Young Arrows 2023 Student Commercial winner Constança Rodrigues took home the award for her direction of “Be True to Your Nature” for Burt's Bees, after completing her course at the National Film and Television School.

In this solo interview, Constança Rodrigues reveals how winning a Young Arrows award propelled her career and she shares her hopes for the future.

Why did you enter the Young Arrows?

I entered right after completing my Directing Commercials Course.

The National Film and Television School kindly offered to submit their students’ work into the awards and I was thrilled, as I knew it was a very prestigious show.

How did it feel to win?

It was a huge surprise. All the commercials selected in my category were pretty amazing, so anyone could win really, it was a tough competition.
I was so excited when I realised I'd won, and one of the best parts was to see the excitement on people’s faces watching my commercial on the big screen at the show, it felt really rewarding.

Has winning a Young Arrow been career impacting?

Winning the award had a huge impact, I gained a lot of exposure and lots of production companies approached me for meetings afterwards. It gave me huge recognition as a Director and it put my name out there in the industry as a new emerging talent.

What are the benefits of the Young Arrows for emerging talent?

I think it’s getting harder and harder for young talent to start their careers, and the Young Arrows provides an opportunity to show your work across the industry, and to be seen as the next generation of filmmakers. It really makes it easier to get your foot in the door.

What are your career goals?

To become a full-time commercials film director, and then transition to a film and TV series fiction one.

What would you say to someone thinking of entering the Young Arrows Awards?

I would say go for it. It’s not only great professional recognition, it’s also an amazing networking evening where you’ll meet a lot of different people from various fields in the industry.

Why not join us at the Young Arrows show, and see work by the next generation of moving image advertising talent. Hosted by Reggie Yates, winners will be announced at the ceremony taking place on October 22nd at HERE at Outernet, London. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased here.