UCA Television Production Students Produce Live Panel with Comedy Legends at Maidstone Studios

UCA Television Production Students Produce Live Panel with Comedy Legends at Maidstone Studios

In October 2025, the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) celebrated a milestone in practical media education. Television Production students from the Maidstone campus produced a live‑recorded panel discussion titled Comedy Relics, inviting some of Britain’s most iconic comedy figures to share insights on the genre’s past, present and future. The event, filmed in Studio 1 of Maidstone Studios, was a testament to UCA’s commitment to bridging classroom learning and industry practice, while emphasising sustainability and professional standards.

Collaborating with Industry Veterans

One of the hallmarks of a good media curriculum is the ability to connect students with leaders in the field. During the making of Comedy Relics, the student teams worked alongside figures such as Ed Bye, Rob Grant and Paul Jackson, each of whom has shaped British television comedy across several decades. Their participation served multiple purposes:

  • Authentic Learning: The guests guided the panel format, offering real‑world perspectives that enriched the script and production design.
  • Networking Opportunities: Students interacted directly with professionals who could offer mentorship, advice or internship offers.
  • Credibility Boost: Having established names on the panel validated the quality of the students’ work, demonstrating that UCA graduates can meet industry expectations.

Student participants noted that this experience moved them beyond theoretical knowledge. One first‑year student, Adam Birtwistle, said, “Working at Maidstone Studios alongside industry mentors gave me a huge confidence boost. It’s shown me that I can do this as a career, not just as a course project.” This sentiment echoes throughout the programme, where real projects replace assignments.

Living the TV Production Experience

From scripting and scheduling to live microphone checks and post‑production editing, the students were responsible for every stage of the broadcast. This end‑to‑end oversight mirrors the workflow found in commercial studios. Key learning outcomes included:

  1. Project Management: Coordinating a live panel required meticulous planning of pre‑shoot rehearsals, timing cues, and contingency routines.
  2. Technical Proficiency: Students operated industry‑grade cameras, lighting rigs and audio consoles, gaining hands‑on exposure to equipment used by professional crews.
  3. Creative Decision‑Making: Choices about framing, editing cuts and sound design were debated and refined in real time, allowing learners to experiment with instant feedback.

These challenges were supported by studio mentors Graham Hutchings and Keith Stewart, who provided constructive critique while the students experimented with different techniques. According to senior lecturer Katarina Sengstaken, “By combining hands‑on production experience with sustainability, students have gained the confidence, resilience, and awareness that today’s media landscape demands.”

In‑Practice Mentoring

Mentoring at UCA is more than a lecture; it is a collaborative partnership. Students were paired with mentors for a minimum of six weeks, culminating in the live broadcast. Mentors not only guided technical execution but also helped shape narrative arcs, ensuring that the panel’s content was engaging for a live audience.

Sustainability on Set: Applying BAFTA Principles

In response to the growing demand for environmentally responsible production, Comedy Relics incorporated the BAFTA Albert Principles. These guidelines help media professionals assess the carbon footprint of their projects and identify actionable mitigation steps. Within the production, students:

  • Designed a low‑energy lighting rig, reducing power consumption by 20% compared to a standard set.
  • Optimised set travel routes to minimise generator use and foster smoother crew rotations.
  • Utilised locally sourced catering to cut down on transport emissions.
  • Produced a post‑production waste‑management plan, ensuring recyclable materials were properly sorted.

Senior Lecturer Sengstaken noted that “students who think critically about greener approaches to media‑making are better prepared to work within the sustainability frameworks required of modern studios.” The integration of environmental stewardship into a live production scenario gives students a competitive edge when employers assess potential hires.

Student Reflections and Career Momentum

Beyond the technical aspects, the event left a lasting impression on students, positioning theatre‐style work as a stepping‑stone for future gigs. In a recent showcase, the students highlighted the following benefits:

  1. Skill Validation: Working with recognizable comedy legends reinforced that their creative output met industry standards.
  2. Publicity: The full recording of Comedy Relics is now available on YouTube, providing a portfolio piece for prospective employers.
  3. Confidence Boost: Many students have cited the event as their “confidence moment,” confirming that they are ready to take on a professional role.
  4. Networking Legacy: Some mentors agreed to remain in contact, offering guidance on internships and job placements after graduation.

Students are encouraged to leverage this experience by sharing their recordings on professional platforms such as LinkedIn and Reelhouse, where industry editors frequently look for fresh talent.

How UCA Prepares You for the Industry

UCA’s Television Production programme is intentionally aligned with the demands of the UK and international broadcasting markets. The curriculum is structured around the following pillars:

  • Applied Learning: Projects such as Comedy Relics replace abstract coursework, exposing students to real‑world challenges.
  • Industry Partnerships: The university maintains close ties with studios, broadcasters and production companies, providing job prospects and real‑time mentorship.
  • Digital Skillsets: Students master editing suites (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer) and post‑production pipelines that are standard in the field.
  • Critical Thinking: The academy encourages reflective practice, ensuring that graduates can diagnose problems and implement solutions swiftly.
  • Professional Networking: Guest seminars, alumni panels and open days foster direct engagement with recruiters.

Graduates are often hired as assistant editors, production assistants or junior camera operators at leading networks, while others continue into directing or scriptwriting roles.

Next Steps for Aspiring Television Producers

Those interested in applying should review the admission requirements carefully, ensuring a strong portfolio that showcases writing, technical skills and an understanding of broadcast ethics. UCA offers a range of support services, including portfolio advice and personal statement workshops, to help candidates present their best selves.

  • Download the course information sheet to understand the curriculum in depth.
  • Visit the apply page to begin the application process and track your progress.
  • Take a virtual tour of Maidstone Studios to visualise your future learning environment.
  • Engage with the UCA community on social platforms such as Instagram and YouTube for real‑time updates.

We invite you to submit your application today and join a cohort that has already proven its capability to deliver professional productions with impact. For more information, book a virtual tour or reach out to our admissions team with any questions.