BBC documentary success for Teesside University graduate

A film agency established at Teesside University by an entrepreneurial graduate has announced its documentary debut in a BBC One series.

Wander Films has produced a documentary film for the eighth series of Our Lives on BBC One.

The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge, offers a compelling look at free solo climbing in the Lake District, following climbers Anna and Mat as they undertake a challenging 100-mile journey across some of the UK’s most difficult peaks.

The team at Wander Films pushed the boundaries of content creation using cutting-edge technology. From high-resolution drones to 360-degree cameras and advanced audio equipment, they captured every exhilarating moment of Anna and Mat’s journey.

Wander Films was first based in Teesside University’s Launchpad business incubation premises on Victoria Road before moving to a new location.

Lou Tonner, Co-Founder and COO of Wander Films, and BA Television and Film graduate from Teesside University, said: “The support from Teesside University has been incredible. The team at Launchpad have always supported Wander, and we work closely with the internship department, who have helped us find great graduate talent as we have scaled.

“This documentary is our first full-length commission for broadcast, and we're absolutely stoked that it's fully produced by Wander.

“We started Wander as a social media production company in Launchpad back in 2018. We joined the FUEL programme with this big ambition to be the go-to content marketing agency in the world.

“We grew organically from the two of us to a team of 20, working with some of the biggest brands on the planet like Greggs, KPMG, Hampton by Hilton and Riot Games.

“About two years ago, we decided to branch out into the world of TV. We hired into our development team and, in that time, won six BBC Morning Live films and received paid development for Channel 4 Digital and BBC Three. Earlier this year, we got on the BBC Small Indie Fund, which gives us support and mentor access.

“The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge is everything we have learned across the agency and TV side combined. We're so proud of it, and it's even better that we can create it from our HQ in Middlesbrough town centre.”

The Launchpad FUEL programme is driving a start-up community on the Teesside University campus by providing funding, affordable accommodation and professional advice and support for students, staff and graduates.

It brings together Tees Valley business mentors and coaches to deliver topics covering all the stages of starting a business.

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