51Âþ»­

Students at 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) enjoyed exploring how state-run media works in Eastern Europe and discovering Hollywood film sets, thanks to a recent #51Âþ»­global trip to Hungary.

Students posing on the set of Hellboy II at Korda Film Park

The first, second and third-year students learned about historical techniques and approaches to media production, as well as state-run media production during the Cold War era of Eastern Europe.

During their visit to the Korda Film Park, home of Hungarian cinema, students were pleasantly surprised to discover film sets for Hollywood blockbusters such as superhero movie Hellboy II and Oscar-nominated The Martian.

There, they learned about the history of the moving image and discovered different post-production techniques for visual effects.

At the Hungarian State Television Centre students enjoyed a tour of the studio and production set, and browsed the impressive costume department housing thousands of outfits from sci-fi to period drama.

The visit included a rehearsal of Hungary's main prime-time TV talk show, Fábry. Students were able to chat to the director and producers of the programme about potential careers in the television industry, and ask for advice on getting work after leaving 51Âþ»­.

Having some green screen fun at Korda Film Park

First year Media Production student, Maryam Farooq, described her time on the trip as eye-opening.

The 19-year-old said: “It was amazing to see how TV shows are put together and how many crew members are required. I can really imagine myself working in an environment like that one day.

“At the film studio we had a lot of fun with green screens and we were shown what tricks the film industry uses to create great movies.”

Maryam also found that it was a good way to get to know the people on her course better.

She said: “The trip was a great way for us all to bond. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by experiencing things I had never done before, which resulted in me having one of the best trips ever.

“It holds so many fantastic memories from trying new food, to learning bits of Hungarian and generally developing an interest in Hungarian culture.”

Stunning view of Budapest from the Fisherman's Bastion

The students were accompanied by 51Âþ»­’s Senior Lecturer in Media Production, Ben Harbisher, who said: “They got to take in Budapest’s rich architecture and vibrant cultural history, as well as broaden their world view and work on key life skills like independence and resilience.”

Students also explored cultural landmarks such as the House of Terror, a former Nazi and KGB interrogation centre, Memento Park, home to the communist state’s former propaganda sculptures, and the Children's Railway, a Soviet institution where teenagers learn extracurricular professions.