I graduated last year and now I’ve got my dream job directing music videos

Grace Lambert is a First-class honours graduate, co-founder of theatre company EYE HIGH THEATRE, full-time MA student and successful music video director – all at the ripe old age of 23.

She graduated from Bath Spa last year, and is now doing an MA at Central Saint Martins. Now, she spends her days drafting storyboards for music videos, shooting on-location and editing video content for artists like Alex Maxwell (managed by Disney) and Rob Bravery, with renowned co-director Jackson Ducasse.

Ducasse, who is incredibly respected in the field, has worked with the likes of Dua Lipa on her music video Be The One, which has had 60 million views on YouTube.

Still from a music video Grace acted in

I spoke to the Grace to discuss how she achieved success straight out of uni and what advice she would give to young creatives in the same boat.

Though her ambition and determination were clear, she remained composed and humble throughout the interview, keen to never toot her own horn or exaggerate her own achievements, which was impressive in itself.

Where did you grow up?

I moved around a lot growing up. I was born in the UK, then moved to Germany and later the Netherlands where I lived until I was 18. I’ve always taken opportunities as and when they arise, talking to anyone and everyone who could either help or inspire me in my professional ambitions. I truly believe that when it comes to ambition, you should never be apologetic about it, there’s nothing stopping you.

My upbringing had influenced my sense of adventure and really motivated me to do well in whatever I do.

How did you end up landing your dream job?

I was admittedly very pro-active at university, interning with Brighton Theatre alongside my studies and getting acting work when I could. I ended up working as an extra/actress on two music videos for director, Jackson Ducasse; I was inspired by his innovative filming style that had such bold colour and texture.

Shortly after, I messaged him a few rough ideas I had for future music videos. I never thought he would even glance at them. But he was interested and gave me the opportunity to prove myself.

You were lucky to find such a collaborative and generous director, he must have been a big inspiration for you?

Yeah he is. I wouldn’t be in this position without the opportunities he gave me. When we first started working together on a smaller project last summer, he threw me straight into the deep end with a camera, making me learn the basics and get a feel for film.

I soon started gaining insight into all areas of production from our other projects. He always treated me like an equal and valued my ideas as a fellow creative.

The gal herself

So what are you working on now? 

Jackson and I have been working steadily on multiple projects this year for a variety of artists including Icarus (feat. AURORA), Alex Maxwell and Rob Bravery.

The music videos we create are all different dependent on the vibe of the track, lyrical content and the stylistic direction the artist wishes to pursue – and of course there’s the budget. I guess part of the fun of the job is the randomness of it. It keeps you on your toes and ensures you’re definitely never bored.

How would you advise someone in the same position, who wants to direct music videos just like you, but doesn’t know where to start?

Keep notes of any fresh ideas that come into your head and do all the irritating, unpaid work experience whilst you can at university, to give yourself a foundation to work off when you leave. Never be scared of rejection and embrace every opportunity, big or small. I never expected to end up directing music videos!

Crucially though, it doesn’t matter if you aren’t particularly academically-minded; creative uni courses welcome creative minds and potential, so don’t let that put you off. I think it unfortunate that creative degrees are overlooked by some, and this is only reflected in the incessant cuts to arts funding we see in this country today. The view that the arts are not important is bizarre. They are essential to humanity, I think we’d all go a bit insane and be chronically bored without them.