Media Makeup BA – Hons students from the college’s University Centre joined the hair and makeup department for the band’s new single, In the Stars.
The opportunity came through former student Jimmy Owen Jones, who returned to the college to offer current students hands-on industry experience. He has built a successful career in hair and makeup since studying at New College in 2010.
Filming took place over two days at Battersea Arts Centre. The video was directed by François Rousselet and produced by Riff Raff Films.
Students were initially given limited details about the shoot to maintain confidentiality. It was only after signing non-disclosure agreements that they learned they would be working on a Rolling Stones project.
Jimmy said:
“It has been a full-circle moment for me. I have always valued the power of gaining industry experience, so to be able to give back is delightful.
“I have always been grateful to the staff at New College Swindon for putting me on my path, notably Elouisa Baskerville and Sue Bardwell, who encouraged and supported me through my early education.
“It was great to see such confidence and talent from the students. They are a credit to themselves and the college.”
Degree-level student Tracey Cox said:
“Jimmy was super supportive. We got to learn things that we wouldn’t have learnt in the classroom, for example the makeup continuity piece on the models.”
Former student Freya Weir Blankenstein said:
“It was exciting to see all of the different departments working together and to be part of something so iconic. Having mainly worked in theatre, it was great to see how everything works for a music video.”
Student Celeste Boyd said:
“Everyone’s talents shone through this. We got to work with people who have been in the industry a long time, so got a lot of inspiration from them. This has given me the confidence for doing things in the future.”
Programme Lead for Media Makeup, Elouisa Baskerville, said:
“It was great to be part of so much collaboration and creative talent. It was the most amazing experience, everyone was just so joyful to work with and we were very lucky to be involved thanks to Jimmy.
“These are degree-level students that are about to graduate and find their first jobs in a competitive industry. To be able to give them this kind of experience for their CV is just fantastic.”
Jimmy began his studies in Media Makeup at New College Swindon before progressing to the London College of Fashion, where he specialised in Hair and Makeup for Film and Television. He has since worked on major productions including Six The Musical and tours by the Spice Girls.
The collaboration underlines the growing profile of the college’s creative courses. For those involved, contributing to a Rolling Stones music video marks a significant milestone at the start of their careers.
