For most people, having the chance to participate in the filming of the BBC’s Football Focus would be considered a dream. Fortunately, for UCFB BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism student Dan Briard, this recently became a reality.
We caught up with Dan, who also works in the media department at Championship side Luton Town, to talk about the experience of being on the set of one of the most popular football shows in the country.
You recently filmed with BBC Sport for this Saturday’s edition of Football Focus, how did that opportunity come about?
I was contacted by Roshane Thomas at The Athletic, who recommended me to a producer who was looking for a West Ham fan to participate. It certainly wasn’t something I was expecting to get a message about!
What was it like to spend a day on set with an organisation like the BBC, did anything surprise you about the experience?
It was a fantastic opportunity working with the BBC, the attention to detail with how they wanted each shot to look was incredible and the whole production was put together extremely well.
What is the biggest thing you are going to take from the day into your Multimedia Sports Journalism degree at UCFB?
The biggest thing I would take from the filming is confidence. I have been on camera a couple of times previously but my experiences up until now have largely been written work. Knowing my face will be visible on TV is a scary but exciting thought!
Can you shed some light on what’s going to be in your segment?
It’s a Premier League relegation battle brought to life... but you’ll have to tune into Football Focus to find out!
What advice would you give to fellow students looking to grab an opportunity like this one?
My advice is to be open minded. This is something I wouldn’t have imagined myself doing but by putting yourself out there, who knows what opportunities can arise from it.
To watch the latest edition of Football Focus, please click here.
