UCLan student’s rail safety film script is just the ticket for Northern

15 December 2016

Jamie writes script for safety film to be shown across the north of England

A rail safety film script written by a University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) screenwriting student and produced by train company Northern will potentially be seen by millions.

Jamie Kehoe is the winner of an annual competition run by UCLan’s screenwriting course in partnership with Northern that invites students to pitch their safety film script ideas to the company.  The 21-year-old’s script, entitled ‘legless’, impressed Northern bosses and will now be made into a two-minute film to be shared on the company’s website and shown at railway stations across the north of England.

Jamie’s script focuses on the dangers of drinking at train stations and the devastating consequences it can have.  In the New Year he will meet with a production company to storyboard the film and be on set for filming.

"Not only am I really happy to be chosen and get my work out there to such a wide audience, but hopefully the film will resonate with people and make them think twice and putting themselves in danger on the train and in railway stations."

Jamie said: “I am very happy to win this award and very grateful as I know the standards set by the other students is so high.

“Not only am I really happy to be chosen and get my work out there to such a wide audience, but hopefully the film will resonate with people and make them think twice and putting themselves in danger on the train and in railway stations.”

Jamie and two runners up in the competition, John Collins and Matt Moody, were presented with free train passes for Northern.

Presenting the awards, David Wilkinson, Community Safety Manager at Northern, said: “Once again this unique partnership has delivered a rich student experience and given us a really useful tool in our campaign for rail safety.”

It is the seventh year in a row that Northern, which is part of the Arriva group, has worked with UCLan screenwriting students to produce safety films that promote key messages.  Previous winning pitches have addressed trespassing on the tracks, fare evasion and drinking alcohol on the train.

Jamie Kehoe, winner of the screenwriting competition
Jamie Kehoe, winner of the screenwriting competition