Kingston University graduate lands films acquisition role

A Kingston University film studies alumnus has been hired by an American film distribution company as their new director of acquisitions.

Jake Riley-Hunte, who graduated with a first class bachelors degree from Kingston before obtaining a masters at the National Film and Television School, has joined Visit Films. He says that he is looking forward to working in his new role.

“Its incredibly exciting, Visit have an excellent track record of unearthing and supporting talented filmmakers from The Safdie Brothers to David Robert Mitchell and I’m happy and grateful to have the opportunity,” Riley-Hunte said.

Visit Films is a worldwide film sales company which premieres work at the some of the world’s most famous film festivals.

Riley-Hunte joins Visit Films from Bankside Films, a London based company where he worked as international sales manager. He says that leaving was nothing to do with disliking his previous job.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bankside. Absolutely. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that opportunity and I’ll forever be grateful. I had an incredible 5 years there and worked on a lot of great films.”

‘Stick with it and be relentless’

As a KU graduate, Riley-Hunte admits he will always have a lot of time for the people that put him on the road to success. He says that having conviction for the subject your studying is the most important thing.

“I would say if this is what you really want to do, then stick with it and be relentless. Be proactive, reach out to people and don’t listen to advice that doesn’t serve you.”

“Kingston provided me with a really great platform to go on to film school and further my knowledge and I want to thank the tutors, especially Andrea Rinke and Fiona Curran, who I really felt believed in me.”