Ruri Abe

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Born in Japan, moved to Singapore at the age of 9 and stayed till the end of high school. I went to international school from grade 5 till grade 12 so I’m more comfortable in a diverse environment. Currently living in my hometown, Japan and working as a freelance offline video/film editor.

What have you been doing since finishing your studies?/What are you doing in terms of your career?

Started off straight as a freelancer and currently trying to build a strong and stable work relationship within Japan. I’m hoping to go back abroad for work in a few years.

What company are you working for, what is your role, and what does it involve?

Freelance offline video/film editor - I edit mainly documentary films and my recent work includes a fashion video, Vogue Japan - Getting Ready with Me series.

What experiences at Leeds do you think have particularly helped with your career?

Definitely the industrial year.

Why did you choose to study your particular course? Why did you choose the University of Leeds?

Only this university offered photography, film and media all in one major. I also visited the University during the open house and I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere and I knew this was the university I wanted to go to.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

Practical modules such as the cinema project and the final graduation project.

Did you work closely with a particular tutor or member of the University’s academic staff? Tell us about that experience.

I really liked Professor Simon Powell. He is really passionate about photography and I believe that reflected in his module and his teaching. I enjoyed his module the most because his classes had a mix of lecture, seminar and outdoor research time. His assignment/exam consists of a good balance of writing and practical base so you get to learn little bit of everything.

I also liked Professor John Edmonds. I took the role of editing in year 2 for one of his modules and he was the very first person who taught me how to do editing. Since I was really interested in editing from the start, his module was interesting as I got to find out editors around the world that I did not know. He provided me with a lot of knowledge about post-production and I have read all of his recommended readings. I still read them back sometimes.

What activities outside of your studies were you involved in?

Intercultural Ambassador, film festival volunteer, part time at a post production house.

What would you say to students thinking about studying your course?

Definitely take this course if you are not sure about which specific field you like within media. You get to try a little bit of everything in the beginning and focus on your favourite towards the end.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Unforgettable student life – good balance of personal and academic life.

Where did you undertake your year in industry?

Japan

What was the best aspect of the year in industry?

Having to take a year “off” between your second and third year and focus on something you want to do after graduation. You get to gain hands-on, practical, life based skills - this is something you can not get in university.

Do you have any advice for students considering taking a year in industry?

You HAVE to take it. The industrial placement was the reason why I can do freelancing right now.