Student film shines a spotlight on the experiences of young people in the city

Second year students across BA (Hons) Television Production and Post Production for Film and Television are gaining practical experience by creating a short film celebrating young people in Southampton and raising awareness of their experiences.

Promoting the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme to ensure every young person has the opportunity to get involved, students Spencer Bedder (producer), Max Fagan (director), Rob Bartlett (editor), Will Munday (camera) and Steph Romer (sound) have utilised their developing skills to create an impactful film that celebrates the initiative and its impact.

Students are not only directing, editing and delivering this film to raise awareness of both the impact of the Junior Wardens Scheme and the experiences of young people, they are taking part in events across the city to immerse themselves in the initiative. Television Production student, Spencer Bedder, says:

“We were delighted to be selected for this project as it is a great opportunity for us as a group to get out into the community and see first-hand how the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens Scheme positively benefits young people across Southampton. It’s also a great way to put all our technical training into practice as a group in a way that can’t be achieved in the classroom.

“This experience is so valuable, allowing me to learn how to manage a team effectively as well as liaise with contributors to a professional standard.”

SCC's Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme, which has been running for more than two decades, provides young people with a range of activities and connects them to people from a diversity of backgrounds to not only provide them with a meaningful experience, but instil a sense of civic pride within them.

During the making of this film, students have had the opportunity to get to know the young people involved in this scheme, in order to celebrate their contributions and tell their story. On the importance of a project of this kind, Senior Lecturer TV Production, Kate O’Driscoll, says:

“This film project is a perfect example of the innovative real-world learning that is embedded within the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to work on a live brief, whilst also supporting a wonderful project like the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme, which is empowering young people to make positive contributions to their communities.

“Not only does this project support the University's commitment to building strong partnerships with organisations across the city, it also gives young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to engage with our current students in a positive way.”

Find out more about film, television and media courses at Solent here.