“Ten-year-old me would never have thought I’d go to university.”

That’s how Ellie Ball (MA Film Studies, 2021, BA English Literature, 2019) describes her journey from being the first person in her family to attend university to building a successful career in the creative industry.

Now 27, Ellie drives past Lancaster almost every day on her way to Morecambe, where she works as an assistant producer on the popular Channel 5 series, 22 Kids & Counting.

Originally from Bedford and now living in Manchester, Ellie chose Lancaster because it felt welcoming, accessible and non-elitist.

“Coming from a working class background, it can be easy to think other people are smarter or more deserving. University gave me the confidence to overcome that imposter syndrome and believe in my own abilities.”

Ellie first visited Lancaster during an open day and immediately fell in love with the campus, its surroundings and its strong sense of community. However, it was the enthusiasm of the lecturers and their passion for their subjects that ultimately convinced her.

“I think sometimes a university chooses you. I knew Lancaster was the right place for me, even though it meant moving far away from my family and stepping outside my comfort zone.”

A lifelong love of storytelling led Ellie to study English Literature. During her degree, she chose a film module outside her course, sparking an interest that would later shape her career and inspire her to return for a Master's in Film Studies. She credits both the English Literature and LICA departments with helping her develop academically and professionally. Among those who had a lasting impact were Dr Maryam Ghorbankarimi, Dr Lauren Randall, Professor Bruce Bennett and Dr Gary Bettinson.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Ellie took a year out to save for her Master's. During that time, she realised how important extracurricular activities would be in helping her build a career in the television and creative industries.When she returned to Lancaster, she immersed herself in student media and representation roles. She joined LA1TV and SCAN, became Head of Interviews for the Cut/To film journal,served as film Master's academic representative and later became LICA Department lead representative.

Her Master's degree coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, during which she volunteered as both a call-taker and training mentor for Nightline, supporting fellow students experiencing mental health challenges. Following graduation, Ellie worked her way through a variety of television roles, including Audience Co-ordinator, Runner and Researcher, before progressing to Assistant Producer.

Her credits include 'The Voice UK', 'Four in a Bed', 'Come Dine with Me' and 'ITV's 2024 Election Debate.'

Among her favourite experiences were working as a chaperone on 'Love Island in Mallorca' and as a runner on 'The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.'

“The challenges never stop on live television, and that's what makes it so exciting.”

For the past year, Ellie has worked on '22 Kids & Counting', the series following Britain's largest family, the Radfords. Starting as a researcher, she later progressed to assistant producer. “We film all year round and I'm usually in Morecambe three days a week, so I've almost become part of the family.”

Ellie hopes to continue working across non-scripted television while developing projects in reality, factual and crime programming. Alongside her role as an assistant producer at Lion TV, she also works in development, pitching new programme ideas that could one day make it to screen.

Her affection for Lancaster remains strong. Whenever possible, she looks for opportunities to feature the University in productions she works on. Most recently, she filmed Dr Corinna Peniston-Bird in the University Library, discussing family history with Sue Radford.

Ellie has also returned to campus several times with lifelong friends. "University is the first time many people experience true independence. I learned how to balance my studies with work, friendships and everything else university life brings.”

“It’s also one of the few times in life when your closest friends are all living just a few doors away and are always there when you need them.”

University also provided the foundation for a career in an industry she had dreamed of joining since childhood. “When I was studying, I never imagined I'd be working in television just a few years later. I always wanted a career where every day would be different.

“My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and that's the advice I'd give to anyone considering a career in the creative industries - go for it.”