Student videos capture the excitement of the Royal Wedding for Sky News

Two students on the NCTJ-accredited journalism course at Lambeth College had their video selected by Sky News as part of the broadcaster’s Royal Wedding coverage. Henri May and Lorna Cole had their story about a doggy wedding, which they pitched and filmed themselves, broadcast on Sky News as part of a special programme on 29 April 2011.

Sky News had asked for short films about celebrations in different parts of the UK to provide an alternative view of the wedding day. Students had to shoot and edit their films on the day and then upload them to the Sky News website in time for a special programme.

Both the students and Lambeth College were credited during the 9pm broadcast titled, ‘Your Royal Wedding’.

Roz McKenzie, head of journalism at Lambeth College said: “It’s a great achievement – first to get the commission and then for it to be good enough for broadcast.”

Henri commented on the film: “I knew the sight of three Spanish Water Dogs in bridal gear would put a smile on people’s faces and I thought it would make a change to the more traditional celebrations going on. 

“With the words “never work with children or animals” ringing in our ears, we were off, hoping to run into some kids. Filming covered a fitting for the bridegroom at a menswear shop, a hair appointment for the bride, enthusiastic devouring of wedding cake and lots of shots around Sevenoaks and Knole Park. With so much to do in a day, the pressure was on but it was great fun and, although the dogs were oblivious to the spotlight, they seemed to enjoy the attention.

“The technical difficulties we encountered with the editing software were not so enjoyable. After several fraught hours, we finally started to put the film together to an adrenalin inducing deadline. 

“Much to our delight, and the presenter’s amusement, our film was featured towards the end of the programme. It was one of only six student films to make it on air and seeing our work broadcast was a thrill that will stay with me for a long time to come.”

Lorna added: “The technical problems were really stressful but we got there in the end and it was great to see our work on TV.”

To view the video click below.

Other NCTJ students also produced films which are available on the Sky News website. They can be viewed below.

Sky News paid tribute to all the entrants and the high standard of videos submitted. Simon Bucks, associate editor, said: “We thought they were all very strong and everyone deserves congratulations for their efforts.”

Katie Bailey, University of Sheffield

“The idea was to show people enjoying themselves whatever they were doing, whether they were celebrating at a street party or in an indoor water park. The venue attempted a Guinness World Record of the greatest number of people wearing Union flag and St George swimsuits doing a conga line while watching a royal wedding. Unfortunately this was not achieved.
 
“It was a fun day, but a real challenge for me in terms of production as I was filming the event and editing the package down all on my own in the space of about 6 hours. I had some technology problems which meant I was not able to fix the sound as much as I would like to have done.”

Tim Collins, Kingston University

“The video is about two young professionals as they arrive on the Mall and set up camp for the night in order to secure their spot for the Royal wedding. We follow them through the thrills and spills of the big day.”

Scott Mitchell, University of Kent

“Unfortunately there was a problem with the upload of the video which meant connection to the server was lost at something like two hours or 91% of the upload, so it didn’t reach them in time to make the programme. Myself and my colleague at the Centre for Journalism, Daniel May, were very pleased with the final product after various problems along the way including being locked out of the university – where we had been editing the video- on the Friday due to it being a public holiday!

“The video itself was on Priory Mews Residential Home in Dartford, which held a party for the residents there in honour of the Royal Wedding. Staff dressed up, decorated the entire home, booked entertainment including pearly kings and queens, and provided a buffet lunch. There was also a wedding cake cut by an elderly couple who live in the home.”

You can see all the clips on the Sky News website: http://uservideos.sky.com/site-skynews/home/category/314.html

The top prize of £400 went to Cristina Garlington from the University of Central Lancashire.