Reach Out Studios

27/05/2024

Once you've had a tour of the renovation project at Kings Mill in Bolton 🏢

You’ll immediately begin to appreciate this special building, its vast amounts of space, the possibilities it could open for people, and the tons amounts of value that it's already bringing to the local community.

So much so, that we need boost the general awareness of this place, to the rest of Greater Manchester 👀

Which is why I’m working with Jim Cheetham Potts to produce a characteristic tour video.

That will tell the overarching story of this building, and give you the full lowdown of what you could find here.

It’s a really exciting project to get my teeth into, and I can’t wait to flex my creative muscles on some more architectural content again 🏙️

10/05/2024

Who doesn't like a little team charity car wash fundraiser, when the weather is at its absolute best 🚙 🧼

It was great getting stuck in and helping out the Stanmore Insurance Brokers family this afternoon, to help raise some funds for .charity

In the end, we certainly did scrub a fair few cars 🚘 🚙

02/05/2024

New project alert 🚨 and it's a real privilege to develop this one.

Since it focuses on an invaluable service that's beneficially assisted countless nurseries across the UK.

Plus it was setup by Jackie Hyde, aka my own incredible Mum.

Who I couldn't be more proud of or motivated by 🫶🏻

As she took her idea of dot2dot nursery insurance, and turned into an industry leading specialist.

So I take huge pride in being entrusted to produce these videos for it.

Yesterday, I had a great 1-2-1 meeting with Melanie Taylor at Stanmore Insurance Brokers Ltd, to finally map out the infrastructure of their video strategy, and get these productions fully underway.

There's certainly a fair bit to do now, but I can wait to jump straight into these projects 🎥

26/04/2024

Nothing beats networking with people in person 🫂🗣️

While video calls were all the craze at one point in our lives 💻

Being able to speak to others face to face will always trump it.

The only tricky situation though is when you have two of these events back to back.

Or in my case... one at the end of the day and the other being first thing the following morning.

Both of these however were great.

Last night I caught up with the gang at the Speed Of Sight Charity, to meet their Inspire Club members and see the latest video we've produced together in action.

While this morning, I was back at the Mill in Bolton for their NetworKINGS gathering.

Where I got to mingle with some likeminded individuals, plus have a gluten free bacon buttie 🥪 😅

Each of these event though offered something unique, and I'd easily recommend them.

Particularly if you're looking to meet some friendly business faces.

Never be afraid to network in person, as it's a great way to escape the everyday working routine.

25/04/2024

After such a long wait due to half term.

I finally got to capture this School Street's project at St Peter's 🏫 in Farnworth.

Which is a programme that aims to drastically improve road safety for children, during the hectic drop off and pick up hours of the school day.

And after witnessing the difference it made first hand, I can immediately see why these initiatives are becoming way more popular within the UK.

As they literally create a safe environment for pupils, where they don't have to worry about congestion, parked cars or oncoming traffic.

The overall objective of this project, is to show the positive impact the scheme has made.

So we can encourage more residents, parents or local businesses to volunteer.

Since St Peter's would like to apply the initiative to full school week, but to do this... they're going to need more people to marshal the roads.

The shoot by the way was a complete blast.

Particular when we managed to capture an abundance of content with the kids (who seriously stole the show) the volunteers and some of the parents.

Hopefully after all of the prep work we did, the final edit should be a complete breeze 🌬️ 🖥️ 😅

05/04/2024

When you've got a medical appointment, it's really important that you attend them 🏥

Particularly when it's becoming increasingly harder to schedule them these days.

Due to the ever growing pressures being put on the nhs.uk

So when you hear that there's a great deal of children, who are struggling get to theirs on time.

It makes the whole predicament even more concerning!

Thankfully though, we've got charities like Transport For Sick Children, who are here to assist with this problem 🚕

And I had the great privilege to work with them, to produce a video marketing campaign to promote their solution.

Even if it did have me running around Greater Manchester, in icy conditions like a complete lunatic 🥶 🏃🏻‍♂️ 🎥

Either way, the promotional film that we developed, has truly captured their story, identity and processes perfectly.

Here's hoping that it greatly assists in their drive to secure more voluntary drivers.

Because the work they do is phenomenal 🔥

27/03/2024

Nothing beats a Speed Of Sight Charity track day, at the Three Sisters Circuit .

Although this time, there was a noticeable evolution to our opening of the season.

As both the two new Exocets that were brilliantly built by MEV KIT CARS , were finally allowed to burn some rubber 🛞 🔥

All I can say is the debut of Baxter & Stanton, didn't disappoint.

They certainly lived up to the hype, and after being the first person to film them in action.

You can immediately tell, that these motors are going to be a game changer for the charity 🏁

I'd also just like to say...

Even though the Wigan weather decided to downpour on us for most of the day.

It's never detracted from the content we've produced together.

Because the spirit of my fellow volunteers and the reaction you get from the participants drivers, always shines through.

Whatever elements or predicaments are thrown our way, these track events always offer an abundance of positivity.

So, if you have never had the chance to come to one these yet.

You are seriously missing out on something special ✨

18/03/2024

Well I never thought that I’d ever get the red carpet treatment for a video project.

So when I got an invite from Laura Chidgey & Marie-Anne Eckersall of Transport For Sick Children.

To the official premiere of our promotional content, it made me rather emotional.

Because it highlighted to me that after 7 years of learning how to produce videos effectively.

I must have done quite a decent job for a client to do something like this.

Anyway, the premiere was last week and this was an incredibly memorable day.

As we had the entire case back together, there was a crowd in attendance of volunteer drivers, so it was the proper test screening, and we even had popcorn 🍿

To also get such a positive reception, really showed me that all the research, planning, and hard work, had truly done this project justice.

If what we've produced can encourage just a couple viewers, to become new voluntary drivers.

Although from the positive reception we go from the crowd. I'm more than confident that it's only a matter of time before that happens.

12/03/2024

When I was back in primary school, which was a while ago now 😳

Walking to and from school was a part of my everyday routine, and the roads were relatively calm.

However... if you compare that with what the roads look like these day, during the usual school drop off and pick up times.

The roads can be sheer anarchy, with parents attempting to park their cars wherever they can.

Which is really unsafe for the children who want to actively travel to school.

So where am I going with this.

Well... recently I sat down with Vicki and Chris at St Peter's Primary, to discuss producing a small series of videos to help promote their School Street scheme.

Which aims to improve road safety for children and encourage the them to actively walk, scoot, or bike to school🚶🏻‍♀️ 🛴 🚲

With an overarching goal of developing a pool of volunteers. As they'd really like to expand this remarkable scheme to 5 days a week.

Today was our second meeting to go over drafted script, prepare for next stage of the production and set our filming dates before the next half term.

Which is really exciting, because everything is finally starting to take shape.

Whilst I remember, I must also give a massive thank you to Ian Davies from the Bolton Council. Who has played an instrumental part in getting this project off the ground. So thanks pal.

08/02/2024

I finally got the chance to try out this bad ass clapper board 🎬 on my most recent shoot with Transport For Sick Children.

However I kind of fel that I need to properly pimp it out a bit somehow, to make it a part of my production furniture 🎥

Perhaps I could put a logo/sticker on the bottom right corner of it, to give it some more identity 😁

Any other creative ideas or suggestions on how I could uniquely customise this piece of kit, would be much appreciated? 🎬 💡

29/01/2024

While production days can be long winded, they're completely worth it in the end.

For instance, during this particular day it involved:

- Getting up at 5:00am in the morning on a Monday

- Commuting over 4 hours to get to the venue & back

- Paying an outrageously criminal parking fee of £18 at the NEC.

Getting to witness the car reveals, catch-up with the SOS team for the first time in 2024, and get to produce an entire video series around this incredibly special occasion.

Made all of the hassle completely worth it.

There’s seriously nothing better than capturing a real memorable & emotional moment on film.

Which means just as much to you, as it does to everyone else in attendance.

Because this charity positively impacts so many lives, and the additions of these two new cars... not one.

Will completely revolutionise their seasons going forward.

23/01/2024

Here are a few behind the scenes pics from my first production shoot of 2024, with Transport for Sick Children.

Which involved me running around Greater Manchester in the most glorious of rainy & icy conditions. So we could capture two of their most selfless volunteer drivers 🚕 in action.

Between December to January, I worked with the incredible team of Laura Chidgey and Marie-Anne Eckersall to organise all of this.

And amazingly... on the day of the actual shoot, it all went off without a hitch. With our production schedule working flawlessly.

I was seriously left astounded when we'd finished bang on time in each of our two filming locations.

But that clearly shows why planning beforehand is so important to any projects success!

17/01/2024

While there were many magnificent motors at the NEC Autosport event in Birmingham, that I would’ve loved to have driven off in.

Nothing quite stole the show though more than the reveal of the two new Exercet’s for .

Which were appropriately named Baxter and Stanton, after Mike’s guide dogs.

Originally, there was only supposed to be one of these car’s underneath the covers.

However, the incredible team at ,who orchestrated the entire building process, decided to surprise the SOS team with two of them instead.

Words can’t emphasise what this will enable the charity to do heading into their coming season.

Although the emotions shown by Mike, John, myself and all of the other volunteers in attendance. Will certainly give you a clear indicator as to what it means.

Now bring on the first track day of the year, so I can finally film these beauties in action.

05/12/2023

What a great way to kick off a Tuesday.

This morning I caught-up with Ian Davies from the to learn more about their support projects for 2024.

And all I can say is after we'd finished our discussion.

I was very inspired by what they're trying to do for the local community.

Additionally... we also left with a fair few video ideas.

So all in all, a really productive meeting 👍🏻

01/12/2023

Recently I got to film with Carren Bell at the Lagan's Foundation HQ, where we recorded her personal story of how the charity came to be.

Rather than following a script, this content solely focused on a sequence of laid out questions.

As both myself and Emily Holt knew Carren could speak to the camera in a truly relatable way.

Since she has experienced the same kind of difficulties that other families have been going through.

This approach allows our content to connect more with its targeted audiences, increase general awareness, and encourage more parents to get in touch with this remarkable charity.

As they offer an invaluable support system for children with heart and feeding issues.

11/11/2023

An absolute class afternoon with a gang of mates watching beat 1-0 in the Lion of Vienna Suite 🤩 🏟️ 🔥 ⚽️

This by far was one of the most memorable games of the season so far. Since I got to share it with some great company.

I'm so chuffed that , Bronson & Nathan had a blast 💥 as much as I did 😁

Bring on the next game ⚽️⚡️

01/11/2023

Well the rebranding of Reach Out Studios is fully underway.

However, figuring out where to actually start, slash how to market oneself.

Will probably be one of the biggest conundrums that I have to overcome.

Particularly when self promotion and putting yourself out there, can make me feel a tad uncomfortable at times,

As I tend to struggle with finding the correct words to express myself.

Which on occasion can cause me to overthink things, procrastinate and then not proceed with any of the master plans I’d orchestrated.

Nevertheless, I think I’ve found the perfect solution to get the ball rolling.

Why not start with a social marketing strategy that focuses entirely on positivity.

Not to mention that a majority of the text had already been written for us.

Because it been provided by the wonderful clients that I’ve already produced video with ☺️

The challenge now though, is I've created 8 graphics for them, which in turn will require a further 16 pieces of content and 24 pieces of copy to complete these overarching storylines.

I haven’t really properly thought this through have I 😅

Oh well… I might have got a load of writing to do now, but I guess I can productively use it as a learning curve to practice my style/craft of writing 🧐📝

27/10/2023

Do we need to take a break from the superhero movie genre?

Well.. if you’re a diehard DC or Marvel fan, like I used to be.

This question has been becoming a lot more prominently discussed in 2022/23.

Which is baffling to contemplate when you first hear it being said.

But even I’m finding it hard to disagree now; that after a couple decades of dominating popular culture.

The interest for Superhero movies had seriously declined, because they quite simply don’t feel like major events anymore.

As the studios are focusing more on the quantity of content, rather than its quality.

Take DC’s increased movie schedule in 2023 for instance.

They had four major features slated for this year, and as of writing three of these have now been released worldwide.

However, each of them have critically and financially underperformed at the box-office.

Plus, I haven't even taken into account their marketing budgets.

As these are usually inline with the cost of the movie.

So if this fourth film, an Aquaman sequel that’s had a lot of production controversy behind it; doesn’t turn their fortunes around.

The Warner Bros brand could be on the verge of losing a lot of money.

Marvel meanwhile have been going the extra mile, to drastically bolster their release schedule.

As Disney continues to pile on the pressure and millions of dollars, for them to churn out multiple new shows for their ever growing streaming service. Which severely lacked content when it first launched.

This whole new approach however, is the complete opposite of what the studios was originally used to doing.

Where they would take a steady amount of time between each of their features set release dates.

To carefully insert an interweaving plotline, which would ultimately culminate in some huge blockbuster events, that everyone flocked to see. I.e the Avenger movies.

There’s a reason why these films grossed more than a billion dollars.

But now, by just adding way too much content for their viewer base to consume; instead of finely planning out a structured timeline for their fans to follow.

Disney has completely watered down all of the organic hype & excitement that Marvel had uniquely built up around their franchise.

Anyway, the positive side is they do seem to be learning from these mistakes.

DC are rebooting the entire movie franchise once again with James Gunn at the helm.

And Marvel is now seriously cutting back down on existing/future projects, but this is only because their streaming subscriber count has continued to plummet.

Either way, it looks like they’re finally starting to make the changes the genre drastically needs.

Less is more when it comes to content, but only if you're willing to put the effort/care into your work.

Why do you think the best films, TV series or market campaigns, that set new standards in the industry, take so long to come out?

I will always stand by my quality of quantity value. Cause I’d rather let the work speak for itself.

I hope you enjoyed reading this passionate rant of mine & little insightful delve into my industry.

I certainly plan to post some similar stuff like this down the line.

26/10/2023

Well this caught me by surprise.

Reach Out Studios was recently nominated for "Best Video Production Company" at this years The Talk of Manchester awards 🎥

Thanks for recommending us John Galloway

As someone who's been a solo act from day one. Who was told you couldn't go into media, because of qualifications & learning difficulties.

This gave me some much needed validation for my craft, after what's been a really tough year.

Particularly when I'm listed with a some of the biggest production companies in Manchester like WhatMedia. Who I really look up too.

I might not have any real chance in this, but if you could leave us a vote it be much appreciated.

link below

👇👇👇👇👇

https://www.thetalkofmanchester.co.uk/

The Talk of Manchester

18/10/2023

There’s nothing better than having a productive first meeting in person with a new client.

Particularly when the content I’ll be creating for them will be for another phenomenal charity.

Who certainly do a lot of good for the people of Greater Manchester.

Getting to learn more about the Transport for Sick Children from Marie-Anne and Laura, immediately got my creative gears spinning once again.

Which allowed us to answer some really important questions, map out a few ideas, set some goals and begin to formulate the fine lines of a marketing strategy.

As it is essential to understand what we're creating, while setting the parameters of what you’d like it to achieve.

Speaking to people face to face as well, was so much more refreshing than doing the everyday video meetings that were all a custom too now.

I remember the days when it was cool, well before every other person jumped onto it.

Anyway… I can’t wait to get started on this project fully underway.

17/10/2023

Respite Care is an invaluable asset for people living with life altering conditions.

Particulary when it can enable the others around them to have a much needed break to do other essential tasks

Which is exactly what I got to see first hand, when I spent a morning with a 3 year old lad called Jenson. Who was receiving 2 hours of donated respite care from the wonderful

When I first meet Jensen, you would never really believe that he’s been living with a severe heart defect, known as Tetralogy of Fallot.

Which means, there was an abnormality with his valves and arteries at birth, that can greatly reduce the amount of oxygen that is pumped around his body.

And what was even more heartbreaking to learn. Is to correct these faults; this poor little boy had to have immediate open heart surgery at the age of 6 months old, or he wouldn’t be able to live a normal life.

Additionally, to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Poor Jensen will require regular checkups and procedures way into his adulthood.

So that was certainly a lot to take in whilst talking with his Mum Claire.

However, getting to hear slash witness how Lagan’s have been an incredible support network for their entire family.

Put a massive smile on my face!

I cannot wait to finally share this touching story with you.

This is a project that I’m extremely proud to of produced, for such an incredible charity.

Working with Emily Holt on it as well was an absolute blast.

18/08/2023

Who knew Speed Of Sight Charity had their own version of

Literally... he turned up to kart participants around the Three Sisters Circuit in the pouring rain.

Thank goodness he didn't have any blue shells or banana 🍌 peels at his disposal, whilst we had other instructors out on the track 😅

I wonder how many more reference I could fit into this post.

Regardless, Ralph who is one of Speed of Sights residents stings, decided to come outfitted in a very fetching Super Mario outfit for the recent Charity Family Fun day. That they had been put on thanks to the support of GSF Car Parts

Even though we got absolutely soaked thanks to hour of torrential downpour. We managed to put a lot of smiles, on a lot of faces.

Which Ralph played a massive part in!

10/05/2023

Well that was a very productive first video marketing meeting and hot chocolate break 🎥 ☕️ 🍫

Getting the chance to finally have my first proper catch-up with Emily Holt and our new client Lagan's Foundation , to discuss all things video.

Was just fantastic.

You can certainly tell from this pic, that it couldn't of gone better.

Some great ideas got conceptualised, and the production ball has now officially started to roll.

Which is very exciting indeed.

Carren Bell by the way from Lagan's, gave me the opportunity to produce my first ever succeful charity video campaign; for their fundraising cycle challenge event back in 2018.

And now isn't it amazing that they are a monthly client of ours in 2023.

What a brilliant full circle moment ⭕️🙃

26/02/2023

Well Trac Môn’s Anglesey Circuit / Trac Mônt in Wales certainly blew me away…

And literally I mean that!!!

As while filming this end of racing season video for Speed Of Sight Charity , to summarise their track day, demonstrate what they do, give a retrospective of their last 10 years and set out the charity’s goals for the future.

The ludicrous gale force winds and the over exposed lighting, certainly made the shoot even more interesting… as you’ll see in the video.

Besides these extreme conditions though, putting together this content was a pleasure; because I got work with so many talented people on it.

Which include:

John Galloway, who provided his glamorous acting chops in front of camera

Ben Harper, who gave up his time to assist with filming.

The volunteers who made everything happen.

And not forget the newest member of the Reach Out Studios team…

Lynn Dowdall, who is now our expert copywriter. Which enables us to write the best possible video scripts and posts.

I do hope you enjoy this content, just as much as we enjoyed producing it.

And please watch this space, as we’ve got a lot more to come in 2023.

15/02/2023

When video case studies are done properly...

They can become the perfect piece of evidence to truly demonstrate what your capable of doing for another.

Late last year, I travelled to the glorious, yet very windy Anglesey Circuit in Wales, with my charity partner, Speed Of Sight Charity .

To capture their track day experience from top to bottom, and create a library of content to future market their services.

This case study that we created to tell the story of the day's main guests, Blind Veterans UK ; in my opinion... perfectly epitomises what these track days are all about and what they set out to do.

The entire interview that I had with Karla Rogers, was just pure magic. As you could feel the raw emotion in her voice and truthfully see what the day meant to their organisation.

Which is exactly what I love to see when I'm producing a video. If it does it job, then your going to get a lot of use from it.

07/02/2023

A branding 1 to 1 meeting that I seriously needed. Thanks a lot for listening to me ramble, giving me your expert time and showing me why I need to make some real positive changes. It's much, much appreciated and it was very valuable.

Thanks again & as you say... PEACE ✌🏻

13/12/2022

Time to have a very festive networking session 🎄

It's certainly a nice this December to get out and mingle at Christmas do at the

What a great turnout, plus a brilliantly run event on a Tuesday.

A couple of laughs, getting to see some familiar faces, make new leads and even play a game of bingo.

Thanks for having us Faz Patel 🙌🏻

Looking forward to seeing what you do in 2022 👍🏻

16/11/2022

Looking for a local intern videographer/runner in Manchester to help with a two day shoot at a largely recognised Epxo. If you are looking for some real world experience in production, this is a great opportunity to do just that. Depending on how well the projects goes, this could potentially lead to some other opportunities.

The said individual must be available all day on both Friday 25th and Saturday 26th November. Each day start time is also early doors, since this project has a very tight schedule.

Lunch will be provided on both days, along with respective travel if needed.

On completion of the work, we'd like to professionally credit whoever's been involved and help them reach out to the wider industry.

Applicants must have proven experience of working with camera equipment and evidence of your work must be provided to be considered.

Please do feel free to leave a message on this post, contact the Reach Out Studios FB page or send a direct email to [email protected]

I look forward to hearing from you.

14/08/2022

It’s certainly about time that I put out some appreciation for a particular connection of mine.

Who has truly had my back in 2022, especially when it’s been such a difficult year for me!

So, from the bottom of heart, thank you Mr John Galloway for being such a friendly soul & supportive friend.

If people weren’t aware of you already pal. Hopefully this post will rectify that, as you deserve all the plaudits that are possibly out there.

Since working with John and Speed Of Sight Charity, who have been a Partner of Reach Out Studios for more than four years now.

We’ve produced some incredible videos, changed a lot of lives and built a very strong working relationship together.

John though has recently given up a lot of his own free time for me personally ⏰

To talk, support and professionally refer my services on to others.

Which has really given me the boost in confidence and creative momentum, that I’ve desperately needed for a while.

Even last week, John selflessly gave up most of his day to film a case study with me, that I cannot wait to share.

I couldn’t recommend this guy anymore highly if I tried, and if you’ve not met, connected or stroke up a conversation with this guy yet.

You’re truly missing out on a phenomenal lead, that would do anything to help you out.

There’s also only one particular catchphrase to close out this post like this, which I’m going to borrow from this wise mate of mine.

It’s certainly been emotional. 🥲

Thanks again Mr Galloway 👊🏻

06/07/2022

Happy birthday to the best guy on earth, who's always been there in every walk of life.

I seriously couldn't of asked for a better dad. I'm truly fortunate to have grown up with a role model like you.

While you might be away with Mum celebrating your birthday in Devon this year, without us!

(Lucky bu**er 😅🍀)

I hope you've had a brilliant day, cause you absolutely deserve the best.

Looking forward to when you get home, so I can take my old man out for a deserved celebratory drink 🍹🍺

Love you Pops 💙