Estelle is a current student at the University of Chester, studying Journalism. As part of her Work Based Learning module, Estelle joined the Corporate Communications department to produce a short documentary as part of our World War One Centenary commemorations. Using skills acquired through her course, Estelle produced a short documentary about one the 77 fallen alumni, Frederick Bullough. This week, she tells us more about her time working in the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO)…
“During my Work Based Learning module, it is fair to say I learnt a great deal throughout the five weeks I spent in the DARO. I was lucky enough to take part in and assist with a variety of different tasks. When I first became aware of this placement opportunity, it immediately stood out to me as being not just your typical run-of-the-mill office job, and that has certainly been proven to be the case! I was intrigued and moved by the requirement for the role: to produce a mini film documentary as part of the University’s World War One Centenary commemorations. The advertisement also stated a flair for creativity was needed and, considering myself to be a creative person, I feel that I could not have been more suited to the role – I really enjoyed every minute of creating and editing the film.
“The exact requirements of the film were open to discussion at the beginning, and, through speaking with my supervisor, it was decided that the film should be a two minute piece on the life of Frederick Bullough, one of the 77 men who attended the then Chester College and lost his life in the Great War. My film eventually turned out to be a five minute piece, and I feel that every word spoken (as well as every caption) is relevant. ‘Key framing’ is a skill that I learnt while on placement and is a filming technique used to give still images motion in a film; I attempted to bring Fred’s character to life using this technique and providing key facts as well as interesting information – for example he was a dog lover and enjoyed playing the banjo. 
Before any of this however, I had put together a rough film script with photos, captions, and the voiceover. I took it upon myself to go into the chapel and record the voiceover to accompany the photos when I had the chance, gleaning inspiration from the memorial plaque there, which features the names of the 77 fallen.
“In addition to producing this film, I was also given the opportunity to carry out editorial tasks, such as writing press releases, running the alumni social media accounts and producing content for the different social channels. My colleague, Hayley, oversees the ‘University of Chester in 100 Objects’ [LINK] project, where people nominate an object which reminds them of their time at Chester. I had the chance to submit my own nomination (The Chester Rows). I wrote a blog to accompany this and promoted it on social media. I also got involved with the student newspaper and completed an article to be featured in the September 2018 edition – my first published article!
“All in all, it was a highly rewarding experience. I learnt that no day is the same and each day provides fresh and exciting new challenges. I am grateful to have been part of such a fantastic project, and to have been able to contribute to commemorating the 77 fallen, whose many sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
If you would like to become a guest blogger, we would love to hear from you! Email us at alumni@chester.ac.uk or drop us a message on social media.
