Funded by Anglian Community Trust (ACT), The Slip is a four-part drama series starring members of Underdog Crew Studios. Exploring real challenges faced by young people, including mental health, social exclusion and peer pressure, the series highlights the importance of friendship, belonging and resilience. Through hands-on filmmaking workshops, our members worked alongside industry professionals, gaining valuable experience in acting, production and storytelling. The project showcases the power of creative filmmaking to build confidence, develop skills and give young people a voice.

Woody’s World is an ambitious eight-month puppetry and filmmaking project by Underdog Crew Studios, bringing together over 50 young people to explore creativity, storytelling and practical production skills. Through more than 300 hours of learning, participants created over 30 puppets, built sets and developed their own studio cinema. The project culminated in a filmed pilot episode, showcasing the incredible talent and imagination of our members while building confidence, teamwork and valuable creative industry skills.

Funded by Colchester City Council’s City of Sanctuary Grant, Boys to Men is a 16-week programme supporting asylum seekers and newly granted refugees to build confidence, develop practical skills and connect with their local community. Through creative workshops, digital skills training, IT support and mentoring, participants gain valuable experience while overcoming language, cultural and social barriers. The project provides a safe, inclusive environment that encourages personal growth, independence and pathways into further education, training and employment.

Funded by Essex County Council’s Arts & Cultural Fund, Fools Gold is an ambitious zombie-pirate music video created with the band Forest of Fools. Filmed aboard a historic barge in Essex, the project gave six young people the opportunity to work alongside professional filmmakers, actors and production crews. From special effects and costume design to hands-on filming, participants gained valuable industry experience, developed their confidence and explored their creative talents. The project showcases how filmmaking can open doors for young people facing barriers to opportunity.

Morris Men is an independent, crowdfunded film directed by Underdog Crew Studios founder Dom Morgan, bringing his passion for storytelling and filmmaking to life. The production provided studio members with a unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience, working alongside experienced filmmakers in lighting, sound, camera operation and production. Through hands-on involvement in a professional film set, participants developed practical skills, built confidence and gained valuable insight into the creative industries, demonstrating how independent filmmaking can create meaningful opportunities for aspiring young creatives.