Students are buzzing after being asked to make film for Rochdale Hornets

Karl Harris, Jordan Whittle, Dale Bloomfield

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Media students from Hopwood Hall College jumped at the chance to film an advert for the Rochdale Hornets Kit launch.

The opportunity came about when the Rochdale Hornets Rugby League team tweeted asking if there was anyone interested in doing some filming for them. Media tutor James Shenton picked up on the tweet and promptly declared their interest.

Chief Executive Ryan Bradley and Director Luke Harrison from the Hornets went to the College to meet students and give their brief. They explained what they were looking for, which included videos comprised of post-match interviews and the kit launch.

The first video the students have made is the Hornets kit launch promo, which was filmed in the College’s own TV studio. It features one of the players from the team sporting the new kit.

Ryan Bradley, Hornets Chief Executive, was thrilled: "The set up at Hopwood Hall is absolutely first class. We wanted to produce something of professional quality and the students really did that. They have worked extremely hard and can be proud of their efforts.”

“We are already partners of the Hopwood Hall Rugby Academy and we have seen first-hand the excellent work they do; to expand the partnership across different departments will only benefit both parties."

Luke Harrison, Hornets Director, added: "As a supporter owned club we rely heavily on our community to support us across all of our functions.

“We will definitely be working together in the future, providing a live project for students to work on which benefits our supporters."

And what did the ‘stars’ of the shoot think?

Dale Bloomfield, Hornets top try scorer of 2015, said: "The shoot had a really professional feel to it. I didn't know what to expect really, but from start to finish the students knew what they wanted to get out of it and really put me to work.”

“I’ve not seen the results yet, but I'm sure it will be the best kit launch video in the league"

Student Jordan Whittle, 17, from Failsworth, was operating the camera and fellow student Karl Harris, 18, from Middleton, was the camera operator assistant. They were buzzing after the "fantastic" experience, Karl said: “I found this experience very educational because I got a little taster of what it’s like working in a filming environment. The clients told us what sort of shots they wanted of Dale to help promote the rugby kit.”

After the filming, the advert was edited by 18-year-old Michael Hall, from Middleton.

Luke Harrison received the final video this week and said: "I’ve just seen the launch video and it’s so impressive. The students are a credit to your department and whole college. The professionalism and maturity was clear to see from start to end and thank you again for such a quick turnaround."

All of the students involved are studying for a BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (TV, film and radio).

It is hoped that in the future, there will be regular work experience for the students, including producing content for the Hornets YouTube channel and their website.