Catching up with... Aaron Christian

Meet Kingston alumnus Aaron Christian, a London based director and producer, and founding Editor of London style collective INDIVIDUALISM. Aaron graduated in BA Film Studies & Media & Cultural Studies in 2006, and was formerly Video director at MR PORTER.

Why did you choose Kingston?  

I chose Kingston as it was a good University for me that was still based close to London. I was working part time (as a stylist in Topman) and so I still wanted to be able to commute to work from University and stay close to friends and contacts in London.

What are your best memories from your student days at Kingston?

If I was honest, I don't think I worked as hard as I should have in the early years, and so consequently I did spend a lot of time socialising. So those times would probably be my fondest. I joined the African Caribbean Society which was very welcoming, a lot of the nights out and weekend events planned by them were amazing.

Have you been back to Kingston since graduating?

Funnily enough I haven't, apart from the recent talk I did at the Successful Failure event. I'd been so busy working and travelling, however I'd love to come back for a few days to really take a look around again, I had some special times there.

Are you still in touch with anyone from Kingston?  

Not so many from my course, I studied film but didn't really get back into the industry for a few years. I found myself in fashion and so didn't really keep in touch with my fellow film grads. However I do have a few on Facebook.

What's your greatest achievement?  

I still feel I have a long way to go. I think being a director is such a huge task. Many of the most successful directors have taken years to reach the levels they are at, and so in a way I find that very reassuring especially when we live in a world that judges us on instant success. The best directors are fairly old and so I feel I just want to enjoy the path I'm on now and continue to develop and grow.

However in regards to my biggest success, I'd say running the video department at MR PORTER was a huge thing for me. To have so much responsibility and to be part of a company that was leading the industry in regards to digital fashion content was great. I owe a lot of my success to those years I spent there. 

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Try not to get too distracted by other people's success, concentrate on your own path, everyone has theirs and we all peak at different times. It's also about enjoying the journey too.

What advice would you give current students on the Film Studies & Media & Cultural Studies programme at Kingston?  

Always look at what makes you special. We are all given a unique world view, which is made up of thousands of unique experiences, so we all have valid stories to tell. Concentrate on being authentic rather than original. Technology is moving so rapidly it's hard to see how we will consume and create film in the next 5 to 10 years, so try to look at new ways to create too. Set yourself up to take advances of these changes that way you can gain an advantage. And don't forget to enjoy the work you do!  

Tell us something no one would guess about you

I once represented GB for Basketball, (years back!).