This August we’re commending De Montfort University (DMU) graduate and documentary filmmaker Mark Craig with our Alumnus of the Month award. Craig studied at DMU while it was still Leicester Polytechnic, from 1978 – 1981 and graduated with a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Graphic Design, he has gone on to have a hugely successful career across the television industry. He has recently worked with the university on several video projects including our Homecoming videos.
Recalling his time at DMU, Mark said: “I really enjoyed my three years studying graphic design here, and although I struggled to figure out what I wanted to do in my first year, the variety of the course and the support of my tutors gave me the insight to find a career path.
I was very much inspired 35 years ago by a visiting guest lecturer who came to speak to us about his work creating graphics for TV. He put on his show reel and I immediately looked at that and thought ‘that’s what I want to do,’ it was a real ‘lightbulb’ moment for me.
The impact that lecture had on me is a big part of why I’ve continued to stay connected with DMU and return to share my own experiences with current students. If I can help even a few of them find their passion, it will have been worth it.”
Mark began his career at the BBC in 1983 as part of the company’s ongoing expansion at the time. He praised his course at DMU for the variety of skills he learned and the exposure to the professional world it provided, enabling him to distinguish himself from hundreds of other candidates for the role. Mark subsequently worked on a variety of graphic elements for programmes such as Newsnight, Panorama and the 1984 Olympic Games, during which time the profession was revolutionised by digital design.
Departing the BBC in 1986 to work as a freelancer in London post-production houses and train designers in the use of computers, he eventually moved to Channel 4 in 1988. It was this period he credits with developing his interest in moving behind the camera as a director, meeting a range of producers and videographers over seven years of employment.
Since transitioning to filmmaking in 1995, Mark has produced a diverse range of TV programmes, adverts, music videos and feature length documentaries. He is particularly proud of his documentaries on the ‘Three Musketeers of Formula 1’ and ‘The Last Man on the Moon’ which is currently available on Netflix.
His latest documentary ‘Running for the Revolution’ was inspired by his own love of athletics and follows the exploits of legendary Cuban runner Alberto Juantorena. It is on course to be released for summer 2020.
Posted on Thursday 22 August 2019