From SECG Student to Award-Nominated Director

Tommy Davis Launches New TV Project

Former South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) student, Tommy Davis, now a successful freelance director, is hoping to raise enough money to make a new TV series entitled Cash in Hand, based on the working class struggle in Essex, before pitching to major broadcast networks later this year. 

Tommy, from Rayleigh studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in TV and Film Production and achieved the Extended Diploma in 2015. He chose to study at SECG because he wanted to develop his passion for filmmaking and learn the craft in a professional environment with like-minded creative people.

He said: “Before coming to SECG I’d always had an obsession with cameras and making films, from shooting home videos as a kid to creating skateboarding films with my mates throughout my teens.

“SECG gave me the confidence and the skills to become a more intricate filmmaker, with detailed study of all three stages of production;  planning, shooting, and editing. My time there built my confidence and gave me the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.

“The equipment at SECG was fantastic; from a full blackout TV broadcast studio for multicamera with live vision mixing, to using the studio as a professional film space with overhead lighting rigs.” 

After completing his course Tommy went onto study at London South Bank University, and now works as a freelance film director specialising in music videos and branded content, working with artists, musicians, brands, and record labels around the world.

His job entails directing, producing, and overseeing all aspects of film production; from concept and shot listing to shooting and editing. 

He said: “I progressed to my current position by building up my portfolio step-by-step, starting with small videos, then working with bigger artists and brands and continually developing my craft.”

Tommy said that his favourite memory of being at SECG was: “Knocking about with mates and sneaking into the big red auditorium on lunch breaks to watch music videos and Jackass”

He said that his greatest achievement has been: “Travelling the world directing, working with incredible artists such as Stormzy, high profile brands and being nominated for awards including the UK MVAs, the NME Awards, and the Young Arrows for Best New Director. 

“My ambition is to get my television pilot Cash in Hand commissioned into a full series”. 

A teaser video posted to social media has already gained more than 100,000 views and Tommy has launched a fundraiser to get it off the ground. The show will be set around “cash jobs, dodgy site managers, and everyday hustle, capturing the loyalty, banter, and chaos that defines life for many”.

You can support the project by donating here: https://igg.me/at/CASHINHAND/x/18239410#

Take a loook at our updated Film and Television Production course Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma