University’s film students blaze a trail for industry equality

Students and graduates at the University of Derby have been blazing a trail for equality in the film industry after working with an Academy Award-winning film director on a new music video.

The students – with females taking several of the key roles – were chosen to work with John Stephenson, who is widely recognised for his work on films such as Babe and The English Patient, on the video for the UK pop-country trio Remember Monday, which is made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele.

University of Derby Film Production Programme Leader Tom Craig, who has connections with the band, enlisted the support of John to direct the video on location at Longford Hall Farm, near Ashbourne.

Tom said: “The band’s commitment to female empowerment is a central theme in their music. In line with this, they specifically requested strong female representation in the crew for this project.

“We have a number of talented, driven and creative female students in our Film Production courses, so we were able to put a crew together.

“This is one of a number of great opportunities we are able to offer our students to gain real world experience, using our connections and taking advantage of the generosity of those in the industry who are prepared to share their experience and skills with those just starting out.”

Remember Monday appeared on The Voice in 2019, went viral on TikTok singing in empty car parks during lockdown, and have built a large following, supporting Billy Joel at his concert in Hyde Park last year.

They recently appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show in the US to promote their latest single, Laugh About It.

The band’s support for female talent comes at a time when women are still under-represented in many areas of the film industry.

According to San Diego State University’s annual Celluloid Ceiling report, published at the beginning of January, women comprised 22% of directors, writers, producers, editors and cinematographers on the top 250 grossing films of 2023, with just 16% working as directors.

72% of films employed 0 to 4 women in those roles, with only 4% employing 10 or more women.

This compares with just 5% of films employing 0 to 4 men, while 75% of the top-grossing films employed 10 or more men as directors, writers, producers, editors and cinematographers.

Chloe Holmes, who is studying Film and High End Television at the University of Derby, which also gave financial support to the project, said: “Working on the music video shoot with John Stephenson was a fantastic experience.

“The collaboration was not only professionally fulfilling but also incredibly exciting.

“I appreciated the emphasis on female empowerment that resonated throughout the production, creating a positive and inclusive environment on set.

“The creative synergy and dedication to crafting something extraordinary made the project truly memorable.

“I want to express my gratitude to the entire team for their commitment and look forward to future opportunities for collaboration that celebrate both artistic expression and empowerment.”

John said: “Collaborating with the University of Derby’s Film students and graduates on Remember Monday’s music video was a refreshing and inspiring experience.

“Their creativity, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives brought a unique energy to the project, reminding me of the raw passion that drives the filmmaking process.

“It’s invigorating to see such talent and dedication in the next generation of filmmakers.”

To watch the music video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1FM8lx9Nek