Katrina Seaton, a graduate of a Film, Media and Animation programme at UWTSD has taken her first steps into the film industry adding two major screen credits to her name – Netflix’s latest releases, Havoc, and independent Welsh horror feature, The Mill Killers
Katrina’s professional journey began while still a student in her third year when she was offered the opportunity to work as a Crowd Third Assistant Director on Havoc, a Netflix production starring actor, Tom Hardy. Filmed entirely in Wales, Havoc is the largest feature production ever shot exclusively in the country, with post-production completed in Cardiff.
“Havoc was very different from a lot of other projects I’ve worked on due to its larger budget,” Katrina said. “There were a lot more people to consider and it was initially very intimidating, but once I settled, I found the processes were the same as lower-budget projects.”
Her responsibilities included signing in supporting artists, coordinating their movements to and from set, and ensuring the smooth running of background activity – vital work that kept the ambitious production running efficiently. Although the scale was new, she felt well prepared.
“Because we’d spent time learning the language of set on the course at UWTSD, I already knew how to use radios and to communicate professionally on location,” she said. “If I hadn’t learned these things in lectures, I would have been lost.”
Kartrina credits the experience with not only boosting her confidence but also helping to build her future. “Havoc has been a big boost for my CV, and I made many connections on set that I am still in touch with,” she said. “Working for a name like Netflix has put me in a really good position for future projects, especially those larger-scale productions with big budgets.”
Havoc was not the only film Katrina got to work on during her final year as she secured another significant role as Assistant Director on Scopophobia, an independent Welsh horror film – directed by Carmarthen born filmmaker, Aled Owen – now titled The Mill Killers.
The film, shot in south Wales, is available to rent or buy on Amazon, iTunes, AppleTV, Google, and Sky in the UK and USA.
“I was lucky enough to work on The Mill Killers with some incredible filmmakers and Carmarthenshire and South Wales-based talent,” Katrina said. “My time at UWTSD provided me with a solid foundation for developing my practical abilities, which I was able to apply during the shoot, as well as the connections that enabled me to pursue this opportunity.”
Now as a graduate, Katrina is looking to build on her early success. “Since Havoc and The Mill Killers, I’ve been working at Dragon Post Production in Cardiff, focusing on film restoration and post-production,” she said. “In my free time, I’ve also been producing a documentary and a fiction short film, projects I wouldn’t have been able to take on without the experience I’ve gained so far.”
To those considering a similar path, Katrina shares some advice. “Take all of the opportunities you can while in university and surround yourself with as many creatives as possible. Building a strong network is key.”
