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Radio series with Rodney Appleyard: film guru and host of Colne radio’s 'Saturday night at the movies' podcast. Discussing the current state of British independent film with 'DB' Morgan, associated actors and members of the Underdog crew.
Radio series with Rodney Appleyard: film guru and host of Colne radio’s 'Saturday night at the movies' podcast. Discussing the current state of British independent film with 'DB' Morgan, associated actors and members of the Underdog crew.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW COLNE VALLEY STUDIO
Colchester City Mayor's chosen charity for 2025/26
Who are we and what do we do?
We are EMPOWERING! We are SUPPORTING! We are NURTURING! We are CHANGING LIVES! We are...
Underdog Crew Studios (The Underdog Crew CIC) is a multi-award-winning community studio that harnesses the power of professional filmmaking as a vehicle to inspire, empower, and equip marginalised and at-risk young adults. By embedding industry-standard practice within an accessible and supportive environment, we create pathways into education, employment, and personal growth that might otherwise remain out of reach. Our programmes focus on those most in need, with a strong emphasis on supporting young carers and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Current Underdog Crew Project
Underdog Crew Studios is driving impact through creative projects that put young people in the director’s seat. From short films led by emerging talent to community storytelling workshops and industry-connected mentorships, every initiative amplifies youth voices, builds real-world skills, and sparks meaningful dialogue through film and the arts.
IGNITED BY 'ANGLIAN COMMUNITY TRUST'.
FUELLED BY THE SPIRIT OF COLCHESTER
We deliver:
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Weekly drop-in sessions for our Studio Members, offering continuity, mentoring, and practical creative skills.
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Termly education projects in partnership with local schools, embedding filmmaking and the creative arts within wider learning.
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Life skills programmes for home-educated young people, where professional film practice is combined with confidence-building, teamwork, and transferable skills.
Through this approach, participants not only gain technical and creative expertise but also develop resilience, self-belief, and a sense of belonging. Every project is designed to help young people find their voice, tell their stories, and envision a positive, ambitious future. At its core, Underdog Crew Studios provides a safe, professional, and nurturing space where filmmaking becomes a transformative tool for empowerment and change. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower, support, nurture, and change lives through film.
FEATURED SECTION OF OUR CURRENT NATIONAL
LOTTERY FUNDED 'TEEN VOICES' PROJECT
Our EXCITING 2026 SENtrepreneur
filmmaking project. #movieskills
A unique, and innovative 8-month filmmaking project, bringing our skillsets and multi award winning filmmaking experience to marginalised and at-risk Colchester city youth. Work alongside the professional tutors on every level of a real-world feature film production. From scripting and story development through to the on-set experience, post production, local red carpet movie premiere event and festival launch. A hands-on, deep in the trenches filmmaking educational experience based on DB Morgan's 'Resources filmmaking' principals. Providing a community film studio experience in creating socially relevant youth culture short festival films, together with a final, marketable, feature film as a tool to empower local youths and steer The Underdog Crew CIC closer to our self sustainability by 2028 mission .
LATEST NEWS - Sept 8th 2025
Energy meets empathy:
“Rhythm with a Mission”
Our BIG SOCIAL MISSION for 2026. #UCSbeatz is a powerful new force in music, movement, and mental health - a community-driven drumming collective designed to reduce social isolation, support mental well-being and physical health, and bring people together through the universal language of rhythm. Drumming isn’t just music - it’s medicine.
A little soul food with 'Karl Jung'. Additional audio ethnic elements courtesy of motion array.com by subscription