NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARS CSC

Nuffield Farming Scholarships bring together early‑career farmers from around the world and ask them to explore a question that matters to the future of agriculture. The Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) is where those journeys meet. For a week each year, scholars come together, present their research, and learn from one another.

In 2022, Dunston Hall in Norfolk hosted the CSC. MADE BY WOODSMOKE worked alongside local partners Saturn AV to capture the event in full.

The brief

The brief had two parts. First, record every presentation from start to finish so that scholars had a reliable archive of their work. Second, create a short highlights film that reflected the atmosphere beyond the lectern. This included the informal conversations, the site visits, and the sense of a global community in the same room. The schedule was demanding. We filmed, edited, and uploaded over forty talks to Nuffield’s YouTube channel. The brief also required us to publish the videos on the same day they were delivered. That turnaround left no room for complacency, so the production plan had to be clear and repeatable.

At Dunston Hall, we set up fixed camera positions and unobtrusively monitored audio capture. We kept framing, titles, and audio levels consistent. This meant each film sat comfortably alongside the others as part of the set. While talks ran, we backed up and organised media in parallel so post‑production could begin immediately. We also used clear file naming and a simple, shared checklist so we didn’t miss anything in the rush to publish.

The highlights film broadened the frame. As part of that work, I followed scholars to North Norfolk for a tour of the Holkham Estate. This gave me the chance to film quieter moments between sessions and out on the farm. I also picked out details that signal place—textures, light, and the character of the venues

The edit carried a steady pace, letting the conference speak for itself without heavy narration. Short interviews with scholars also feature, sharing their thoughts about the CSC. The project delivered a concise record of the week, ready to share with partners, funders, and future cohorts.

The result

In the end, the project delivered what was needed: comprehensive, consistent coverage and a film that captured the spirit of the 2022 CSC. It gave every scholar a record of their contribution and gave Nuffield material that reflects the scale and purpose of the programme.