June 2018

Chris Low

BA Hons English & Geography 1998

1.  Tell us about yourself. 

My parents came from Guyana originally, I grew up near Poole in Dorset. I studied English Literature and Geography at Anglia Ruskin and then did a Postgraduate Diploma in Acting at East 15 Acting School. After several years in admin work, I took a screenwriting course at Raindance, which greatly shaped my career. Since then, I have combined admin work with writing, working on numerous films and documentaries as a screenwriter and producer. I have also written articles and had several poems and short stories published.

2.  What is your fondest memory at Anglia Ruskin University?

I have very happy memories of my time with the Theatre Society, many of which are food-related, funnily enough, such as eating pizza at an all-night dress rehearsal, or an after-rehearsal curry night.

3.  What advice would you give to current students as they're preparing to graduate? 

Have at least a rough plan for the next 5 years; before you know it, you'll be 30. Think about how you would like your CV to look.

4.  What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst you were studying?

If there is an aspect of your life at university that you are unhappy with, don't suffer in silence. Tell someone, and reach out for help.

5.  How did your time at Anglia Ruskin help you? 

Meeting people from a wide variety of backgrounds: ethnicity, nationality and class.

6.  What did you love about your chosen course?

Variety: I studied English Lit and Geography, which obviously offered a lot of contrast. Also, the fact that it was a modular course meant that I could choose a lot of the content of my study.

7.  What would you tell someone thinking of studying at ARU? 

Anglia will offer you a rewarding and stimulating course, and give you the opportunity to meet a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds.

8.  In one word how would you describe Anglia Ruskin?

Enlightening.

9.  Who was the biggest influence on your career?

My parents were always there for me, and supportive of the decisions that I made. Their love and support was invaluable to me over the years.

10.  What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Continuing to pursue a career in writing despite encountering many obstacles and setbacks.

11.  What advice would you give your younger self?

Make the most of this time; you are never getting it back.

12.  What drives you?

In my writing, I aim to create complex, multi-layered characters and narratives, and tell stories for those groups who rarely see themselves represented positively.

13.  What’s next?

I am currently working on a number of writing projects. These include, a podcast, Tales for You, which offers free personalised poems and stories for children. I am also developing a children's musical, If Kids Ruled the World.