Media students from Great Yarmouth got to try out the latest broadcast and video equipment at the UK's only trade show for film production and post-production technology.

Media students from Great Yarmouth got to try out the latest broadcast and video equipment at the UK's only trade show for film production and post-production technology.

And they were thrilled that the cameras used at the cutting edge of the industry were the same models they worked with at college and will soon be using for a new project to make a DVD to commemorate 40 years of the Caister Lifeboat.

Students on the Foundation degree in Visual Media Production at University Campus Suffolk (UCS) Yarmouth spent a day at London's Earls Court 2 at the Broadcast Video Expo where visual media industries show their new technology, give advice and hold seminars.

The 12 students used the day to explore recruitment and work experience opportunities and investigate all aspects of their chosen industry.

Student Aaron Mutch said the new HD equipment they worked on day-to-day in college and their projects were identical to those used by professionals.

Course leader Phil Bury said investment in the latest cameras and equipment meant the students were equipped with the most relevant skills for their future careers.

“It endorses the fact that we are using up to date equipment currently being used by the best in the industry.”

Equipment displayed by professional trade suppliers included jibs - cameras on top of trucks for, editing software, equipment used on big film sets and every piece of technology used in the industry.

“You never get to see them unless you go to a trade show and don't get to see them demonstrated and how they operate,” Mr Bury said.

The Foundation degree has been drawn up in response to a skills gap locally and nationally in post-production in the TV and film industries.