Former trainee launches freelance business and collaborates on TV series showcasing Rotherham

FROM trainee to TV — a former student who combined his degree with a stint in the creative industries has gone on start his own business, with its first official project putting the “brilliant borough” on the small screen.

Adam Widdowson had been studying a degree in Media, Moving Image and Photography at University Centre Rotherham last year when he applied for the Children’s Capital of Culture traineeship programme, which enables 16-to-25-year-olds in Rotherham to develop their skills in the creative industries.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a six-month paid traineeship at Wentworth Woodhouse building up his digital and film-making skills, completing it during his final semester at university where he achieved a first-class honours.

Adam said: “The whole Children’s Capital of Culture traineeship programme was amazing, and it was fantastic to get the opportunity to work and collaborate with so many other talented young people doing their traineeships in Rotherham.

“I gained so much confidence and a brilliant work ethic through my traineeship, but most importantly, I made connections with people working in the creative sector.

“These connections have been invaluable since setting up my freelance business, Lost Souls Studios, and I’ve managed to secure work through the people I met whilst on the programme.

“There are more creative opportunities than people think in Rotherham, and doing the traineeship has opened up my eyes to all the brilliant creative organisations and people in the borough.

“It has really helped to kick-start my film-making career.”

Adam is currently also working part-time at Wentworth Woodhouse as a digital projects officer — and the Grade I listed country house plays a big part in the upcoming TV series he is working on.

“When I attended the Children’s Capital of Culture Manifesto launch as part of my role, I met Mal (Malcolm J. Hogan) the man behind Granny Norbag,” he explained, “a sketch series that I’m filming, which will be shot across multiple locations in Rotherham including Wentworth Woodhouse.”

Malcolm is the creator and award-winning songwriter behind Granny Norbag — the Yorkshire puppet and star of children’s picture books, music videos, songs, podcasts and theatre shows.

With a little help from Adam and Lost Souls Studios, the singing pensioner will launch her first ever TV series this autumn, showcasing her antics in a ten-part series released exclusively on her YouTube channel.

As well as Wentworth Woodhouse, the show will feature venues including Magna Science Adventure Centre, Clifton Park Museum and Rotherham Civic Theatre.

Granny Norbag, AKA Malcolm, said: “Working with Adam has been a fantastic experience for me.

“He and his team of young folks are using the skills they developed on the Wentworth Woodhouse CCOC programme to produce a fun show that will connect me with my fans.”