News and Events

Exciting episode in graduate's career

13 November 2007

TV director developed her craft at BU.

As the opening credits roll on TV’s 'Hollyoaks' this week, be on the lookout for the name of a BU graduate.

All five episodes of the Channel 4 soap this week – from Monday 12 November to Friday 16 November – were directed by Alex Kalymnios, who graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in TV and Video Production in 2002.

The 27-year-old from London made her 'Hollyoaks' directorial debut with two episodes screened at the end of July.

Alex has now guided the likes of characters Ste Hay (played by Kieron Richardson) and Warren Fox (played by Jamie Lomas) through their paces during a week of what Alex calls "not to be missed television".

She said: "Working for Hollyoaks is great, because they’re always willing to give young directors a chance to come up with fresh ideas – it’s been something that I could really cut my teeth into. They also encourage a lot of varied styles, which makes it different from all the other soaps".

TV director and BU graduate Alex Kalymnios

"Working for Hollyoaks is great...it’s been something that I could really cut my teeth into."

Alex, who started working on 'Hollyoaks' in April, has also worked for the BBC since graduating, and continues to focus on her passion for film-making. Her most recent short, 'The Green Fairy,' was screened at the recent Los Angeles International Short Film Festival.

She won Best New Director for her short 'More Than a Job’s Worth' at the Greenwich Film Festival in 2004. The film was also nominated for Best Short at the Raindance East Film Festival, and selected for the shorts programme 'Strange, you say?' at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner, both in 2005.

'Hollyoaks' is screened on Channel 4 weekdays (Monday to Friday) at 6.30pm. The programme appears on E4 weekdays at 4.25pm and 7pm (First Look).

The 'Hollyoaks' Omnibus featuring all of Alex’s episodes from the week is scheduled to appear on E4 on Saturday 17 November at 2.30pm and on Channel 4 on Sunday 18 November at 10am.