Fabio Sbordone

When Fabio joined Ravensbourne he had one aim, to build the skills he needed to change his career and follow his passion. Ravensbourne equipped him with the tools, the knowledge and the networks to successfully launch is new chosen career in TV and film production and since graduating he is thriving. He balances his time between contractual and freelance jobs and has worked with household names such as The Discovery Channel and Vice Media.

What initially appealed to you about Ravensbourne and your chosen degree? 


It was the BA (Hons) Editing and Post course that drew me to Ravensbourne. It was the only one of its kind which covered everything I was looking to learn so thoroughly. It had great facilities and a really inspiring building; I knew right away it was perfect for me.


Could you tell us about the benefits of studying with us? 


Studying at Ravensbourne has been a life-changing experience. It has opened up the path to a career in the TV and film industries. 


The approach to course work at Ravensbourne was very practical since day one. Working with industry-standard equipment and mimicking industry practices means that everything you learn is really applicable to the real-world of work.


Additionally, there are lots of chances to collaborate with fellow creatives from other courses. You are encouraged to get involved in creative partnerships that can broaden your horizons and allow you to develop new interests. This collaborative method also helps improve your team-building skills and enables you to make long-lasting friendships too. Often those friendships formed turn into solid partnerships after university, too.

What were your highlights from your time at Ravensbourne? 


There are so many that spring to mind, so here are just a few.

Incredible work experience
: I had the opportunity to step foot into the TV-production world with a two-week work experience at Wall to Wall, part of the Warner Bros TVPUK. This gave me real experience into what goes on in a TV production office.

This then led me to my first TV job. I have since been hired as a Production Runner for an ITV show which was shot in Sardinia. I got to drive crew and contributors around by car and buggies. It was a great experience, and it initiated me into the crazy world of TV. 


Since day one at Ravensbourne, I made it my mission to build the skills I needed to change my career – I already had ten years’ experience working in customer service, luxury goods and hospitality, but I just didn’t feel satisfied. Thanks to Ravensbourne, I got to know some big post production houses in London and in the UK.

During my second year I applied for a runner role at the company Envy, where I worked for a year supporting my studies. This job gave me the opportunity to step into the post production world. One of those production houses gave me the chance to work with them, and after graduation I started my first Edit Assistant role in TV at RAW TV. 

Collaboration: Another highlight for me was having the chance to collaborate creatively with BBC Three. During my second year on the Editing and Post-Production course, I took part in a creative collaboration, as part of our course work.

This collaboration involved working with different courses. I worked with other students from the Digital Film Production, and Animation courses. The brief was to create a promotional video for the new series of Top Gear. Working as a group, we secured an A in our assessment, which we were all really proud of.

Accumulate project: 
I also collaborated with the charity, Accumulate. I edited a video of the Accumulate project, which was in partnership with Art UK, BBC History & Ravensbourne. 
I brought this project to my final portfolio presentation.


Awards: At the Degree Show 2019, I won the 'Media Lab Award'. I also won the award of the 'Best Portfolio' and 'Best Craft Award' at the Editing and Post Awards, with my fellow student Nicole Margettes.




How has your degree at Ravensbourne helped you to achieve your professional goals?


I learned everything at Ravensbourne. It really started off my career. 

In my experience, the fact that potential employers knew I was studying at Ravensbourne and that I had an interest in post-production was fundamental for me to get noticed. It’s the fact that it involves you in that industry and the experience you have accumulated during the years which helps get your foot in the door.

Also, what’s really important are the networks you’ve made. Ravensbourne really encourages you to get involved and to network with people throughout your time at Ravensbourne.


Could you tell us a little bit about what you have done since graduating? Where are you working and what does your typical day look like? 


A few months after graduating, I started working as Edit Assistant at Raw TV on a US Discovery Channel show. I have since worked with them on two more productions and have alternated working on contractual and freelance work.

I have recently worked with Vice as Assistant Editor for Vice World News. I am now due to start my next role in a global production company. 


Find out more: https://vimeo.com/fabiosbordone