Interviewing Director, Jon M. Chu about his blockbuster adaptation of Wicked, chatting about casting Ariana Grande, causing TikTok, to go viral and rack up 2 million views in a few days, only then to have Ariana Grande herself share your interview to her Instagram story, may have seemed a long way away from her student days at Queen’s, but Lucy Fenwick Elliott (Wyvern 2017) has no trouble making a direct link.

“The culture at Queen’s, of ‘organised fun’ is definitely something I’ve carried with me into my work life, and aspired me to have as part of my career. Theme parties, scavenger hunts, initiations, games, secret gifts – every single week brought new opportunities to connect with people, push your imagination and enjoy yourself in a creative new way. I’m so grateful for those experiences, and I always want to keep that energy with me.”

Lucy’s role with cinema company and film distributor Picturehouse in London includes organising events and festivals specifically for 18-25-year-olds making their way into the film industry. Something she can relate well to.

“I’ve known that I wanted to work in or around the film industry since I was a child, and working in exhibition means that every week is completely different as you take on new films and send them out into the world.  When I had my start, I spent three amazing years at Cinema Nova, right down the road from the Castle. The week I moved out of College, fellow Wyvern and absolute star Sophie Tilley (2016) shared a job opportunity in their marketing office – and the rest is history.”

Not surprisingly, Lucy’s fondest memories of Queen’s revolve around the QCMADS productions.

“Shout out to those involved in Legally Blonde, Cosi, and Heathers: The Musical. These were my first opportunities to direct, and oversee big creative projects over a long period of time.  But, far more importantly, they were an astounding amount of fun. It’s so amazing to play, and be creative, and make something as a team. The autonomy and responsibility that Queen’s gives its undergraduates is really valuable for building confidence. Having those opportunities to work together has made me a more mature, communicative and responsible adult.”

Lucy still feels close to Queen’s.

“Small things like the culture of communal dining – coming into Eakins, sitting wherever there was a vacant spot and talking to the people around me – really helped me become someone who values community, and welcomes new people to my metaphorical table whenever I can. Even though I’m very far away now, that community really extends and is always ready to welcome you back.”

Lucy is always happy to hear from other Queeners or current students, either via LinkedIn or email at lucyfenwickelliott@gmail.com

Lucy: “My first scarily famous interview subject M. Night Shyamalan was lovely and immediately put me at ease – a twist considering how dark his films tend to be. He has directed The Sixth Sense, and most recently, Trap.”