Creative Freshers' Week video earns DMU student national award


An imaginative video summarising Freshers’ Week has earned a national award for a Media Production student at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

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At Bruntingthorpe Race Track filming DMU Racing in Formula Student

Domonic Whiting’s video was highly commended at the National Student Television Association (NaSTA)’s awards in the Best Video to Music category.

Just over four minutes long, the video shows highlights from De Montfort Student Union (DSU)'s Freshers’ Week in 2015 - including the Freshers’ Ball, Injunction opening and Freshers’ Festival – and is being shown to new DMU students during their matriculation ceremonies this week.

The 21-year-old said: “I was in two minds about doing the video in the first place in terms of juggling lots of other commitments, but I’m so glad that I did it in the end.

“When my name was called at the awards my friends were cheering loudly and patting me on the back. Walking up on stage felt fantastic!”

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With his NaSTA award and Demon Media colleagues

The opportunity to produce the video for DSU came about through Dom’s involvement with Demon Media, DMU’s multiple award-winning student-led media group.

Demon Media gives students the chance to develop their media skills in TV, radio, online and print, and consists of The Demon newspaper, Demon Online, Demon TV and Demon FM, which broadcasts throughout Leicester on a community license.

Dom joined the Demon TV team as soon as he started DMU two years ago. As Head of Volunteering in his first year, he took on a variety of projects making a good first impression.

He was promoted to Head of Entertainment last year which enabled him to create comedy panel shows and sitcoms, as well as to get involved with Demon FM and The Demon newspaper.

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Working the crowd at a DMU Open Day

Now a Demon Media Representative, Dom said: “Being part of the Demon Media management team has literally been the best part of my time at DMU.

“Not only has it earned me a national award, it has given me lots of opportunities, knowledge and skills.

“Thanks to everything I’ve learned, I’ve also been able to help with organising Freshers’ Week this year, which has been great!”

In addition, Dom has also been recognised with three Demon Media Awards this year for his work behind the camera, across different projects and for his contribution towards election coverage.

Demon Media has enjoyed continued success this year, with a second highly commended award in the NaSTA’s Best Ident category and a Lifetime Achievement Award at Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival Awards.

Starting his final year at DMU, Dom said: “Demon Media is a massive part of my student life and just as valuable as my course.

“The best part is that I get to put into practice everything I’m learning in Media Production, working to live briefs and broadcasting to real audiences.”

Posted on Tuesday 27 September 2016

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