University film-makers shortlisted for 2025 Royal Television Society awards

Second-year BA (Hons) Wildlife Media student Megan Richards is shortlisted in the ‘Saving the Planet’ category of the 2025 RTS North East and The Borders awards for her ‘On The Edge: Saving the Iberian Lynx’ film. 

It investigates the elusive and endangered Iberian Lynx in Spain, and saw Megan (pictured, left) travel to the region to film for her project. 

Recent graduate Lauren O’Donnell, 22, of Dunblane, says she’s delighted by the news that her three-minute production ‘Behind the Lens’ is listed in the ‘Factual Short Film’ category. 

Filming close to a local golf course in the Scottish town of Dunblane, ‘Behind the Lens’ is presented by Lauren and is a first-person account of the fieldcraft, ethical considerations and patience required to be successful in capturing footage of wildlife (in this case free-roaming Roe Deer), its unpredictability, behaviour, changing weather conditions and challenges working out on location. 

Lauren (pictured, right) graduated in July 2024 after successfully completing the BA (Hons) Wildlife Media course that is delivered by the Institute of Education, Arts and Society at the University of Cumbria. 

Lauren, who is developing her freelance career, said: “The course has been great in giving me the knowledge, experience and confidence to go out and make my own films and give me the strong foundations I need to build my career. I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted; it is so unexpected, a great surprise.” 

Lecturer Laura Baxter is leader of the BA (Hons) Wildlife Media programme at University of Cumbria. 

She said: “Our students have diverse backgrounds and interest but what unites them all is their wish to give nature a voice and highlight issues in our natural world using their creativity and technical skills. I’m thrilled for not only Lauren and Megan but also the dedicated course team which provides expert mentoring and support like the use of camera, lighting and sound equipment for filming out on location before edits can be done back on campus – all of which enable our students to develop high-level skills and grow as professionals.” 

University of Cumbria students and graduates have a strong tradition of success at these annual awards. 

In 2024, Peter Howarth won the regional ‘Saving the Planet’ award with his ‘Pine Marten’ film whilst Georgia Costin and Abbey Wilkinson’s ‘Tails of Cumbrian Heritage’ that told the story of Cumbria’s native Fell Ponies won the ‘Saving the Planet (undergraduate)’ category of the national 2024 RTS Student Television Awards.  

And in 2023, graduate Alexandros Leontiades won a regional RTS award for his film ‘Fox – Friend or Foe’ which explored views about urban foxes. 

The RTS North East and The Borders Awards 2025 will take place on Saturday 15 February at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.  

The annual industry event recognises the best in programme making and broadcasting industry across the region. Supporting future and emerging talent, the awards also have categories for students. 

WATCH: ‘On The Edge: Saving the Iberian Lynx’ by Megan Richards 

WATCH: ‘Behind the Lens’ by Lauren O’Donnell  

ENDS