Broadcasting brilliance: Abigail Hennis’ award-winning impact and UEA TV revival
By: Communications
Abigail Hennis, a final-year Film and Television Production student at the University of East Anglia (UEA), has been nationally recognised for her impactful contributions to UEA TV – the University’s award-winning broadcasting station society.
At the National Student Television Association (NaSTA) Awards held in April, Abigail walked away with a trio of accolades, reflecting her creative leadership and talent:
- Best Student Director in the UK
- Best Cinematography
- Runner-up for Light Entertainment Genre.
Abigail began her journey with the society as a sound operator on Today at UEA, a student-run television show launched in 2022 by students Archie Twine and Rob Weller. By the end of that same academic year, she was responsible for directing the entire show!
Find out more below about how Abigail helped to revive UEA TV, including the significant skills learned and challenges faced in her directing role, as well as her favourite projects and plans for the future.
How did you first get involved with UEA TV?
“It all started when someone noticed the work I was doing on Today at UEA. It was a fun, creative outlet for me – something I could do outside of my coursework to enhance my skills, without the pressure of briefs and exams.
“Being part of the show gave me a real sense of the possibilities in television production, and it became a space where I could experiment, learn, and grow.”
What was your role in reviving the society?
“When I first started, UEA TV had been inactive since COVID – I saw it as the perfect opportunity to take things to the next level. I went to as many classes as possible in media-related subjects and society fairs, to try and encourage students to join and be part of something exciting.
“I wanted to create a space where students could collaborate, develop their creative talents, and produce content they were proud of. Over time, as I took on rebuilding the society from scratch, my role evolved into producing and directing multiple student-led projects, as well as mentoring newer members and shaping the society’s creative direction.
“It was a challenging and busy time, balancing everything with my academic deadlines and work, but it was also incredibly rewarding to see the society come back to life. That effort laid the foundation for a sustainable future for UEA TV. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey that’s allowed me to develop both my leadership and technical skills, and being able to have a creative impact on campus has been wonderful.”
Image L-R: Students working in UEA’s on-campus TV Studio gallery; Abigail Hennis
What challenges have you faced within this role?
“Rebuilding the society required a lot of sacrifice and time management, and I had to remind myself constantly why I was doing it – to create something meaningful that could make a lasting impact on people’s portfolios.
“Handling personal issues, conflicts, and difficult conversations within the society required a delicate balance of diplomacy and assertiveness. It was something I wasn’t initially prepared for, but became essential as I worked with a team of passionate individuals with different views and expectations – particularly in moments where I was told people were ‘better’ than me, or where personal biases and friendships influenced people’s actions.
“I would often spend early mornings fixing technical issues with Joshua Speller (UEA TV Vice-President) to ensure the show could go live, as we often filmed live shows on weekends without technicians to assist. It required a lot of creativity to figure out solutions on the fly, especially when things went wrong. Over time, we adapted by changing the filming format to one-take with several attempts, which allowed us to streamline the process and reduce the technical stress.
“In the end, what mattered most was the work we were doing and how it could help people’s portfolios for future job opportunities.”
What does winning these awards mean to you?
“Personally, it means so much to me. It’s not just a recognition of the work I’ve put into UEA TV, but also a reflection of the dedication, passion, and teamwork that has gone into rebuilding the society. It validates the long hours, the challenges, and the moments of doubt along the way – a reminder that perseverance really does pay off.
“As someone who’s been involved since the very beginning of UEA TV’s reactivation, seeing the society gain recognition is like a dream come true. It’s proof that we’re on the right path, and it reinforces my belief in the importance of student-led media and creative outlets in university life.
“These achievements are also a testament to the hard work of the entire team and show just how much we’ve grown and evolved over time. It’s a great motivator for future members and shows them that their work can have a real impact, helping to solidify UEA TV’s place as a key creative outlet for students. I hope it inspires others to get involved and see what’s possible when you come together as a team and push for excellence.
“I’m excited to see where UEA TV goes from here and how we can continue to grow, innovate, and provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents and build their portfolios.”
Image: The original Today at UEA group from 2023
How has your experience at UEA shaped you?
“It has significantly shaped my confidence and career aspirations, both through my studies and my involvement with UEA TV.
“My degree has provided me with invaluable technical skills, from learning how to operate industry-standard equipment to developing my ability to work effectively within a team. These have boosted my confidence in the industry and made me feel more prepared for a career in media.
Study Film and Television Production at UEA
“A major mentor throughout my journey has been Chris Price (Lecturer in Media Practice), and from the very start, he recognised my potential. His guidance and encouragement have pushed me to step up, embrace leadership roles, and take on challenges I may have otherwise avoided. Having someone who believes in me so strongly has been instrumental in my growth, not only as a student, but as a future professional in the media industry. Chris is an excellent lecturer and an asset to the University – he continues to make creative subjects possible, fun and engaging and without him I wouldn’t have fallen in love with television production.
“A few people at UEA have played a significant role in my success, but one person I’d especially like to highlight is Joshua Speller. He has been my best friend at university and, without a doubt, my right-hand in almost everything I’ve done with UEA TV.
“My time at UEA has helped me grow into a more confident, assertive individual who is capable of taking on leadership roles, problem-solving in creative environments, and managing projects from start to finish.”
Image: Students working on a UEA TV project
Which projects are you especially proud of?
“One that really deserves a spotlight is the Halloween Today at UEA special. This was the first major project I worked on that pushed me to my limits, and it stands out because of the challenges I faced and how it ultimately led to winning awards.
“It was a huge undertaking, and we encountered a number of conflicts and difficulties along the way, from technical issues to creative disagreements. The project became a turning point for me in terms of leadership and problem-solving. I had to make quick decisions, manage a team under pressure, and maintain focus despite the obstacles.
“The fact that the Halloween special was so well-received and ultimately helped us win awards was incredibly rewarding. It showed me how valuable perseverance, creative thinking, and teamwork can be, especially when facing adversity.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“My time at UEA (particularly through projects like Today at UEA, POW, NEXUS and my general work with UEA TV) has solidified my passion for directing and media production, particularly within television. I feel like I’ve gained a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of production, and I’m eager to continue building on those skills professionally.
“In the short-term, I plan to gain more hands-on experience, whether that’s through freelance opportunities, internships or working with smaller production companies. My long-term goal is to eventually work with a production company or a network, taking on larger projects and honing my ability to create high-quality content.
“Ultimately, I want to keep working in an environment where I’m able to collaborate with talented people, tell meaningful stories, and keep pushing the boundaries of my creativity.”
Image: Students working on a project in UEA’s on-campus TV Studio gallery
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