University of Portsmouth students create television programme to entertain Pompey fans during Covid pandemic

The Pompey Focus production includes a look back over the last few games, a speculative look forward to many of the challenges facing the team, short video inserts, fan thoughts and memories and a Zoom interview with Pompey ladies’ goal keeper Hannah Haughton.

University of Portsmouth student Francesca Deighton said: ‘Producing Pompey Focus was a huge challenge but also one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

‘Staff at the football club were very generous and a pleasure to work with. I’m pleased we were able to achieve this despite Covid-19 and I’m looking forward to the future of Pompey Focus.’

Fellow student Freya Blair-Davies added: ‘Having the opportunity to produce content that will reach so many people during this pandemic has been a massive privilege, and something that I’m extremely grateful for. Being able to get stuck in and work with a team, despite the various safety measures, really made everything feel almost normal again.’

The television and broadcasting students produced the show while at the same time having to comply with strict Covid guidelines.

All students involved had to complete an industry-recognised Screen Skills Covid production safety training module, to ensure filming and production were carried out professionally and safely.

Freya added: ‘Being able to continue doing what we love and produce a show in such a safe way, is all thanks to the immense help and support from the staff at the University. Without their constant care and guidance none of it would have been possible.’

Charlie Watts, principal lecturer at the School of Film Media and Communication, added: ‘This project has been possible thanks to the willingness of very passionate students and the help and expertise of incredibly dedicated staff from both the university and the football club.

‘With all of the challenges that everyone faced in 2020, where there was a safe will, we found a way, and students now have an opportunity to have their work seen by upwards of 20,000 fans.’

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The production is one of a series of partnership projects between the university and football club including a recent scholarship initiative to help fund young people from disadvantaged families to enter higher education.

It’s hoped the show will be the first in a series of programmes.

Charlie added: ‘It was amazing to watch the final show and know that we were able to create something so brilliant during such a difficult time. The programme really does celebrate the unique collaboration we have with the club.

‘Fingers crossed we can get busy making a second programme when the lockdown restrictions ease.’

Clips from the show will be broadcast on the Fratton Park big screen as well as on its social media channels.

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