New TV ad created by students at Windsor College production studio airs on Sky

A new advert devised by students from the Windsor Forest Colleges Group is airing on Sky TV this week.

The 30-second clip titled ‘Shape Your Future’ wrestles with one of the biggest questions facing teens – ‘What should I do after my GCSEs?’

From behind the camera to lighting, sound, and production, the campaign was entirely student-led by a crew from Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA), Slough and Langley College, Strode’s College and Windsor College.

Group Vice Principal Karen Griffiths said: “We couldn’t be prouder of our students. They’ve poured their creativity, passion, and teamwork into this project, and it’s a perfect reflection of the values that make our colleges so special.”

In the cross-college collaboration, actors were cast in open auditions and students interested in filmmaking were interviewed, with 12 being selected for the crew.

Jobs were allocated based on experience, and the project was filmed across six different locations on college campuses and the new virtual production suite at Windsor College.

A Windsor Forest Colleges Group spokesperson thanked Surrey-based production company Lamplight Media for their ‘expert guidance and support throughout the project’.

Apple Orchard Media had connected Tim Marsh from Lamplight Media with the Windsor Forest Colleges Group, suggesting they would better understand how the age group wanted to be communicated with.

Being closer in age to college students also meant the youngsters could see the Lamplight production team as an example of what was possible after leaving education.

The pre-production process began with concept development, scripting, and storyboarding led by Tim, and a student cast and crew call brought the ad to life.

The two-day filming schedule involved filming on location and working in the Virtual Production studio at Windsor College.

The one-take choreography involved the lead actor from BCA, Ellis Binnington, walking on a treadmill and being passed props related to the background, changing every five seconds in time with the music – all while delivering her lines.

A dolly was hired for students to practice assembling it, and the camera was mounted and pushed forward to mimic Ellis walking through each space – including a medical ward, horse menage, machine shop, and an arts corridor.

The team effort involved the crew moving whiteboards and tables out of the way, delivering and removing props and costumes, while operating the camera, lighting and sound.

The students took to this ‘like ducks in water’, said Tim.

“We'd like to thank the team at Windsor Forest Colleges Group, Apple Orchard Media, and most importantly, the extremely diligent and talented students who helped bring this TV commercial to life,” he added. “They were ready to shape their future!”

The Lamplight production team mentored students on how to get the best out of their industry-standard equipment and learn how to match lighting to digital environments.

Students gained experience working on a commercial film set, including filming, production assisting, lighting, operating the camera, sound, props and dolly grips, as well as networking with working industry pros and building their portfolios.

Isabelle Perkins, who was Director of Photography and Poppy Skidmore, in charge of the dolly grip, were thankful for the ‘amazing opportunity’.

Lamplight creative director Callum Swan handled post-production and submission of the final ad before Sky gave the thumbs up to play it on TV.

The advert will be broadcast on Sky within a 10-mile radius of each of the four colleges this week.

View it here Shape Your Future