LSBU students produce videos with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation
As part of Black History Month, Film and Journalism students interview and film ex-Chelsea footballer Paul CanovilleArts and Creative Industries students from BA Film Practice and BA Journalism have been involved in a project with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation (RFF), a charity set up by the renowned footballer Rio Ferdinand to support young people to achieve their potential through sports, media and creative arts.
Film students Jean, Isaac and Harrison had roles as camera operative, assistant producer and sound engineer.
Lucy Brown, Head of Film Division, said: “All of the Film Practice students undertake work experience as part of the course during their second year professional employability module. This provided an amazing opportunity for students to gain real world experience shadowing industry filmmakers as well as helping to complete their assignments. We’re very proud of our students for contributing to the making of such beautiful and impactful films with RFF for Black History Month."
The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, one of LSBU’s tenant businesses based in the Clarence Centre, filmed in our Elephant Studios newsroom, using our state-of-the-art equipment and sticking to strict Covid-19 regulations. It’s just one of the many ways that LSBU’s tenant businesses provide real-world learning opportunities and experience to LSBU students, both during and after their studies.
The films feature Paul Canoville, an ex-Chelsea footballer who was the first black player on the team and unfortunately experienced unthinkable racism as a result of playing there. The films are for Black History Month and Paul shared his childhood experiences, how he came to play for Chelsea FC, his football career and the difficulties he encountered with regards to racial abuse. He also discussed his hopes and ambitions for the future and that of young people generally as well as those specifically pursuing football.
In front of the camera, journalism students Adan and Joshua took on the role of interviewers, asking Paul questions about his experience. Michael Kosmides, BA Journalism Course Director, said: “BA Journalism students have the opportunity to work on real assignments during their three years of study. It's brilliant that that Adan and Josh, two strong sports journalists, grabbed the opportunity to interview Paul Canovile for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. It will be an excellent addition to the Foundation and to their portfolio.”
Hayley Dean, Producer at RFF, said: “Thank you for allowing us to use the facilities, they were fantastic and we're really pleased with the footage. It was a great opportunity for young people to drive the project and we're really pleased we were able to offer an opportunity to so many of your students across various courses. I hope we can work together again on future projects”.
You can view the videos on Instagram: