Tony Waghorne

My name is Tony Waghorne, I am 26 years old, and I studied Digital Animation and TV, Television Production and Screen Media at South Essex College from 2012 to 2017. This is my story.

Before coming to South Essex College, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I had always been heavily involved in sport, but I knew that wasn’t going to turn into a career. I had a creative side, and after being encouraged by an art teacher at school, I began to explore that interest more seriously.

It wasn’t until I attended an open day at the college that I discovered animation and media. That moment really helped me realise that storytelling through video and visual media was something I could pursue. South Essex College felt like the perfect choice for me—it was close to home, just a short train journey away, and it allowed me to stay focused on my goals without the distractions of moving away.

The course gave me a strong foundation in the skills I needed. We were treated like professionals, with strict deadlines and real-world expectations, and we had access to industry-standard equipment. This helped prepare me for what working in the industry would actually be like. Over time, I built both my technical ability and my confidence.

I completed my studies with a Triple Distinction* and a First Class degree, which I’m incredibly proud of. Shortly after finishing, I secured an internship at a digital sports agency in London. That quickly turned into a full-time role, where I worked for over a year gaining valuable industry experience.

I later explored freelance work, but it wasn’t the right fit for me, so I returned to my previous employer as a senior videographer. From there, I continued progressing, eventually joining a video agency working with major fashion brands such as Ted Baker and GHD. Today, I work as a Senior Videographer for Nash Tackle Limited.

In my current role, I’m involved in every stage of production. I lead shoots across the UK and Europe, creating everything from product videos to full-length documentaries. I also take on responsibilities behind the scenes, such as planning shoots, coordinating logistics, reviewing edits and supporting other videographers in the team. I’m now being considered for a Head of Video role, which is something I am really excited about.

Looking back, I can see how much I’ve developed. When I first started college, I didn’t even know what aperture was. Now, I’m leading production teams and managing large-scale projects across multiple countries. One of my biggest highlights so far has been travelling to Thailand for a shoot—an experience that really showed me how far this career can take you.

College played a huge role in building my confidence. I wasn’t naturally confident, and things like presenting in front of others felt challenging at the time. But those experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow, something that has been essential in my career.

South Essex Colleges Group gave me the direction, skills and support I needed to find a career that I genuinely enjoy. Without it, I think I would have been lost trying to figure things out on my own.