The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award | Image and story library building
Consultant/Producer/Shooter/Photographer
As part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s brand refresh (Youth Without Limits) they decided to set up an in-house film, photo and stories unit and I was hired as part of a 2-person freelancer team to support in the establishment of the new function.
As part of the work we were tasked with generating a bank of stories and imagery to form the start of an image library which could be built upon and used going forwards to powerfully convey the essence of Youth Without Limits. In particular, there was emphasis on the non-expedition aspects of the Award - to promote the lesser known areas young people undertake to complete the Awards. In addition a desire to ensure representation was diverse and showcasing that DofE is for every young person.
This exciting contract saw me:
Digging for stories through relationship building with regional teams and through searching social media for young people and groups already sharing DofE experiences
Scoping and casting stories against strategic themes, moments and for their unique qualities
Commissioning and setting up shoots
Producing and shooting on film and photography shoots
Storyboarding and making a number of films
Co-creating a spoken word piece with the second cohort of youth ambassadors in order to build profile and help build the programme
Running collaborative workshops and sessions with young people
Collaborating with the media team regularly on pitches and shoots
Working with a range of young people from differing backgrounds
Developing film brand guidelines and creating YouTube strands
Supporting on the creation and running of a unique partnership with Nikon and DofE photography skills provider Sharp Shots to run ‘Photographers without Limits’ - offering young people from marginalised backgrounds the chance to participate in photography and be mentored by a professional photographer and Nikon ambassador
“Working with Catherine at the DofE was an absolute pleasure. Catherine always brings creativity, professional and a can do attitude to every project - no task is too big for her!
We worked closely together on a number of casting and story opportunities that were key media moments for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Highlights included profiling young female skateboarders - after the organisation had seen an 800% increase in the sport, awards at Buckingham Palace with high profile celebrities and the national memorial service to celebrate the late Duke of Edinburgh.
She has a natural ability to empower and encourage young people during her work, ensuring authenticity throughout. Her ability to spot stories is a testament to how she builds trusting relationships with young people and adults alike and her creative and technical skills enable her to capture striking photos and filmed content which works for many media and communications channels.
Any team would be lucky to have her!”
Flo Brookes, Senior Communications Officer, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
