Following a national talent search, a Loughborough College student has been selected by Channel 4 to join a leading scheme designed to find the rising stars of the media industry.
Kayleigh Dennis was chosen from young people across the country to join the broadcaster for its TV Production Pop Up 2017 and be given a range of opportunities including creating her own short film and networking with industry professionals.
The 18 year old, who is in her final year of a Performing Arts course with Loughborough College, said she was thrilled to be accepted onto the scheme.
“As part of the selection process I had to tell Channel 4 about my experiences and explain what I thought I could bring which would be innovative and new.
“It was great to be able to talk about the variety of opportunities I have been given at the College, like the Director’s Concept part of the course where we had to create and stage a production of Twelfth Night.
“I think all the experiences I’ve had during my course have really built my confidence – I am not sure I would even have gone for this with Channel 4 two years ago. But now I not only applied but I’ve also been successful – and I am so excited.
“I get to learn about producing, directing, editing and production management, I will meet people in the business and I even get to make my own short film.
“I am really interested in joining a Channel 4 apprenticeship and at the workshop they will also talk me through that. It’s going to be a fantastic day.”
“We are immensely proud of Kayleigh,” said Emma Ledsam, lead for Creative at Loughborough College. “She has shown real dedication and versatility throughout her studies but I don’t think she is aware of how talented she is - she is going to achieve a grade three times higher than the one predicted after her GCSE’s.
“Kayleigh has found a renewed love of performing arts and this opportunity with Channel 4 demonstrates just how much potential she has.
“We are glad that we could contribute to her development and help her find this path.”