future.
I still haven’t had a chance to tell my mum, as she’s at work today! I have been in shock all day since finding out. I’ll tell everyone later today, and we’ll celebrate. I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.”
Fabian thrilled students when he led a Game of Thrones interactive workshop. Fabian began by discussing his career and answering questions. Next, the first-year students watched a Game of Throne’s scene. He then invited students to take roles behind and in front of the camera to replicate the scene with Game of Throne props from Stockyard North. Fabian guided students utilising the film school’s equipment to maximum effect along with his long-time gaffer James Bridger.
College Principal David Thompson commented, “It’s so exciting for Muhammed and all our students to have Fabian Wagner as a Patron. He is top of his game. Fabian was incredibly giving with his time and agonised over his decision to receive his scholarship. He’s also keen to support the other shortlisted candidates wherever he can over the coming years.
These are inspiring times indeed for our Manchester students. Students want the industry to teach them and be introduced to industry contacts, which happened with Fabian and James.
It’s the type of filmmaking I enjoy. I always try to put positive messages in my films that can improve peoples lives and motivate them. So even if it’s just one person, I’m happy with that. I’ve never seen someone from the Gambia make it in the film industry, so I want to be the first one.”
