Last Wednesday, 27th May, Matt Hackney proudly represented Inspired Film & Video at The Big Portfolio event, hosted at the University of Staffordshire for students studying Creative Media.

Organised by Dave Powell and the team at Thrive – The Brand and Demand Agency, the event brought together industry professionals and aspiring creatives for an evening of networking, portfolio reviews, and honest conversations about working within the creative industries.

For Inspired Film & Video, it was an opportunity not only to support emerging talent but also to share real-world experience from within the film, photography, and corporate production industry.

From Freelancer to Leading Creative Projects

During the event, Matt spoke to students about his own journey through the industry from working as a freelance Camera Assistant to becoming a key creative producer at Inspired Film & Video, where he now heads up photography within the business.

Sharing experiences like these gives students valuable insight into the realities of creative careers: the challenges, the opportunities, and the importance of building both technical skills and professional relationships.

Matt explained that success in the creative sector often comes from consistency, determination, and a willingness to keep learning.

“It was great to see the students’ passion and determination to secure a job within the creative industry. In a profession that is usually not seen as a career, seeing future creatives thriving and being able to offer advice that I wish I knew when at university was great.

The main thing is making sure you work hard, network, and be a generally positive person, that will get you a long way.

Events like this are great for students and businesses alike.”

Why Events Like This Matter

At Inspired Film & Video, collaboration and storytelling are at the heart of everything we do. Events such as The Big Portfolio are important because they help bridge the gap between education and industry, giving students confidence while helping businesses connect with the next generation of creative talent.

The evening highlighted several things that stood out:

• The passion and enthusiasm students already have for creative work
• The drive many graduates possess to secure careers within the industry
• The value of networking and real-world feedback
• The importance of supporting creative education and future talent

For businesses looking to invest in corporate video production or professional photography, events like these also demonstrate the value of working with creatives who are passionate about their craft and constantly evolving within the industry.

Looking Ahead

Inspired Film & Video is proud to support opportunities that encourage growth within the creative sector. Whether working with businesses to create impactful corporate films and photography, or mentoring future creatives at events like The Big Portfolio, investing in people and storytelling remains central to what we do.

A huge thank you to Dave Powell, Thrive – The Brand and Demand Agency, and the University of Staffordshire for organising such a valuable event.

We look forward to seeing where the next generation of creative talent goes next.