Three Marjon students have been nominated for an RTS Devon and Cornwall student Journalism award.
Christine Edwards and Lizzy Paige are nominated for their TV package “Fire Dojo”, and Isobella-Skye Taylor for her work on Plymouth’s Reclaim the Night campaign. The winner will be announced on March 13 at a ceremony held at Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre, hosted by BBC Spotlight presenter Victoria Graham.
Lizzy and Christine’s story is about the unique talent of fire throwing, a type of dance that incorporates moving meditation with the addition of flames. Christine said: “I’m a keen fan of street art in Plymouth which led me to research the topic and reach out to the dojo. The dances are something really different, really colourful and exciting.”
Both say the story introduced unfamiliar challenges, such as filming in the dark as well as the safety concerns that came with being so close to fire – both to themselves and their camera equipment.
“Filming at night along with the lighting of the fire, visual continuity and the safety aspects were our main concerns,” Lizzy explained. “We got striking footage for the RTS submission, but there was a risk of fire damaging our kit.”
Both Lizzy and Christine were satisfied with their project, saying the experience was worthwhile and fun. Christine said that she “had a great time taking part, even if I singed my eyebrows a little”.
Isobella’s audiovisual piece “Reclaim the Night” covers the after-dark protest march across Plymouth’s city centre. Working by herself, Isobella said approaching it was daunting, but her personal passion for the topic made her want to get the message out there.
The Reclaim the Night campaign hosts yearly organised marches at night, protesting violence against women and girls. This year saw hundreds of men, women, and children attend, along with several city councillors and MPs from the Devon and Cornwall area.
“I did it by myself, setting up the interviews, the editing, as a little solo project, which was terrifying,” said Isobella. “I’ve always had a passion speaking against violence against woman and girls. It’s an epidemic.”
Isobella found it immensely rewarding but not without its challenges; distancing herself from a cause she strongly relates to. She said: “You’re not there to march, you’re there to show the march. Getting nominated for an RTS award with a piece about something that I’m passionate about is exactly why we do it; getting that story heard by as many people as possible.”