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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.
We are EMPOWERING! We are SUPPORTING! We are NURTURING! We are CHANGING LIVES! We are... THE UNDERDOG CREW!
"The Underdog Crew Youth empowerment project"
...born from misunderstanding, tragedy and marginalised youth!
'DB' MORGAN - Screenwriter | Lost Soul | Director | Autistic | Producer | Mental health survivor
How to find us?
Our new Underdog Crew barn studio is tucked away in the stunning Colne Valley at Unit 6&7 Fox & Pheasant Centre, Colchester Road, White Colne, CO6 2PS.
GOOGLE MAPS | WHAT-3 -WORDS
During the day the business centre main gates are open, offering a fair sized car park. Walk under the building and you will find our entrance doors just past the 2 large metal roller shutters. Out of hours and weekends access is available via next door's Cammack's lorry yard. Either ring the 'out of hours' gate buzzer or call the studio and someone will let you in.




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"I believe that true strength lies in our differences, not in our similarities."
Dom Morgan – Underdog Crew founder and CEO
DB (Dom) Morgan is a screenwriter, author and multi award winning filmmaker born and bred in Colchester, Essex, UK. An autistic mental health survivor, vocal advocate for #ownvoices works, proud family ambassador for www.sickchildrenstrust.org and dedicated founder of The Underdog Crew CIC.
As a mental health survivor, anxiety sufferer and general all-round underdog, DB Morgan is proud to have been welcoming marginalised and at-risk young adults into all his filmmaking exploits since 2009. Having trialled his 'youth empowerment project' during the shoot of his 2010 (MTV competition winning) short film, "Subject 3", he quickly learned that everybody has something to offer in a creative environment and crew members on the autism/Asperger's spectrum especially came away empowered and motivated from their experiences on set.
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View the latest youth mental health PANDEMIC statistics in the UK.
Fast forward almost 20 years and ‘The Underdog Crew’ is now a well established not-for-profit community interest company working with multiple youth organisations around the Colchester city region. Our track record in reengaging young adults is extemporary, marked by many parent testimonials where school and mental health support services have not been able to ‘reach’ their child.
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A major part of our success lies in open and honest communication, recognising and accepting our perceived limitations and embracing our personal journey with neuro diversity as simply the way we are wired, rather than some debilitating label or disability. We don’t do religion or politics and we challenge each young person who enters our studio to discover the best version of themselves at their own pace.
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It would be wrong of me to ask our crew members to open up on their own personal experiences without offering my own into the mix. Two years of hell at a notorious Essex boarding school led to my younger life being consumed with drug abuse, leading to being an ex drug user and mental health survivor. I have been left with bouts of crippling anxiety that restrict my life in many ways. After losing our 12-year-old daughter, Jodi, to aplastic anaemia in 2010 I’ve also been left with PTSD. I choose to rise above my limitations and slowly face my demons one by one.
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As a writer, and filmmaker, my life experiences have provided me with so much ammunition to channel into the emotions of my work. As a creative I have learned that everyone has a story to tell and the richer a life’s tapestry, the deeper the story. I love working with ‘outsiders’ as a true underdog myself and thrive on proving people wrong when it comes to underestimating, prejudging or prejudicing against marginalised people and groups. We understand that children with Autism, ADHD, and other learning difficulties thrive when they are in an environment that supports their unique needs. Our new Colne Valley studio is a carefully crafted space to reduce triggers such as bright lights, loud sounds, and extreme temperatures. There’s not a whiff of ‘establishment’ or ‘clinical’ vibe – just earthy, neutral colours and enticing darkened creative zones.
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"The Underdog Crew is simply something I needed so badly in my own fractured youth… It’s my kind of “If you build it, they will come.​
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During my own mental health crisis I just wanted to feel something other than empty and worthless. I wanted to understand myself and be understood by those around me. I wanted to feel normal. To be part of something. To be able to look at myself in the mirror and see something I was remotely proud of. It took a long time to get where I am today. A good wife and kids were the catalyst I suppose. Learning to love, taught me how to then love myself.
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Somewhere along the line I got fixed (almost). I followed my path towards filming through many short courses throughout (2005-2009) at Raindance film school in London, battling anxiety and panic attacks on a daily basis as I traversed the hideousness of crowds, subterranean transport networks, and occasional bombings!
I've made three feature films, won many awards and almost died from stress along the way. I'll not make any more - was too problematic and anxiety inducing... but I did what I set out to achieves as my 'life goal' but it didn't bring me joy. what fills me with joy and a deep sense of purpose is being able to offer other broken kids these inspirational opportunities in the hope that it heals them as it did me. So now I, Dom Morgan, alongside my wife Laura and a dedicated team of Underdogs focus on our studio for what has slowly become my legacy and purpose in life. And for this, surprisingly, we are finally happy!
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At Underdog Crew Studios, we are dedicated to empowering and uplifting every individual, regardless of their differences. Join us on our journey towards inclusivity and growth.
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FEATURE FILMS

