Aspiring young video producers and media makers can now get hands-on experience at a newly opened content studio in Southall.
It is based at Open Havelock, a project on the Havelock estate in Southall, which has turned neglected spaces into vibrant places where community-focused organisations help residents to connect with one another.
Respect the Studio, is the latest business to lease a space there. It is a video production company that specialises in social media shoots and management, music videos, events, and documentaries. Through its new studio space at Open Havelock, it is helping to inspire local young people through creativity and skill-building, including offering hands-on experience in video production
Why Open Havelock?
Samuel Durrant is Respect the Studio’s director. He said: “I grew up on the estate. I have moved elsewhere, but I saw the estate changing. I looked into the spaces, which are like pods or small suites, and in the beginning of this year I created a content studio out of one of them. Every week we have young people aged 16 to 21 coming here to learn how to use the equipment to create content.”
Set up as a production studio, the space is fully-equipped with lighting, cameras, tripods, stabilisers, and wireless microphones. It can even accommodate professional podcasts.
Creating opportunities
Samuel added: “When I was growing up, the estate wasn’t a very nice area and there wasn’t much to do. A lot of people went down bad paths, and some even ended up in prison. I wanted to create a safe space for young people to come, learn, create, and connect. I want to give them a boost and skills for when they go out in the world. I think it’s important to give back to the area where I was raised.”
The popular studio is free to use for 16-21 year olds who live in Southall, and so far has helped musicians, hairdressers, barbers, content creators, and brand owners to create content.
Warimi Karogo is a local content creator who recently used the space for a photo shoot.
She said: “I had such an amazing time. Samuel was extremely professional and courteous. I left the photo shoot with great content as well as a clearer path on how to network with other creatives in London.”
Making life better for our residents
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “The Open Havelock project is an excellent example of the council and its partners coming together to make life better for our residents. We’ve already delivered some outstanding facilities for local people to exercise, learn and socialise in.
“In our council plan we promised to enable more small and medium sized businesses to start up in our borough by securing more affordable workspace. It’s great to see that Open Havelock is home to a local business inspiring young people through creativity and skill-building.”
If you live in Southall and want to learn more about video production, contact Respect the Studio to book a free slot. Free content creating sessions are also available once a month for creatives of any age and from any location.
Want to make a difference to the local community?
Spaces at Open Havelock are available to hire at affordable, low-cost rates on both a regular or one-off basis.
If you have a businesses or project with a community focus and you want to hire a space on the Havelock estate, email junior.cheeseman@peabody.org.uk.
