Business founded by UWS graduate in Converge Challenge semi final
A business founded by a UWS graduate has made it to the semi-finals of Converge 2023, the annual competition for innovators and entrepreneurs in Scotland’s universities.
Founded in 2023, Screen Hustler is the brainchild of UWS MA Filmmaking graduate Fairouz Dridi and was set up to offer a comprehensive suite of visual design and branding services for young creatives in the screen industry, such as filmmakers, actors, set designers, video editors, makeup artists, screenwriters and cinematographers.
Fairouz who graduated in 2020 from UWS Ayr campus, said: “We are thrilled to be competing in the Create Change Challenge category and to have the opportunity to showcase our innovative solution to a wider audience.
“The success of Screen Hustler would not have been possible without the guidance and support of the brilliant minds at the University of the West of Scotland Innovation Hub team.”
Screen Hustler believes that many young creatives struggle to market themselves effectively, which leads to their talents being overlooked. They aim to bridge this gap by supporting creatives to gain more visibility and recognition for their work to achieve their professional goals.
The success of Screen Hustler would not have been possible without the guidance and support of the brilliant minds at the University of the West of Scotland Innovation Hub team.
Fairouz Dridi, Founder of Screen Hustler
Converge helps students, graduates and staff across Scotland’s universities and research institutes turn their creativity, ideas and innovations into commercial reality. The programme springboards new businesses through intensive business training, networking, 1-2-1 support, generous equity-free cash prizes and expert, professional advice from industry partners.
The Create Change Challenge category is for creative, social and cultural projects looking to become sustainable businesses.
The team at Screen Hustler are currently preparing their pitch for the semi-finals which is scheduled to take place in Edinburgh 15 June, and a comprehensive business plan for submission by August.
“We’re pumped to showcase what we’ve got! and we will continue to empower the next generation of screen professionals by helping them build a strong personal brand, establish a professional online presence, and realise their career potential.” added Fairouz.
Dr Claudia Cavalluzzo, Executive Director at Converge, said: “We are proud to be supporting ambitious people from right across Scotland who demonstrate that university students, staff, and graduates are rising to the challenge of delivering sustainable and inclusive economic growth in every region.
“Call them creatives, call them innovators, call them founders – these are the people who have the potential to change the world for the better.”
