Deadline Digital was invited to take centre stage at Barnsley’s first-ever Digital Symposium, joining leading industry innovators to help inspire the next generation of digital talent.
The two-day event, held on 4 and 5 December across DMC01, Barnsley Civic and Barnsley College’s SciTech Centre, brought together more than 400 college students for hands-on experiences of the technology, skills and careers driving the region’s growing digital ambition.
Representing Deadline Digital, Managing Director Geoff Fox and Head of Content Tom Johnstone delivered a keynote talk which explored the company’s roots, its mission to tell powerful human stories through film, and the real opportunities available for young people who want to build a career in video production and what they can do to make it happen.
Their session gave students an insight into working in a fast-paced creative environment – from filming on location in hospitals and schools to editing compelling content for national audiences.
Alongside Deadline Digital, students heard from major national and international organisations including Microsoft, HSBC and global games development studio PitStop Productions, offering diverse perspectives on the future of digital work – from AI and finance technology to audio engineering, game design and beyond.
Following the keynote, students had the chance to dive straight into video production themselves during an interactive workshop led by Deadline Digital’s Toby Gavelle and Sam Johnston. In less than an hour, the pair demonstrated how to set up and lead a video interview, shoot b-roll and rapidly edit it into a short piece of content.
The session provided students with hands-on experience with professional equipment, and the chance to see how an idea can transform into a piece of content within a short time frame.
“It was fantastic to see how much passion there is for video production across the cohort. Despite only having two one-hour sessions to work with them, it was clear that they were engaged and genuinely interested in a career in the creative industries. Not only that but we took a lot away from their questions and comments as well, I look forward to returning next year!”
Toby Gavelle – Senior Video Journalist, Deadline Digital
The Digital Symposium forms a key part of Barnsley’s wider ambition to grow a thriving digital economy – one that creates real opportunities for local young people and unlocks the potential of creative industries across the borough.
With such a positive response from students and employers alike, the event is set to return next year, continuing to build valuable connections between education and industry – and strengthening the pipeline of home-grown talent that will shape Barnsley’s digital future.
“We were delighted to be invited to take part in Barnsley’s inaugural Digital Symposium. I’m Barnsley born-and-bred, and studied for my A Levels at Barnsley College. If you’d told me 30 years ago I’d be back here delivering a talk designed to inspire the next generation of creatives, I’m not sure I’d have believed you.
I hope hearing stories from people such as Tom and myself about how to get into, and survive in this industry has enabled some of those who attended to picture themselves choosing a career in this sector.
Barnsley is teeming with potential and as a town, it has some huge ambitions which is fantastic to see. Who knows where content creation will go over the next decade, but if these students were anything to go by, it’s in safe hands!”
Geoff Fox – MD, Deadline Digital
