ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿

 News 

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ graduates making their mark across the screen industries

Wednesday, 5 August, 2026

From starring in one of television's most anticipated fantasy series to building successful careers behind the camera, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ graduates and community members continue to make their mark across the screen industries.

Together, these stories highlight the breadth of talent connected to BSU and the many paths a creative career can take. Whether working behind the camera, stepping into major screen roles, or using creativity to inspire change beyond the entertainment industry, they represent a shared commitment to craft, innovation and storytelling. 

LJ Bennion 

Drama and Film and Screen Studies alumnus LJ Bennion secured a role in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel to Game of Thrones and the latest adaptation from George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire universe. Having worked professionally as an actor since the age of 17, LJ has already appeared in productions including Curfew (2024) on Paramount+ and Heartstopper (2022) on Netflix. His portrayal of Ashford Septon, a religious officiant involved in the story’s pivotal Trial of Seven, represents the most significant role of his career so far. 

After auditioning in 2024, LJ progressed quickly through the casting process and was offered the role shortly after meeting the creative team. Filming took place in Northern Ireland, where he spent much of the summer on set. The demands of production meant he was unable to attend his graduation ceremony in July 2024, instead celebrating the milestone with fellow cast members. 

Graduating in February 2025 with a joint honours degree in Drama and Film and Screen Studies, LJ credits BSU with helping him develop confidence in performance and resilience as an actor. He also highlights the importance of community, particularly through , which provided opportunities to perform and build lasting connections. Encouraging aspiring actors, LJ advises dedication, continuous learning, and surrounding oneself with like-minded people. 

Emily Hayter 

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ not only featured on the screen this past year, but behind it. BSU aims to prepare students for careers after graduation through industry-standard teaching, practical modules, and access to experienced professionals. Film, TV and Digital Production graduate Emily Hayter demonstrates this success.  

Since graduating in 2020, she has built a career in television, working on programmes including Tipping Point and A League of Their Own, primarily working as an Assistant Floor Manager, while also gaining experience in Artist Liaison and Third Assistant Director roles. Assistant Floor Managers support production teams by coordinating talent, crew and contestants, overseeing rehearsals, maintaining health and safety standards, and ensuring productions run smoothly. 

Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her final year, it also created new opportunities within the television industry. Through guest lecturers, networking opportunities, and an industry placement module, Emily secured valuable work experience that led directly to her first professional roles. Placements on programmes such as Celebrity Juice enabled her to build relationships that opened further career opportunities. 

Emily highlights networking as the most important factor in breaking into the industry. She encourages students to connect with guest speakers, build professional relationships, use platforms such as LinkedIn and Talent Manager, maintain a strong CV, and actively seek opportunities. Her journey demonstrates how BSU’s practical teaching, industry connections, and work-based learning opportunities can help students launch successful careers in television production. 

Maisie Williams 

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ was delighted to award an Honorary Doctorate in Arts this year to world-renowned actress and activist Maisie Williams this summer, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to creativity, entrepreneurship and social impact. 

Best known for her acclaimed role as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, Maisie has spent more than a decade inspiring audiences worldwide. She rose to international prominence at a young age and has since built an influential career spanning film, television, fashion and technology. Her career exemplifies the values of creativity, collaboration and purpose.  

Whether graduates are making their mark on screen, shaping productions behind the scenes, or using their platform to champion the next generation of talent, they demonstrate the lasting impact of a creative education. As the screen industries continue to evolve, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ remains committed to nurturing the storytellers, innovators and changemakers who will shape their future.