Inside KFE4Skills – Digital Video Production

7 July 2025

We went behind the scenes of the KFE4Skills Digital Video Production Finals, to learn more, and to see what student Dylan had to do to prepare.

KFE4Skills is an exciting contest between students and apprentices from across East Kent Colleges Group, MidKent College and North Kent College.

Over three days, participants showcase their skills in the commercial industries, creative industries and the automotive and trade industries.

The Digital Video Production finals saw Level 3 Creative Media learner, Dylan, secure a Silver Medal for his film inspired by COVID and lockdown.

We went behind the scenes of the competition to learn more about these finals, and what Dylan had to do to prepare.

‘Pre-Production’ – Before KFE4Skills

With KFE4Skills in sight, Dylan and the rest of the Creative Media department were tasked with creating a fully edited documentary. It was up to each learner or group to choose their own topic.

The documentary had to be under two minutes, and all the content had to be created for this project.

Dylan decided to make a documentary about his personal experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, and once it was complete, it was presented to the class. All the documentaries were voted on by the class as a collective, with Dylan being selected as the winner. He was then put forward for the KFE4Skills Finals to compete against the best that the other Colleges had to offer.

Speaking about this, Dylan said:

“Being selected by a class vote was a great feeling. I was praised on my documentary’s structure, which was also something to be proud of.

“KFE4Skills is a great opportunity and experience to be part of.

“Any opportunities given to me, I take on and all of them have helped me.”

‘Production’ – The day of KFE4Skills

The Digital Video Production Finals took place on Tuesday 4 March at MidKent College’s Gillingham campus, alongside the other KFE4Skills Creative finals.

The day-long contest saw Dylan using his skills alongside 14 other students. He was tasked with editing together his film’s trailer, in addition to presenting his film to external judges, all of whom were industry professionals. 

He was judged on his skills in editing and production, in addition to his directorial skills, which were shown as a result of the finished film.

Accompanying him to Gillingham was Jez Giddings, Head of our Art and Media department, who said during the finals:

“Dylan has displayed a wide range of production skills. He has been on a great journey which started with studying in Junior College, where he developed his creative interests and achieved a Distinction in his Creative Diploma.

“These opportunities for our students to get out of their home Colleges and their comfort zones, to compete against other young people, are so important for both raising aspirations and developing resilience and confidence.  

“Dylan is learning the essential skills that young people need to be successful and gain top jobs in the media industries.” 

For Dylan, his confidence in scripting and ideation has helped as a result of this contest:

“With scripting especially, I struggle to find themes. I always think about what has personally impacted me and I instantly thought of the lockdown.

“Everyone in the College wants me to succeed in life and has been very supportive of my work.” 

‘Post-Production’ – after KFE4Skills

Dylan enjoyed the experience overall and had a great day. He really enjoyed the independent nature of the contest, as he was trusted to work on the brief and have full ownership of the project.

“The day has given me experience on editing and I’ve gained insights by talking to people around the room.

“It’s been really helpful to see how other people work, as well as having that chance to compare my workflows and to learn about different creative approaches.”

Thanks to the contest, where he won a Silver Medal, he’s also looking forward to his next opportunities and using experiences like this one to enhance his career goals.

“My plan now is to go into wedding photography, rather than video production. However, because of the nature of the creative industry, it’s always very interesting to broaden my horizons and get experience wherever I can.”