What happens when you stop following the crowd and find your own path?

Tony grew up with limited options, joined the army, then fell into the film industry after a conversation at a party. In this activity you'll hear from someone who found that the best opportunities came from doing things differently to everyone around him.

This activity is designed to be flexible and can be used as follows:

  • During a lesson - 30 minutes. Students work in pairs and then share their reflections with the rest of the class.
  • During tutor time - 20 minutes. Students watch the video independently and then discuss one of the topics together.
  • As homework - Students watch the video on their own and complete the reflection at their own pace.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • Gatsby Benchmark 5
  • PSHE Association KS3 codes L9, L10
  • PSHE Association KS4 codes L5

1. Before you start

Take a moment to think about the following question:

  • Do you ever feel pressure to make the same choices as your friends - subjects, hobbies, plans for the future? What would it feel like to do something completely different?

If you're working with a partner or team, share and compare your thoughts before continuing.

2. Watch the video

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Tony Hood - Film Location Manager

Tony is a film location manager based in London. He finds and manages locations for major film productions - working with directors, designers, councils, and police to make each shoot happen. He grew up in the Northeast with limited opportunities, joined the army, and then fell into the film industry completely by accident after meeting someone at a party.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • What does Tony say about whether you need qualifications to work in the film industry?
  • What advice does Tony give about following what everyone else is doing?

3. Reflect and discuss

First, add a personal reflection based on the following:

  • What is one thing from Tony's story that made you think differently about where opportunities can come from?

Next, think about the following and discuss with your partner or group:

  • Tony says "don't do what everybody else is doing - what everybody else is doing is probably average." Do you agree? What makes it hard to go your own way?
  • Tony says you don't necessarily need qualifications to get into the film industry - but you do need common sense and the ability to work hard. Can you think of other careers where practical skills and attitude matter more than formal qualifications?
  • Tony describes a job where everything changes constantly - directors change their minds, locations shift, no two days are the same. Would that kind of working environment suit you, or would you prefer more routine? Why?