UCLan graduate enjoys TV award success
A University of Central Lancashire* graduate has achieved industry success after winning a Royal Television Society (RTS) award.
Grace Nixon scooped the Best Factual – Long Form trophy at the North West Student Awards for her documentary on Woodlands Animal Sanctuary in Ormskirk.
The 22-year-old, who graduated from the University’s media & television production degree course last summer, won over the judges and the packed audience with her heart-warming and heart-breaking look into the work done by volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and abused animals.
She said: “I was so shocked when I found out I had won, I was genuinely just happy to have been nominated as it was still such a massive achievement to have been shortlisted for the award. So, when I heard my name called out it came as a complete shock, and I hadn’t prepared a speech or anything.”
Grace, from Southport, spent over a year producing, filming and editing the 20-minute documentary. To ensure the animals and volunteers would be comfortable with being filmed for more than a month-and-a-half, Grace spent weeks observing the animals and learning about the Holmeswood based charity.
The former Christ the King High School and KGV College pupil said: “During filming, I had set up a cat cam for the pregnant cat Lacy, and I ended up monitoring the cat cam over many nights as she was getting towards the end of her pregnancy. This was all so that I didn’t miss her birth.
“Throughout this process I got to meet and work with so many wonderful people that work and volunteer at Woodlands, and I am truly so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to showcase all the amazing work they do for not only the animals but also the community around this sanctuary.”
It was the second year running a University of Central Lancashire student has won the prestigious Long Form Factual award.
“Having created this whole documentary from scratch I have met a lot of personal milestones, from pitching to producing and editing,” commented Grace. “I also did this while juggling other work experience opportunities and student projects. All these skills have made me well versed in all aspects of media. Looking ahead to my future, I have a strong portfolio of work and have the RTS award is an amazing mark against myself and the work I do.”
Grace built up her portfolio by filming theatre shows performed by the University’s musical theatre and drama courses and working as a producer for a TV show series called In Focus, which was broadcast on Sky.
She now uses her skills producing and shooting content as a digital marketing assistant at Masteel, based in Lichfield. She also volunteers as a highlights editor for Bury FC women’s team.
She added: “When I first started my University journey, I was relatively quiet and reserved. However, as I developed my skills and engaged with industry professionals at networking events hosted by the University and working on various projects, I have grown both professionally and personally. I now feel confident in my abilities, equipped with the interpersonal and professional skills that will support me in the next stage of my career.”