Media and performing arts students at West Nottinghamshire College have been given a unique opportunity to work alongside industry professionals on a powerful new film project tackling the dangers of online radicalisation.
Godolphin Communications' Giles Bancroft and Rob Gould (front) with students who were involved with the film.
When representatives from Godolphin Communications first visited the college in December 2025, they introduced students to an ambitious project designed to challenge violent extremism, build resilience, and raise awareness of how harmful ideologies form, spread and influence individuals – particularly young people.
In March, the college’s creative arts department welcomed back Giles Bancroft and Rob Gould from Godolphin Communications to begin filming the professionally supported production, which is being delivered in partnership with Mansfield District Council and Ashfield District Council. The project has received funding approval through the Home Office and is supported by the local Prevent teams.
One of the scenes of the film in the college's courtyard diner at the Derby Road campus.
The short film focuses on the story of Frank, a young man who becomes drawn into far-right extremism through online manipulation. His growing radicalisation begins to fracture friendships and damage the lives of those around him, highlighting the personal and social consequences of extremist influence.
Rather than simply observing, students are involved at every stage of the filmmaking process, including acting and performance, camera operation and filming, sound and lighting and script development and pre-production planning.
Following the initial December session when groups met Giles and Rob from Godolphin Communications, students selected their preferred production roles. Acting students submitted audition tapes, which were reviewed by the production team before final casting decisions were made.
Media students took on key technical roles including camera operation and clapper loading, while hair and beauty students supported the production with professional make-up services. Others captured behind-the-scenes content, documenting the journey from concept to screen.
Rob Gould from Godolphin Communications filming students on location,
The script itself has been a collaborative effort. While the project was commissioned to focus on the specific threat of online radicalisation by far-right extremists, students have played a central role in shaping the dialogue, tone and authenticity of the story to ensure it reflects the realities, language and experiences of young people in Nottinghamshire today.
Students taking the main parts are Aayla Boughton – playing the part of Ellie, Luca Turner played Nav, Ethan Gascoigne played the character Tom, Leo Hoare took the role of James and the main role – Frank – was played by Liam Hardy.
Filming took place over three days across the college’s Derby Road campus and in local Mansfield locations, using real environments to ground the story in the community it represents. The film is expected to be shared with the councils after Easter, with a local launch event supported by the councils and the college taking place in the coming weeks.
Filming scenes at Mansfield's Smith Street Social Club.
Giles Bancroft of Godolphin Communications feels that the collaboration has been integral to the film’s development.
He said: “Since first meeting the students we’ve worked closely with them to develop the storyline and shape the production. The project was commissioned to highlight the threat of online radicalisation and manipulation by far-right extremists. We presented initial ideas, but the students have developed those ideas, helped craft the dialogue and brought authenticity to the story.
“It’s been vital that the film reflects the local area and the age group it’s aimed at. Radicalisation doesn’t just harm the individual – it damages friendships, families and entire communities. This film shows that impact in a relatable, powerful way.”
The college’s head of creative and digital Kerry Pilcher said: “We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with both Ashfield and Mansfield district councils and the production company on creating what will be a really great resource.
“This type of professional work is so incredibly valuable for our students and something that we pride ourselves on being able to offer students here at West Notts.”
Performing arts student Liam Hardy, who plays the lead role of Frank, said: Playing the role of Frank was extremely exciting for me. From auditioning for the role, to getting it, to playing the role was such an amazing and unique journey.
“Frank was a very personal character for me to play as I am also based in Mansfield and I do see people being influenced into the wrong groups every day and it’s very upsetting. It’s also greatly improved my skills as an actor, such as acting in front of a camera which is very different from acting in front of an audience.
“I do hope that people who watch this short film learn about what goes on around them every day and become more aware of the dangers that these extremist groups bring to our towns and cities. I hope people are more careful out there in the world as it’s a scary place."
Luca Turner playing the part of Nav with Ethan Gascoigne as Tom.
The finished film will support the Prevent campaign locally, with partners exploring opportunities for wider educational use. Beyond its powerful message, the project represents a significant professional development opportunity for students – giving them hands-on industry experience, insight into socially responsible storytelling, and the chance to create work with genuine community impact.
Cllr Angie Jackson, Joint Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing Health and Safer Communities at Mansfield District Council, said: “We are delighted to support this film. This kind of work, to spell out the dangers of radicalisation and extremism to young people, has never been more prescient in these troubled times and with the rising influence of social media and AI.
“The way this film is being put together so that local students are benefiting from professional work experience, too, aligns with so many council priorities on providing opportunities for local people to acquire the skills to be ambitious and fulfil their potential. We cannot wait to see the final result of this impressive project.”
Cllr John Wilmott, Executive Lead Member for Crime Reduction and Community Safety at Ashfield District Council said: "We are very proud to support this project that aligns with our joint efforts to prevent radicalisation here in Ashfield, and our wider communities.
“This project has given the students valuable real-life experience and we have gained an impactful resource that we can share to educate our residents about extremism. It's a fantastic video and we will be delighted to launch it alongside Mansfield District Council and West Nottinghamshire College."
This is more than a student film. It is a collaboration rooted in purpose, voice and social responsibility and a testament to what can be achieved when education, industry and local authorities work together.