Corby Technical School students gain first-hand experience on professional film set

Two Year 13 students from Corby Technical School, Shae and Harry, have recently taken their first steps towards their future careers in the film industry, having worked on the production of a brand-new local short film with the British Film Industry.

Set to premiere this March at the Northampton Film Festival, the project gave both students the opportunity to experience first-hand what it’s like to be part of a professional film set. 

Despite both being interested in film, the students shared very different starting points. Harry’s passion grew from analysing films and watching reviews and critical breakdowns, which gradually developed into the ambition of one day creating work that others might study and interpret. In contrast, Shae’s enthusiasm stemmed from a love of performance and storytelling, inspired by the cartoons he watched growing up and a fascination with how characters are brought to life on screen. 

Throughout their time at school, Harry and Shae have been nurtured and supported by the school’s Drama department, who have helped them grow in confidence, creativity, and leadership. Since completing their GCSE course, they have become key leaders within the KS3 Drama Club, inspiring younger pupils with their enthusiasm and skill. Next week, they will take this one step further by running a workshop for students, sharing the skills and insights gained during their BFI Film Academy experience, with the hope that their expertise and encouragement will inspire others to explore the world of performance and production. 

Aware of their passions, Corby Technical School’s Careers Advisor, Shona Smart, encouraged Shae and Harry to apply for the BFI Film Academy Short Course. Once accepted onto the course, which took place at The Core at Corby Cube, the students spent three months learning how to make a short film from start to finish.  

During production, Shae took on the fast-paced role of Runner, supporting the wider crew and helping to keep the set running smoothly. Describing runners as “the muscles of the group,” Shae was constantly on the move, transporting equipment between departments, supporting set design, stepping in to help with make-up when needed, and responding quickly to requests from the wider team. The role required adaptability, as responsibilities could change by the minute.  

Reflecting on the experience, Shae said:

“The role worked perfectly for me because I like to be constantly doing something. I did have to rely on my communication skills a lot throughout the experience though, making sure I was being really specific with any questions I asked people to make sure I got the right thing for them.” 

Harry took on a different role, working behind the scenes as a Sound Technician, playing a key role in capturing the audio that brings a film to life. This included operating the boom microphone for extended periods, monitoring sound through headphones, and strategically placing and concealing microphones on actors.  

Speaking about what he learned in the role, Harry said:

“What surprised me the most was that my role was more complicated and strategic than I thought it would be. We had to constantly keep an eye on the camera to make sure that people couldn’t see the microphones, and with only one clip-on microphone available, we always had to figure out who would be best to put it on and where was the most inconspicuous place to hide it.” 

For both students, the experience has solidified their ambition to pursue careers within the film industry. Shae is now exploring apprenticeships and further education pathways connected to film production, while Harry is considering a gap year to gain broader experience and refine his career direction, with long-term aspirations that may even include working internationally. 

Angela Reynolds, Principal at Corby Technical School, said:

“We are extremely proud of Shae and Harry and the way they embraced this opportunity. Providing meaningful, hands-on experiences is a vital part of how we prepare students for life beyond school, helping them to develop confidence, broaden their horizons and make informed decisions about their future pathways.” 

Most importantly, the opportunity has given both students a genuine insight into the realities of working in film, from the fast-paced coordination required behind the scenes to the technical precision needed to capture every detail. By stepping onto a professional set, they were able to test their interests in a real-world environment and better understand the standards and expectations of the industry. 

Opportunities like this reflect Corby Technical School and Brooke Weston Trust’s belief in the importance of a relentless determination to succeed. Across the Trust, we are committed to creating meaningful experiences that inspire ambition and aspiration, allowing students to explore their interests, develop new skills and gain confidence in their future pathways.