Students at Isca Academy were treated to a star-studded career talk with Joe Kidd, a former Isca student and now a hot-shot assistant producer in the film and TV industry. 

Joe, who has worked on some of the biggest films and TV shows in entertainment—such as James Bond, Doctor Strange, The Crown, and Wurzel Gummidge—shared his inspiring journey and insights with students.

During the session, Joe captivated students with stories from his impressive career, offering a glimpse into the huge variety of roles available in the TV and film industries. He also led an interactive activity where students guessed the budgets of films and shows they regularly watch, providing them with a fun and informative look at the scale of production. The session concluded with students brainstorming their own film concepts, choosing actors, and estimating production budgets.

Joe’s journey into the industry was anything but traditional. He explained that after completing a BTEC at Exeter College, he went on to study at a small specialist media university in London. A self-described "non-academic," Joe demonstrated how vocational learning and practical experience can pave the way to success in creative industries.

Isca Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, aims to expose students to various career opportunities, as staff work to ensure that every learner can reach their full potential and pursue a future they are passionate about.

Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy said:

“We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Joe back to Isca Academy to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, producers, and creatives. His journey is a perfect example of how diverse career paths can be, and he showed our students that with passion and the right skills, they can achieve incredible things.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to broadening the horizons of our students and opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Joe’s visit is a fantastic example of how we can inspire our students with real-world experiences and show them the many pathways that are available to them.”