Alumni and students from our BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production degree have collaborated with Hartlepool Marina on a promotional video that brings the vibrant heart of the North East’s water sports community to life, highlighting the power of the sea to connect, inspire, and uplift.

‘Everybody’s Welcome’ celebrates Hartlepool’s vibrant maritime community, which welcomes everyone with open arms. A place where water-goers come together to enjoy the beauty of the sea, connect with nature, and share moments with friends old and new. Featuring the uplifting vocals of Reena Lavetti, this video captures the essence of the on-water lifestyle – inspired by the elements of mother nature and the benefits of vitamin sea – and welcomes everybody to enjoy the outdoors, and be part of a passionate community, driven by a love for the water.

Produced in collaboration with talented students from The Northern School of Art, the video is a joyful celebration of the many ways people across Hartlepool and the wider North East region are embracing water-based activities from paddle boarding and jet skiing to sailing, to boost physical health, forge friendships, and support mental wellbeing.

“This video is a love letter to Hartlepool’s waterside community,” said Alan Henderson, Director of Hartlepool Marina. “It shows what we already know — that time spent on or near the water can change lives. It brings people together, gets them active, and gives everyone a sense of freedom and peace.”

The film was created by a crew of The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production students, alumni and staff.  It was directed by Samuel Burt, with camera operation from fellow alumni Rory Norton, Cait Byers and Matt Bland and current students Max Ferguson and  Stuart Hunter, with technical support from staff member Lee Charnley.

Samuel Burt, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production degree in 2022 said he got involved with the project through his connections at the School. He said “Hutch, our BA (Hons) Film lecturer reached out and brought me back into the fold. Being back in Hartlepool, working alongside the School again, was brilliant. Staff like Lee Charnley are packed with knowledge – boatloads. Just being around them reminds you how much more there is to learn, like new gear that’s coming out, techniques, and niche tips.”

Speaking of working on the project he added, “The ‘Everybody’s Welcome’ project was the vision of the Marina family. They wanted a flagship video that captured the spirit of Hartlepool Marina, a place where adventure meets community. Allan, the boss, showed us a video set to Vanessa Amorosi’s ‘Absolutely Everybody’, which he was fond of. We set out to bottle the same energy that video evoked: sunshine, smiling faces, people waving, fun, etc.

“On the shoot day, we had a large team with five cameras, four GoPros, and two drones. The marina had assembled a full-on ‘armada’ of boats, jet skis, paddle boarders and more. It was our job to capture it from every angle, to do justice to the excitement on the water.”

Reflecting on working with the two students that made up part of the crew he commented, “Working with them felt no different than working with any other seasoned professional. They knew their kit inside out and had the eye of an eagle for detail. Together, we created a film that captures the joy, freedom, and family spirit of the marina. A video that doesn’t just show what’s there, but invites you in. It waves you over like an old friend and says: Come on in, the water’s fine.”

Student Stuart Hunter said, “The Northern School of Art offers a chance to fully engage with the people, businesses and opportunities around Hartlepool and the Hartlepool Marina project was a wonderful example of this. Allowing our crew the incredible chance of getting out on the water, dealing with amazing clients to collaborate and share the creative drive to celebrate the area while honing our craft. This experience will live long in my memory for all the right reasons. I’m very grateful to the Northern School of Art and Hartlepool Marina for making this happen.”

Max Ferguson reflected, “It was great fun and very impressive how many people got together to make it happen.”

The film is the centrepiece of Hartlepool Marina’s ‘Making Waves for Wellbeing’, an ongoing campaign, which aligns with national awareness days like World Aquatics Day (early July) and International Self-Care Day (24 July). These dates spotlight how activities such as paddle-boarding and group water sports can play a crucial role in enhancing mental health and community connection. The project brought together volunteers, young and old, all giving their time freely to share their skills, energy, and love for Hartlepool’s waters. It’s a living testament to the area’s spirit — resilient, welcoming, and full of life.

Further information about The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Film, Television & Theatre Production degree course is available HERE