It was lights, camera, action for a group of media students as they got the chance to work on a TV set this week.
The learners from Suffolk New College have been given this opportunity thanks to a link up with Jimmy Doherty and Rock Oyster Media.
Mr Doherty – the owner of Jimmy’s Farm – became an industry partner of the college last year.
Thanks to this agreement, Jimmy and his team give real life opportunities to learners at the college at least three times a year.
As part of this, he is currently filming his latest hit ITV series called Jimmy and Shivi’s Farmhouse Breakfast in Suffolk.
And Jimmy and the production company behind the successful show (Rock Oyster Media) kindly invited students along to some filming days to give them an experience of working on a set.
Ed Curtis, 18, from Ipswich is on a level 3 creative media production course at Suffolk New College. He said: “I’ve been on the set twice. I’ve been a runner – doing everything I’m asked. Making tea, helping create sets and
learning from the crew. You feel part of the team and it’s a good learning experience and you feel like you are contributing. It’s giving me the skills I need to make an impression in industry.”
Damola Odelabu, 20, from Ipswich, is also on the level 3 creative media production course at the college. Damola said: “My eyes were opened by being on set. I didn’t realise how much went into such a big production. I’m hoping to get another opportunity (in the future).”
Abi Finch, 20, from Martlesham is on a level 4 creative media course. Abi said: “I was thrown right into my work experience. It helped me make connections.”
Katy Black is a media lecturer at Suffolk New College. Katy – who won a BAFTA for a film she worked on called ‘Evicted’ said: “Jimmy is one of the industry partners and we met up with him to see how our media students could potentially work with him.
“He mentioned that Rock Oyster Media – a Plymouth based production company – have been commissioned by ITV to make Jimmy and Shivi’s Farmhouse Breakfast.
“We asked if our students can get involved and they have subsequently been across to where the programme is created.
“We are really lucky to be involved and everyone has been very happy with the impression our students have made. It’s been invaluable. Thanks to Jimmy and Rock Oyster Media for this amazing opportunity.”
Neil Edwards, Rock Oyster Media, Executive Producer: “We were delighted to welcome students from Suffolk New College to the set of ‘Jimmy and Shivi’s Farmhouse Breakfast’. Their energy, enthusiasm, commitment and tea-making(!) were impressive and very much appreciated. We hope they found the experience illuminating and inspiring and wish them the brightest of futures.”
Jimmy Doherty said on the partnership: “Working with Suffolk New College means we can inspire the next generation of creative talent and give them real opportunities to learn from professionals. It’s fantastic to see the students getting stuck in and building the skills and confidence they’ll need for their future careers.”
Other opportunities coming up for Suffolk New College students include a micro-drama with the police, brand photography and a documentary about the college basketball team called The Ramsproject – and they are about to do a big podcasting series related to the challenges facing young men.
And last year, the college launched a new level 4 creative enterprise course aimed at young people looking to launch a business or become self-employed. For more details about this course you can visit www.suffolk.ac.uk
Jimmy and Shivi’s Farmhouse Breakfast series 1 and 2 is available on ITVX now. Series 3 will hit your screens in 2026 – www.itv.com