University of Portsmouth students have produced a 20-minute television programme to keep over 20,000 Pompey football fans up to date with the club’s latest news, results and stories.
The BSc Television and Broadcasting students produced the show ‘Pompey Focus’ against the odds, working in challenging circumstances within Covid-restrictions.
Charlie Watts, Principal Lecturer and Academic lead partnerships from the School of Film, Media and Communication, said: “This project has been possible thanks to the willingness of very passionate students and also thanks to the help and expertise of incredibly dedicated staff from both the University and the football club, especially Shaun Whitmarsh and his team.
“With all of the challenges that everyone faced in 2020, where there was a ‘safe’ will, we found a way, and students now have an opportunity to have their work seen by upwards of 20,000 fans.
“The programme really does celebrate the unique collaboration we have with the club. Fingers crossed we can get busy making a second programme when the lockdown restrictions ease.”
All students who were on campus and involved in production had to complete an industry-recognised ScreenSkills Covid production safety training module, to ensure filming and production were carried out professionally and safely.
The show’s content includes a look back over the last few games, a speculative look forward to many of the challenges facing the various teams, short video inserts on Pompey in the Community, fan thoughts and memories, and a zoom interview with Pompey ladies goal keeper Hannah Haughton.
Student and VT producer Freya Blair-Davies said: “Having the opportunity to produce content that will reach so many people during this pandemic has been a massive privilege, and something that I am extremely grateful for. Being able to get stuck in and work with a team, despite the various safety measures, really made everything feel almost normal again!
“Being able to continue doing what we love, and produce a show in such a safe way, is all thanks to the immense help and support from the staff at the University. Without their constant care and guidance, none of it would have been possible.
Whilst it wasn't without its challenges, it was amazing to watch the final show and know that we were able to create something so brilliant during such a difficult time. The collaboration with Portsmouth Football Club is an absolute honour, and I for one am really looking forward to getting back in the studio once the restrictions ease.
Programme producer Francesca Deighton said: “Producing Pompey focus was a huge challenge but also one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Staff at PFC were very generous and a pleasure to work with. I’m pleased we were able to achieve this dispute Covid-19 and I am looking forward to the future of Pompey Focus.”
Clips from the show will be broadcast on PFC’s stadium big screen, as well as on its social media channels.