Film and media student works on Netflix hit drama Top Boy

A film and media student at Westminster Kingsway College has told of her “amazing experience” after getting the chance to work on hit Netflix show Top Boy.

Ronni Winter, 18, from Waltham Forest, worked on set during filming for the fourth series of the hard-hitting crime drama, which is due to be released later this year.

The award-winning series was first broadcast on Channel 4 in 2011 and received positive feedback from critics. A second series followed before it was revived by Netflix for a third season in 2019.

Ronni, who is studying A Levels in Film Studies, Media Studies and Sociology, said: “Being on the set of Top Boy was an amazing experience. There was so much team effort and reliance on each department for everything to run smoothly.

“I was able to learn a lot of new skills and network with so many inspirational people, which has helped me decide what aspects of film I enjoy working in the most.”

Ronni had the opportunity to work on the programme through her involvement with Million Youth Media (MYM), an initiative by production company Fully Focused to give young people skills and experience to pursue a career in film.

Her placement was part of the Set Ready Training programme run by Fully Focused and FilmFixer, a location management company used by the producers of Top Boy.

“I want to work in the film industry because it’s so imaginative and explorative. The idea that so many people’s ideas and abilities can come together to create something visually timeless is beautiful,” she said.

Ronni joined MYM two years ago and has worked on a number of productions including the pilot episode of BBC Three comedy PRU, about a group of teenagers in a pupil referral unit, which featured her artwork.

PRU stars Pia Somersby, a Performing Arts student at WestKing’s sister college City and Islington College, and has been commissioned for a full series.

“I’ve always been creative and enjoy coming up with new ideas. I felt very proud and motivated when I saw my art on PRU that the director had asked me to design,” said Ronni.

“I have had such a positive experience with MYM. It’s like having another family and given me the chance to try a lot of different media roles, and really inspired me to keep pushing towards the place I want to be in life.”

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