Graduate Spotlight: A journey from Falmouth University to a BAFTA Award
05 June 2024
Catherine Hiller graduated from Falmouth University with a BA in Music in 2018, and her career has since soared to impressive heights, including winning a BAFTA for Best British Short in 2024. We caught up with Catherine to hear about her journey, her current projects, and her advice for aspiring composers.
Can you tell us about your career journey since graduating from Falmouth University?
Since graduating from BA Music in 2018, I've embarked on an exciting and sometimes challenging journey in the world of music composition for film and TV.
It hasn’t been a straightforward path. I set myself a two-year goal to find work in film and TV music, whether through projects, assisting, or jobs with a musical crossover. If not, I planned to pursue a Master’s degree. However, when Covid hit, I had to pivot. I started a small cleaning business in my village and worked as a delivery driver for my family’s deli. During this time, I studied for an MA and graduated in March 2023 and began building my career as a composer. After graduating I worked as an assistant for composer Segun Akinola for several months. Now, I am focusing on my own projects and seizing every opportunity that comes my way.
There have been lots of smaller ‘wins’ for me in my career so far, but without a doubt, it would have to be our master's graduate film Jellyfish & Lobster winning a BAFTA for Best British Short 2024!
What are you up to now?
I am currently working on several exciting short films, ranging from thrillers and dark comedies to interpretive dance pieces reminiscent of Poor Things. The variety in styles is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my work.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
There have been lots of smaller ‘wins’ for me in my career so far, but without a doubt, it would have to be our master's graduate film Jellyfish & Lobster winning a BAFTA for Best British Short 2024! It still feels quite surreal, and I feel honoured to have been part of the team to tell such an important and resonating story.
Catherine Hiller conducting in the studio.
Can you tell us about an interesting project you're particularly proud of?
I worked on a short animated musical called Homemaker for a friend and collaborator. This project was unique and important, raising awareness of domestic abuse. Creating the right tone for each cue was crucial due to the serious nature of the topic. This was my first time writing a musical, which was something I had always wanted to do. I learned a lot about the process, especially how the timeline can change in an animated musical. I was involved from the script stage, working closely with the screenwriter and director to flesh out the lyrics and find musical inspiration. Recording the songs with voice actors was an amazing experience, and ensuring everything was prepared correctly in advance was a unique challenge. I'm proud to have been part of Homemaker because it was a huge team effort and a unique project in which I had creative freedom. The personal and impactful message of the work is also very special, and it feels great to have contributed to something that might help others.
The ‘Music and Moving Image’ module was particularly amazing, providing an in-depth introduction to this field. The piece I wrote for that module remains one of my proudest achievements.
Tell us about studying at Falmouth
Studying music at Falmouth gave me the versatility to tailor projects and modules to my interest in music for film. The ‘Music and Moving Image’ module was particularly amazing, providing an in-depth introduction to this field. The piece I wrote for that module remains one of my proudest achievements. The access to studio spaces and equipment was also hugely beneficial for my understanding of production, mixing, and recording. Additionally, the opportunities for collaboration across creative courses expanded my network and friendships.
An amazing thing about Falmouth is the location! Being close to the ocean, nature, and the beautiful campus was always inspiring and gave me clarity when working on projects. Another great thing is the community and people around you every day. I made lifelong friends and had incredibly creative and supportive tutors. One of my closest friends from Falmouth is in a similar field now, and I’ll never forget how his knowledge and patience helped me when we first met.
What advice would you give to prospective and current students looking to enter the industry?
For current students, make the most of the amazing facilities at university. Utilise the tutors, equipment, and spaces as much as you can to build your portfolio. More generally, network and make connections. Put yourself out there and engage with local resources like theatres, studios, festivals, and other creatives. Every connection, big or small, is valuable for learning and growth. Meeting people face-to-face can be extremely beneficial and is often appreciated in today's virtual age.
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