After struggling to secure a work experience placement in media, a chance conversation with a security officer led Andrew to discover the National Saturday Club, an experience that he describes would go on to shape his confidence, creativity and future ambitions. 

Joining the Film&Screen Saturday Club gave Andrew the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and explore his interest in media in a practical, creative way. Through hands-on projects, collaboration and support from tutors, he began to build confidence in both his abilities and his voice. 

Now studying Future Media Production at Manchester Metropolitan University, Andrew reflects on how a moment of disappointment became a catalyst for growth and how the Saturday Club reinforced his passions and helped him take his first steps towards a career in film and media. 

This is Andrew’s Saturday Club story… 

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What sparked your interest in attending a Film&Screen Saturday Club? 

At the time, I was studying Media as part of my GCSEs, so I was really keen to find something related to film or production. I visited the University of Salford with my brother, who was studying Digital Media, hoping he could help me get a placement at the BBC. 

Unfortunately, we were turned down and I remember feeling really disappointed and unsure about what to do next. 

While at the university, a security officer noticed that I seemed upset and asked what was wrong. I explained that I was struggling to find work experience, even though I was passionate about media.  

That moment turned out to be really important because he introduced me to the National Saturday Club. 

The Film&Screen Saturday Club gave me the opportunity to explore my interest in a practical, creative environment. It helped me build confidence, develop my skills and meet people who shared similar passions.  

Looking back, that moment of disappointment actually led me to something that played a big role in shaping my journey into media and film.

Was there a difference between what you were learning at school and what you were doing at the Club? 

Yes, and they complemented each other really well. 

At school, my Media GCSE focused more on theory, such as camera angles, representation and analysing media products. It was classroom based and structured around exams and coursework. It gave me a strong foundation, but it didn’t always allow me to apply my ideas creatively. 

At the Saturday Club, the learning was much more hands-on. We worked with cameras, created our own film projects and experimented with editing in a more creative way. It helped me learn by doing, express my ideas more freely and build confidence. 

The Club also strengthened the skills I was learning at school, especially in storytelling, teamwork and editing, which helped me in my GCSE Media. Overall, it made my interest in film and production feel much more real.

Are there any moments from your time at the Saturday Club that stand out? 

There are several moments that really stayed with me. 

One was a small party where everyone shared something about themselves. It was fun and helped us connect and feel more comfortable with each other. 

Another highlight was a trip to London to visit a museum. Experiencing the exhibits, seeing creative work up close with the group was really inspiring and gave me new ideas for my own projects. 

The Club coordinators also made a big impact. They were always supportive, encouraging and willing to guide us. It made the whole experience not just educational but a very enjoyable and memorable experience that I will always value.

Did you learn about different careers through the Saturday Club? 

Yes, and that was really valuable in helping me understand the opportunities within the creative industries. I gave me a broader understanding beyond what I was learning in school. 

We were introduced to a range of roles in media, including camera operators, editors, directors and producers. It opened my eyes to how many different career paths there are in the industry and how each role contributes to a final production. 

I already had a clear idea that I wanted to go into media but the Club really confirmed that I was on the right path. It reinforced my passion for media and motivated me to continue studying it beyond school, giving me the confidence to choose a media-related course at university.

Since leaving the Saturday Club, what have you been up to? 

I’ve focused on continuing my education and building on the skills I developed at the Club. 

I completed my GCSEs, where the experience I gained at the Club really helped, especially in Media. I then went on to study IT at college, where I developed my understanding of digital and creative technologies. 

Now, I’m studying Future Media Production at university which combines everything I’ve learned so far, from storytelling to technology and production. The Club definitely played an important role in helping me get to this point.

Did you develop any skills at the Saturday Club that you still use today? 

Before joining the Club, I was quite shy and lacked confidence, especially when it came to speaking in groups or sharing my ideas. Being part of the Saturday Club really helped me come out of my shell. 

Through working on creative projects and collaborating with others, I became more confident in communicating and expressing my ideas. I also developed teamwork skills, which I still use now at university when working on group projects. 

The experience wasn’t just about building practical media skills, it helped me grow personally as well.

What advice would you give to young people thinking about joining a Saturday Club? 

I’d say definitely go for it. 

It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and explore your interests in a creative and supportive environment. You get to experience things you might not always do in school, especially more practical, hands-on work. 

It also really helps build your confidence, even if you’re unsure at first. 

Even if you’re not 100% sure at the beginning, just give it a try. You might discover something you’re really passionate about and it could shape your future.

Who or what inspires you most at the moment? 

My biggest inspiration is my brother. He studied digital media at the University of Salford and then specialised in film and editing for his Master’s. Seeing him follow his passion has been really motivating and shows me what’s possible when you work hard and follow your interests. 

I’m also inspired by the idea of growth by constantly improving my skills and developing creatively. Being at university or in creative environments, surrounded by people with similar passions, really pushes me to challenge myself and achieve my goals.

If you could change one thing in the world through creativity or storytelling, what would it be? 

I’d want to inspire more understanding and empathy between people. 

By sharing stories from different perspectives, whether through film or other forms of media, we can help people see the world through someone else’s eyes. That can break down stereotypes, reduce misunderstanding and bring people closer together. 

Creativity has the power to make people think differently, and I’d want to use storytelling to encourage a more compassionate and connected world.

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