Students at Nicholas Hamond Academy in Swaffham meet with Jamie Hall ahead of Gangs of London trip
Students had a fantastic opportunity to meet and talk to some significant figures in the TV world.
At the beginning of the year, pupils at the Nicholas Hamond Academy in Swaffham were visited by the co-president of Vice Studios, Jamie Hall.
As a part of the ‘Speakers for Schools’ program, Mr Hall presented an assembly for Year 10 students and spoke on his job and younger years.
Mr Hall is from Norfolk, and growing up he found that he was not very academic - but he had a passion for the arts.
After the assembly, he suggested that if some students wished to know more about his job then he could host a private video call at some point.
Eleven students expressed interest - and in March, the call happened.
The youngsters got to talk again with Mr Hall again, and also got the chance to speak with executive producer Hugh Warren, Emmy-nominated director Tessa Hoffe and actress Pippa Bennet-Warner.
All four people worked together on the popular TV show Gangs of London.
The talk created a big opportunity for the students.
They were able to ask questions, express opinions and understand more about the creative arts industry.
They also learnt about how everyone’s career began and were given some tips that might help them set off.
Nicholas Hamond School drama teacher Steven Hatfield said: “They are creating a legacy to leave behind.”
Now, Mr Hall has gotten in contact with the school once again.
He has offered the students that took part in the call a trip to the Gangs of London set in the capital itself.
Student Bethany Halls said: “I enjoyed it. I thought it was a great chance to learn about other jobs in the industry, rather than just about acting.
“It was interesting learning how their careers began.
“I think a trip to London would be amazing. A chance to have a look into my future and something I would love to do.”
Fellow student Beth Anderson added: “It is a great opportunity.
“As we live in a small town, we are less likely to be given chances like this and it is harder to make the connections.
“Jamie has provided us with these chances multiple times.
“I think it is great to learn about different jobs in drama and theatre which aren’t often talked about and it lets us see if it is the right path for us.”
Abigail Watson said: “It is not every day that things like this happen and to meet some established people in the arts is such a great chance.
“People tend to think that those who work with film are stuck up but the four people on the call were the exact opposite, they seemed excited about the next generation and so down to earth.
“Now we have been offered this trip to London. It just proves that people from any place can be given crazy opportunities and it doesn’t matter who you are.”
Teacher Kate Warnes said: “Jamie has been fantastic at recognising that the youth have an abundance of talent and just need to be steered in the right direction.
“Having this opportunity to talk to someone successful, but a real person, has helped the group see that they can reach their career dreams with hard work and perseverance.”
Written by Abigail Watson
