Goldbox Productions

Our Strategic Partnership with Goldbox Productions commenced in 2023, aiming to provide four entrepreneurial graduates with the resources and opportunities to accelerate their agency. In return, Goldbox aims to offer experiential learning opportunities to students with a desire to excel in videography and film production. This partnership aligns with the university’s ambitions to deliver innovative and entrepreneurial solutions.

About Goldbox Productions

Goldbox Productions Ltd is a videography and photography agency that was established in September 2019 and has four directors, all of whom are Film Production graduates. From its inception, the company, supported by Finton Donoghue OBE as the Non-Executive Chairman, quickly acquired some significant clients including Dunelm, Hilton Hotels and BMF Urban with Bear Grylls.  As its reputation grew, Goldbox acquired new locally based clients including Swap Shop UK, the Museum of Making, Derby Museum, Roseanna Croft Jewellery and the University.

Opportunities and projects

Our partnership with Goldbox Productions is designed to provide significant experiential learning opportunities for students from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Education (AHE). This collaboration aims to ensure that Goldbox participates in the University's undergraduate open days, offering prospective students firsthand insights into the content creation industry. Additionally, Goldbox contributes valuable case study materials to support AHE’s recruitment campaigns, helping attract new students by showcasing real-world applications of their studies.

Throughout the academic year, Goldbox delivers case study presentations and workshops to AHE students, providing practical knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their future careers. Through work placements and internships, students can engage in real-world editing projects, allowing them to create video content and build robust portfolios.

One of the most impactful aspects of this partnership is the mentorship support Goldbox offers to students launching their own enterprises or freelance operations. Through one-to-one support and guidance meetings, students receive personalised advice and mentorship, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of business operations and navigate the challenges of starting their ventures. These opportunities not only enhance students' technical skills and creativity but also prepare them for successful careers in videography and film production by providing valuable industry exposure and practical experience.

Strategic partnership

Mutual benefits

The University of Derby offers Goldbox Productions a range of valuable resources and support, enhancing the mutual benefits of their strategic partnership. This includes a business base at the University’s Enterprise Centre, and access to essential equipment and resources, including the Media Loan Store and technical support.  This provision significantly reduces operational costs for Goldbox, allowing them to allocate more resources towards creative and business development.  Additionally, the University aims to support Goldbox in promoting the enterprise through opportunities to engage in events such as the University’s open days and networking engagements, providing the company with crucial exposure to potential clients and industry connections. 

Goldbox assists AHE with curriculum design and approval work, ensuring that the academic programs remain relevant and aligned with industry standards.  This comprehensive approach not only enhances the student's learning experience but also bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application.  By integrating Goldbox’s industry expertise into the educational framework, the partnership enriches the academic environment, providing students with the tools, experiences, and mentorship needed to succeed in their careers.  This mutually beneficial relationship exemplifies the University’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking among its students, while also allowing Goldbox to nurture and recruit emerging talent.

Accelerating growth

Goldbox have moved into offices in the University’s Enterprise Centre on Bridge Street in Derby, enhancing their operational capabilities and strategic growth by enabling them to explore commercial project opportunities and connect with additional networks.

In the last couple of years, the team at Goldbox have enjoyed working on a wide range of projects: for local businesses such as Marketing Derby, Derby Theatre, and Cosy Direct, as well as for big names across the UK, such as Matt Willis and the Beta Squad.

Additionally, Goldbox have received informative 1-1 sessions and support by the Strategic Partnership’s contact lead and Business Development Manager Natalie Okpara- McFarlane who provided a direction for the graduates in terms of strategic business leaderships and support. Odhran commented,

“Natalie has been a key and important figure for our relationship with the university, her enthusiasm and dedication has been very important for us. Natalie and I have had regular meetings where we checked in on our progress with the agreement, and any actions she has had to undertake she has done so swiftly and effortlessly. she has truly been a pleasure to work with.” 

This comprehensive support not only bolsters Goldbox’s business operations but also underscores the University’s commitment to fostering innovative industry partnerships that drive mutual growth and success.