I joined PLMR a little over a year ago, having previously completed a short work experience placement with the digital team. During this time, my role as Senior Video and Digital Content Producer has afforded me a great deal of variety. I have filmed promotional videos at schools in Yorkshire, created video testimonials at a care home in Portsmouth, and even worked at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. This variety is a large part of the appeal of working in video and content creation. All my projects are incredibly distinct from one another; one day I might be asking a leading academic to better define ice-albedo feedback and the next day asking a 10-year-old what their favourite subject is at school.

Working in parliament 

For all the draws of a varied work life, one of the things that really appealed to me about working with PLMR is the company’s location in the heart of Westminster. Upon joining PLMR, I was hoping that my role would allow me to ply my trade in parliament itself. My first opportunity to work in parliament came when I recorded an episode of the From the Frontline podcast with Matthew Spencer from PLMR Healthcomms. On this occasion, we recorded an interview with Steve Brine MP, Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee. This was a fascinating discussion, with Brine declaring the NHS as ‘unsustainable’ in its current form.

Filming in parliament does have its own complications. Getting several large bags filled with electronics through airport-style security is, understandably, not the quickest process imaginable. On occasion, even with prior permission from an MP, I have had to wait for further approval from the Sergeant-at-Arms before entering the building. The more modern parts of the parliamentary estate are almost luxurious compared to the older parts of the palace. A boiling hot room near Westminster Hall during a heatwave is not a glamorous place to work!

Celebrating 75 years of the NHS 

Recently, and once again in partnership with PLMR Healthcomms, I was asked to film a video in parliament to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS. The plan was to interview MPs from across the House to provide them with the opportunity to thank the NHS and its staff, both in their constituencies and nationally. Each MP would then be provided with their own short video for use on their social media.

Many of the MPs interviewed used this footage, including Chi Onwurah MP, Shadow Minister for Science Research and Innovation, and Matt Vickers MP, Deputy Chairman of the Conservative party. I used sections of these individual interviews to create a compilation of all the 24 MPs who joined us, thanking NHS staff and celebrating 75 years of the institution.

My first year at PLMR has been immensely enjoyable. Collaborating with some of the country’s leading communications consultants is an immense privilege and I am excited to see where I’ll go to make even more content in the year ahead!