Genevieve Allcott
An international exchange in California set Genevieve Allcott on a path into filmmaking and then theatre production. The 2015 Philosophy and Politics graduate is now executive director of Pennyworth Productions, a new writing company.
| Name |
Genevieve Allcott |
| Degree |
MA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics |
| Year of Graduation | 2015 |
Tell us about your time at the University
I chose Edinburgh first and foremost because it offered Philosophy and Politics as a joint degree. I also liked the fact that, at Edinburgh, most first years study three subjects. At the end of the year they then give you the opportunity to switch degrees should you end up preferring your outside subject.
The university also has a great reputation and is situated in a charming city so it really wasn’t a difficult decision to apply. I look back on my years at Edinburgh with rose tinted glasses but certain opportunities I was given do stand out.
Firstly, I was given a bursary to work for the Accountability Lab during my second year summer in Washington DC - an international development charity that helps young people in countries like Liberia implement low cost, high impact solutions for greater accountability in their communities. I wouldn’t have been able to have this experience without the support of the School of Social and Political Science.
Secondly, I was given the opportunity to go on an international exchange during my third year. I went to California - took filmmaking classes, interned at the Newport Beach film festivals and worked on a documentary about the untold story of Alice Guy Blache, the first female director. I had an amazing year that set me on a different life trajectory. It sent me into filmmaking which in turn led me to Pennyworth Productions. If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t be where I am now nor would I have had the memories of a spring break in Hawaii!
Tell us about your experiences since leaving the University
I’m currently working as the producer of Pennyworth Productions - a new writing company - I co-direct with Carys Wright (Trinity graduate) and Julia Cranney (Cambridge graduate). As a company we look to start conversations about issues such as mental health, loneliness, and sexual politics that are often avoided and ensure that all of our productions have at least a 50/50 gender split favouring women both on and off stage.
We’re really proud of our achievements so far and are looking for supporters to help us produce more work and roll out PEN - our series of politically driven curated scratch nights around the UK. Our aim is to create a truly nationwide network of political artists - be that drama, comedy, sketch, stand-up, performance art, film or spoken word - with each night being an exciting and diverse mix of work from across the UK.
Our aim is to create a truly nationwide network of political artists - be that drama, comedy, sketch, stand-up, performance art, film or spoken word.
Alumni wisdom
To focus on doing what you enjoy and put that first - in terms of your social life and work life. In the end this approach will pay off, you’ll have put time into things you truly care about and will accidentally get better at them.
Take time to think about what you really want from life and your friends and try as much as you can to recognise when people are having an undue influence on how you spend your time and what you think about yourself.
If you’re in your first year I would work hard when you have to as your grades do matter when it comes to applying for an international exchange - and it’s truly worth putting a little more effort in.
Related Links
Pennyworth Productions (external link)
School of Social and Political Science
Genevieve invites interested alumni to get in touch by email: pennyworthprod@gmail.com