Recent graduates and students currently studying with the School of Arts & Creative Industries – including Media Make-up & Character Design, Acting, Performing Arts and Photography – came together to pool their knowledge and skills to deliver an eye-catching, inventive day of UFO-themed fun across the Luton campus.

This activity, which follows on from a successful ‘zombie apocalypse’ takeover in 2021, is designed to allow students the creative freedom to put into practice the skills they have learnt on their courses, working collaboratively and professionally. 

Realistic special effects make-up, costumes and filming were used to spook and stun unsuspecting students and staff throughout the day, as ‘aliens’ visited spaces around campus – including the library, SU, Tree House hub and the on-campus television studio where they were quizzed by student reporters from Beds TV. 

Talking about the experience, Media Performance student Vlad Mihociu said: “The Alien Invasion project gave me the opportunity to work alongside students from different backgrounds and different courses, such as Film Production and Media Make Up & Character Design, which was really interesting. Off the back of this event I have made new friends and built new relationships which will help me in my future career as a performer. This event was a fun yet productive experience and I am looking forward to getting involved in more collaborative projects like this.”

The University’s award-winning community radio station, Radio LaB, also got involved by broadcasting a live show featuring a space-themed playlist and interviews with some of the curious other-worldly creatures live in the studio.

Rachel Clark, Senior Lecturer in Media Performance, said: “The Alien Invasion was a wonderful way to bring students together collaboratively and for them to use the creative skills learnt on their various courses. The purpose of the day was to showcase the skills, studios and activities that we offer within our courses but also to bring students together from different pathways and to network. Recent creative alumni also came and took part, which was a great way of sharing their experience and skills. Fun was had by all – even me!"

Dr Carlota Larrea, Head of the School of Arts & Creative Industries, added: “This activity replicates working practices in creative professions, where collaboration is key. There is a lot of preparation involved and it becomes an exercise which takes place over a number of days before the actual filming, followed by more post-production activity to put together footage and other material on different platforms. So there is plenty to do and to learn for our students, but also a lot to enjoy. Students and staff involved gave it their all and it was a very successful day.”