Aspiring wildlife filmmaker lands competitive correspondent role

A student from Teesside University is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough after being selected to take part in an international environmental journalism project.

Ashleigh Carter plans to make a series of films about conservation and species reintroduction after being selected as Teesside University’s Planet Forward correspondent.

Founded by Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno, Planet Forward empowers students to tell compelling stories about sustainability, climate change and innovation.

Ashleigh will work with other students from around the world through the programme, which is run from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Teesside University is one of eight pillar schools in the Planet Forward programme and the only one in Europe.

Ashleigh, who studies Film and Television Production, is the third student to be selected from the University following Danny Nicholson and Jey Draper.

Ashleigh, 20, from Stockton, said: “The natural world has always fascinated and inspired me, shaping both my interests and ambitions.

“When I discovered Planet Forward’s mission to spotlight environmental challenges and inspire nature-based solutions, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of.

“Being selected as a correspondent and ambassador for Planet Forward has been an incredible honour.

“As an aspiring wildlife filmmaker, I see this opportunity as an exciting step forward in developing my storytelling skills and pursuing a career dedicated to telling impactful stories."

Ashleigh will publish at least four films over the next nine months. The best ones will be considered for Planet Forward’s Storyfest competition, with the winners of the contest being sent on a storytelling mission to Alaska.

Jim Entwistle, Senior Lecturer in Digital Journalism at Teesside University, said: “This was a highly competitive process as ever, so Ashleigh has done brilliantly to be chosen.

“She represents the best of Teesside – ambitious, driven and talented.

"We’ll do everything we can to support her to make the best of this opportunity. Our aim is to get Ashleigh on that boat to Alaska in 2027.”

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