Preston university graduate wins Royal Television Society award for documentary

A graduate from the University of Central Lancashire has won a Royal Television Society (RTS) award.

Grace Nixon scooped the Best Factual – Long Form trophy at the North West Student Awards for her documentary on Woodlands Animal Sanctuary.

The 22-year-old graduated from the media and television production degree course last summer.

She said: “I was so shocked when I found out I had won, I was genuinely just happy to have been nominated as it was still such a massive achievement to have been shortlisted for the award.

“So, when I heard my name called out it came as a complete shock, and I hadn’t prepared a speech or anything.”

Grace spent over a year producing, filming and editing the 20-minute documentary. She spent weeks observing the animals and learning about the Holmeswood-based charity.

Grace added: “During filming, I had set up a cat cam for the pregnant cat Lacy, and I ended up monitoring the cat cam over many nights as she was getting towards the end of her pregnancy. This was all so that I didn’t miss her birth.

“Throughout this process, I got to meet and work with so many wonderful people that work and volunteer at Woodlands, and I am truly so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to showcase all the amazing work they do for not only the animals but also the community around this sanctuary.”

Grace built up her portfolio by filming theatre shows performed by the university’s musical theatre and drama courses and working as a producer for a TV show series called In Focus, which was broadcast on Sky.

She now produces and shoots content as a digital marketing assistant at Masteel and volunteers as a highlights editor for Bury FC’s women’s team.

Grace said: “When I first started my University journey, I was relatively quiet and reserved. However, as I developed my skills and engaged with industry professionals at networking events hosted by the university and working on various projects, I have grown both professionally and personally.

“I now feel confident in my abilities, equipped with the interpersonal and professional skills that will support me in the next stage of my career.”

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