Share On
Local plan video seeks input from Southend students
Media students from South Essex College helped to create Southend Borough Council’s new local plan film engaging young people in their consultation for the future of the town.
Level 3 Film & TV students, who all study at the Southend Campus, took part in focus groups to share their views on the town. They also worked in front and behind the camera, giving them valuable work experience.
Southend Borough Council is currently conducting a consultation, to gather views about what people think the next 20 years of the area should look like. They want people to have their say on topics such as the economy, housing, retail, transport, green spaces, leisure facilities and the airport.
The video, while showing sweeping views of the town and seafront, includes real and honest attitudes towards Southend then goes on to highlight how it can be improved. View the full video here.
Ben Hole from Main Media Video created the film. He said: “SEC students played a really important part in creating this film, we worked with them to refine the key messages and they reviewed our storyboards early in the production process, this really helped planning the shoot.”
“Students appeared both in front of and worked behind the camera to create shorter pieces of content for the wider campaign, some of them have continued to work with us across the summer.”
Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “The new Local Plan will provide much greater certainty for communities, businesses and investors on where future development should go and the quality of development we will expect. Local Plans are a legal requirement and vital as they provide a framework for guiding decisions on individual planning applications.
“The Government has set out a Standard Methodology housing figure for each Local Planning Authority area in the country. The Local Plan must seek to meet this and deliver the infrastructure, economic growth, jobs, new facilities, environmental protections, and a clear and effective response to climate change that we will need alongside it.
For more information, to view the video and join in with the consultation, visit https://localplanexhibition.southend.gov.uk/
On Wednesday 13 October, the Southend Local Plan consultation group will be outside the Forum from 11.30am-2.30pm so students can have their say on the plans.
South Essex College offers a variety of Media courses at its Southend campus, they all include periods of work experience so students are prepared to enter the industry when they finish their studies. Full details about courses available can be found on the college’s website, visit www.southessex.ac.uk
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
Celebrating Success 2022: Sophie Peacock
Course studied
Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.
Sophie Peacock, 17, from Billericay, studied the Level 3 Creative Media (Television and Film) Diploma at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her good level of organisation and commitment to every task as well as being a mature, professional and articulate student.
Her tutor said: “Sophie takes advantage of every opportunity available to her both in college and outside, as she understands the value and benefits it will provide her with, in terms of networking, communicating, professionalism and improving her knowledge and skills. She is an absolute pleasure to have in the classroom and I hope she goes on to achieve great success.”
Sophie chose to study at the college because she liked the facilities that were available for her course.
She has loved the amount of creative freedom that the course has offered and being able to create any ideas and turn them into a reality with the support of her tutors.
Sophie was really proud and a little bit overwhelmed about winning the award.
She said: “I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.”
Sophie’s ambition for the future is to become a producer on the set of a live entertainment program.
