Graduation, film festivals and Netflix: Katie Devereux's next chapter
A Queen Margaret University (QMU) graduate is celebrating a series of achievements as she embarks on an exciting career in Scotland's screen sector.
Katie Devereux has graduated with a First-Class (Hons) Film and Media, following four years of immersing herself in every aspect of university life and the creative industries. A producer, director and entrepreneur, Katie leaves QMU with an impressive portfolio of film, media and community projects already to her name.
The day before her graduation ceremony, Katie's latest film, ‘Afterliving’, was screened at QMU's Graduate Film Showcase at Edinburgh Filmhouse. The film has also been selected for screening at the Scottish Short Film Festival in Glasgow later this month, and the Edinburgh International University Film Festival (EIUF) in September – adding to her growing list of accomplishments.
Aside from screenings at both the HB Film Festival in Glasgow and the Edinburgh International University Film Festival (EIUF), Katie’s earlier film ‘Corpsing’ went down a storm in the USA. It was amongst the top three finalists from over 500 short films submitted to the Brightlight Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Her transition into the screen industry has been swift. Just two days after graduating, Katie secured a role as a production assistant on an international feature documentary being filmed in Edinburgh. The project is expected to be released on television or a major streaming platform. Alongside her production work, Katie pursues the occasional acting opportunity, and is about to take up a role as a supporting actor on a major Netflix series.
Katie's entrepreneurial ambitions have also gained national recognition. This year, she was selected for the highly competitive Converge Challenge, Scotland's leading university entrepreneurship programme.
Selected for the Performing & Production Arts Challenge, Katie is developing Scottish Location Partnership (SLP), a business designed to help production companies discover and access overlooked filming locations across Scotland. The programme includes expert mentoring and training, culminating in a pitch to industry judges for those who reach the final later in the year.
Scottish Location Partnership is envisioned as a location brokerage and venue development business initially based in South East Scotland. It would connect production companies with rural and independent venues that may have strong filming potential but are overlooked, or are unsure how to engage with the screen sector. The business would source and present suitable locations, help venues become filming-ready, and make the process clearer for both sides. It is designed as a relationship-led service with a strong regional focus, beginning in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian before expanding across Scotland.
Throughout her time at QMU, Katie embraced every opportunity available to her, contributing not only to her own development but to the success of others. She supported a wide range of university initiatives and events, serving as a Student Ambassador, Open Day helper and Class Representative. She also contributed to widening participation activities and represented the University at high-profile events, including press launches attended by Scottish Government ministers.
Katie has always been a passionate advocate for fellow students, generously sharing her expertise and experience to support projects across the creative industries programmes. Her collaborative approach has helped encourage and nurture emerging talent throughout the University community.
Beyond her academic work, Katie has used her filmmaking and media skills to support charitable fundraising initiatives, including events for SafetyCurtain, a charity that supports artists and creative practitioners facing poverty, persecution and discrimination around the world.
Katie has fully invested in both her education and her wider student experience at Queen Margaret University. She has worked tirelessly to achieve the highest standards in her own creative practice while consistently supporting and championing others. At the same time, she has given so much back to the University through her energy, creativity and commitment to the student community. She is an inspiration to those around her and we are excited to see where her talent, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit take her next."
Graduating with a First-Class degree, national entrepreneurial recognition, films screening at major festivals and an immediate role in professional production, Katie's future in the screen industries is already off to an impressive start.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
