The Arts and Design Newsletter – Alumni Blog – Luke Hodsdon

Luke Hodsdon | Ravensbourne alumni (2014) | Sound Design BA

I came across the subject of sound design for film and television by chance and, having made music as a hobby, decided I’d like to get into this field. This meant a career change so I thought a degree in the subject would be a good option. Of the institutions that I considered Ravensbourne came out on top, due to its reputation and contacts in the industry.  

My time at Ravensbourne literally taught me all the skills I needed to start my career. All my tutors had industry experience and we were using the most current professional software, this enabled me to start working on television programmes almost immediately.

At Ravensbourne you are given the opportunity to do things that aren’t part of the course. I had a big interest in studio television so I got to know the broadcast students and worked in the television studio on a variety of extra curricula projects. I also took advantage of Ravensbourne’s industry ties and reputation and gained lots of work experience. This taught me some of the skills I still use to this day.

During my first year I was offered the opportunity to do work experience at the London 2012 Olympics, working for Great Big Events as a sound assistant.  I worked in The Aquatics Centre throughout the whole event and to this day it was one of the best professional experiences of my life.

Another highlight was my final major project where I arranged for an orchestra to play a live score written by students for films that were part of The Degree Show. Working closely with the musicians, film and broadcast students and students on my course was an absolute pleasure. Everyone was so professional and committed and we created something very special that we were proud to be a part of.

There is great potential to collaborate with other students across other courses at Ravensbourne. This is particularly important from a sound design point of view as we are always looking for opportunities to work on all kinds of projects.

Currently, I am an audio dubbing mixer at Rapid Pictures, where we provide post production services to a variety of channels  both in the UK and internationally, including; BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Discovery and Smithsonian.

My advice to prospective students would be to make your experience at Ravensbourne your own. Go out of your way to take full advantage of everything the institution has to offer including all their industry ties.