Our mission

Film Crew 4u exists to empower marginalized communities through filmmaking and next-generation AI tools. We believe that cutting-edge technology should be a creative equalizer, not a barrier. By teaching traditional film skills alongside mindful, professional AI workflows, we help people reduce isolation and build the confidence to tell their own stories in an evolving digital world. We provide the training and production pathways that ensure everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to progress in the modern creative economy

Our vision

We envision a future where the democratization of filmmaking allows every voice to be heard and valued. Our goal is to lead the way in building inclusive spaces where marginalized communities are not just participants, but pioneers in AI-driven storytelling and digital innovation. We see a society where technical mastery and creative confidence are universal, breaking down systemic barriers to the arts. By fostering these skills, we aim to turn raw creative potential into long-term careers and meaningful employment, ensuring that as the digital landscape evolves, no community is left behind in the stories of tomorrow.

Our team

Billy (The Vision, Tech, and Digital Infrastructure)

Billy co-founded Film Crew 4U in 2020 to use filmmaking as a catalyst for social change. He personally secured the organisation's first £2,000 in funding from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation, and under his leadership, the team has gone on to win a £15,000 grant from Arts Council England.

A long-term advocate for responsible AI, Billy specialises in teaching accessible, free-to-use tools that democratise high-end creative power. Beyond filmmaking, he manages the organisation’s digital infrastructure, social media, and Innovation Lab, while maintaining strategic partnerships with AI leaders Hailuo AI and ElevenLabs. His approach is grounded in a Level 3 qualification in Education and Training, combined with a lived experience of recovery and resilience.

Outside the studio, Billy is a family man, traveller, and dedicated badminton player.

Kate (The Broadcast Professional and Creative Visual Lead)

Kate is a professional freelance camera operator who has been a core member of Film Crew 4U since 2021. She holds a BA in Film Studies and an MA in English Literature, specialising in Adaptation Studies. Her visual style is deeply influenced by the cinematic language of filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai and Wes Anderson.

Kate was instrumental in securing £15,000 in project funding from Arts Council England, enabling the organisation to expand its community reach. Alongside her work with Film Crew 4U, she is an active industry professional, regularly filming the Gallagher Premiership Rugby for TNT Sports, as well as working on productions for the BBC and ITV. Outside of filming, she enjoys walking her dog, skateboarding, and going to gigs.

Mark (The Analytical Depth and AI Music/Audio Specialist)

Mark is a co-founder of Film Crew 4U and has been central to the organisation since its inception in 2020. After meeting Billy through volunteer work in Portsmouth, they partnered to build the company around a shared belief in film as both a craft and a powerful cultural conversation.

Holding both a BA and an MA in Film Studies, Mark brings a high level of analytical and creative depth to every project. He specialises in filming and editing, and is an advocate for the integration of AI in music production. He is highly proficient in using Suno AI to create custom scores, ensuring that the community projects he works on have high-quality, professional soundtracks that enhance the storytelling.

Outside of work, Mark is a dedicated follower of world cinema and enjoys exploring the intersection of music and film.

Steve (The Support Practitioner and Aerial/FPV Specialist)

Steve is a filmmaker, drone pilot, and support practitioner whose work is grounded in empathy and real-world experience. After retraining in Health and Social Care and completing an NVQ Level 3, he worked extensively with a local homelessness charity, supporting individuals with complex needs.

Steve brings a calm, focused approach to both people-centred work and technical filmmaking. He is a licensed drone pilot and specialises in FPV (First Person View) flying, offering a unique and dynamic perspective to our productions. His ability to merge high-level technical skill with professional support experience ensures that our workshops remain safe, inclusive, and empowering for everyone involved. Outside of work, Steve enjoys spending time with family and refining new FPV manoeuvres.

Our Partners and Funders

Supported by MiniMax Hailuo

We’re proud to have partnered with MiniMax Hailuo, who provided free, unlimited access to their state-of-the-art video generation engines for our classroom—enabling hands-on learning with professional-grade tools for cinematic storytelling and advanced visual effects.

Arts Council England:

Proud recipients of a £15,000 Project Grant to equip our programme with iPads and deliver inclusive, community-based animation workshops for disadvantaged children.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation:

Funded us £2000 to delivere hands-on green screen workshops giving young people the chance to learn filmmaking skills, build confidence, and creatively express themselves.

Supported by ElevenLabs

Through our collaboration with ElevenLabs, we provide our students with industry-leading AI audio and voice tools. This support allows our students to craft high-quality soundtracks and narrations, making professional audio production accessible to all.

Supported by ThinkDiffusion

Supported our AI Workshops with discounted cloud access to ComfyUI, letting participants create and learn AI art seamlessly in our workshops.

Supported by Soundly

Our workshops are fully supported with free sound effects and audio, making every session more immersive, engaging, and hands-on for participants.