Media and Film

Our Media and Film Production courses are dynamic, highly vocational and student-centred with an emphasis placed on individual learning and exploration. You can expect to learn a variety of filmmaking skills from planning and production, through to post-production, promotion and distribution. You will consider film theory and the contextual elements of film to inform your practical work.

Learn how to experiment, embrace failure as part of the creative process, learn what you are passionate about, and develop that in a direction of your choosing.

You will be taught by highly experienced and qualified tutors, including one who owns his own production company. There will also be opportunities to work on music or performing arts shows, as well as external clients. In the past, this has included the NHS, Cumbria Police, and the Victorian Candle Company.

College 16 - 18 Adults 19+

Darren Horne

Film Production Tutor

Darren is an award-winning filmmaker and author, who has a range of experiences, from managing an independent cinema, to owning a mixed martial arts studio. His current side project is co-host of the film podcast Movies in a Nutshell. Whilst his passion is film, he has become far more interested in the power of storytelling as a tool for influence, leadership, and wellbeing. He believes art is magic, and that manipulating words, symbols, sounds, and images, makes artists modern day illusionists, alchemists, and magicians. Unsurprisingly, with this power comes great responsibility. As artists we can impact society, the eco system around us, and even people’s consciousness. He has studied leadership at post graduate level at University of Queensland, and M.I.T, has a Masters Degree in Media Futures from UCLAN, and a 1st Class Honours Degree in Photo media and Design Communication from University of Plymouth.

Peadar Sweeney

Level 3 Film Tutor

With over 15 years of experience in the film industry, I am a seasoned producer and lecturer. I run Eden Film with my wife Deborah, a production company known for producing award-winning short films for both the private and public sectors. As a film lecturer in further education, I share my knowledge and passion for the art of filmmaking with students. I bring a wealth of experience to every project, having produced work for clients ranging from private corporations to public organizations. My expertise in camera and lighting techniques, as well as cross-platform editing, allows me to create high-quality films that meet the needs of a diverse range of clients. I have an in-depth understanding of the Adobe Creative Suite, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro X, ensuring that every project I produce is polished and professional. With a talent for bringing together a team of talented freelancers, I have a proven track record of delivering results. Whether I'm producing a film for a private corporation or a public organization, I always strive to tell meaningful stories and create visually stunning films. I am always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow as a filmmaker. Let's connect and see how we can work together

Alex Herring

Course Leader and Lecturer in Film Production

I’ve been working in Further Education since 2021, beginning as a Technician at Carlisle College. This role led to my progression to Instructor and Technician, where I trained for staff and student inductions in my main area of study: technical media and knowledge application, before becoming a full time Media lecturer in 2025. As a self-employed filmmaker based in Cumbria, I’ve worked with local and national companies as well as independent and district schools to produce promotional films, documentaries and educational videos for online classes and post-production services. I regularly use software such as DaVinci Resolve Studio, Fusion Studio, Apple Creator Studio, Affinity Studio and Adobe Creative Cloud, and apply my knowledge to impact and develop student learning. This includes making them aware of industry standards, workflows and the latest developments within the industry. My qualifications include a PGCE, a Degree in Film and Television and a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology. I also hold certificates in DaVinci Resolve Studio, including ‘Advanced Editing Certified End User’ and ‘Colour Correction Certified End User, along with a TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Self-harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention.

Adam Megson

Music/Media/Performing Arts Technician Instructor

I am a Technician for Music, Media and Performing Arts, alongside continuing to work professionally within the creative industries across the North of England. I have over six years of experience as a Live Sound Engineer, having gained my BA (Hons) in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cumbria. Alongside my role within education, I have worked as a freelance technician for approximately five years. This combination of professional industry experience and education allows me to bring current, practical knowledge into the classroom and provide students with an insight into the realities of working within the creative industries. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge, skills and experience with our students, helping to develop the next generation of technicians and creative professionals. I particularly enjoy demonstrating how the skills developed across Music, Media and Performing Arts can be applied across different disciplines and professional environments. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is watching students take ownership of their projects, develop their confidence and grow as creative practitioners. I also enjoy seeing the different courses collaborate and work together, allowing students to learn from one another and develop their skills through real-world creative projects. Working alongside students is also an opportunity for me to continue learning and developing my own practice. Their creativity, ideas and approaches provide a fresh perspective, helping me to keep my own skills current, relevant and connected to the ever-changing creative industries.