MetFilm School Brighton Student Lands Prestigious Writing Role
By MetFilm School
27 March 2025
A student from MetFilm School Brighton has secured a coveted author role at one of the UK’s most prestigious online review sites.
20-year-old Jesse Williams, who is in the last term of her BA Filmmaking degree, has so far written four articles and recorded a podcast for Directors Notes UK.
A Social Media Success Story
Jesse’s opportunity arose after she attended the London Film Festival and posted her film reviews on Instagram.
“One of the senior writers, Sarah, dropped me a message asking if I wanted to meet up. We had a chat about what I was watching at the London Film Festival, and then they offered me the chance to write for Directors Notes,” said Jesse.
“It’s fun work and I am grateful to be able to talk and write about films of all genres and help show off wonderful short films that don’t get main media attention,” said Jesse.
Jesse says that the main skill you need to be a good film journalist is a genuine love of the craft, alongside writing, networking, and interviewing skills.
“When you’re watching fifty plus films in a day, you have to stay open to things that might surprise you, and this is made far easier if you truly care for the art form. In that way, I think being a filmmaker does help. Filmmaking is hard! It’s definitely not something you can do if your heart and passion isn’t in it.”
Passion and Dedication from Childhood
Jesse’s filmmaking journey began at the age of 9, creating films on her mum’s iPad and exploring cinema by borrowing her nan’s DVDs.
“I grew up in a tiny place in Bedfordshire where no one else wanted to be a filmmaker. So, I made a few short films with my sister and my dad, and I watched a lot of films, sometimes two a day, and it’s given me a lot of knowledge that’s helped in my studies.”
Jesse later pursued Film academically, studying Filmmaking at A Level and completing a short course at the London Film Academy before enrolling at MetFilm School Brighton.
Jesse’s Graduation Project: Chaser
Currently, Jesse is focused on her graduation film, Chaser, which explores the experiences of a trans woman named Sophia. “It’s about microaggressions that trans people face and the threatening world that trans people encounter when they are dating,” explains Jesse. The film stars Reece Lyons as Sophia, Alfie Stewart as Callum, and Grace Vincent as Grace.
The film captures the unsettling realities of dating as a trans person. “When Sophia, a trans woman on a night out, crosses paths with the seemingly charming Callum, she realises he may not have her best interests at heart,” Jesse describes.
Set entirely within a techno club, Jesse found this a great opportunity for her lighting and camera departments, alongside a chance for Jesse to direct many supporting artists. “I will be scoring the film myself, alongside being the writer and director.”
Read more about Jesse’s filmmaking at MetFilm School.
Life at MetFilm School Brighton
Reflecting on her time at MetFilm School, Jesse highlights the supportive environment and opportunities available. “It’s been fantastic. I’ve made eight films in three years and met lots of great people.
“A lot of the lecturers pushed me in a wonderful way to keep working and to work on a wide array of things because, as a freelance director, I am going to need different pathways.”
Looking Forward
Jesse intends to stay in Brighton, attracted by its thriving creative scene. She’s planning to diversify creatively, explaining: “My plan is to make music videos and move into script supervision, as well as continuing filmmaking, going to more festivals, making more podcasts, and continuing to write about short films.”
Jesse Williams exemplifies the spirit and dedication fostered at MetFilm School Brighton, and her story is an inspiration for current and prospective students.
