Arnold Alumnus Returns to Blackpool to Film New TV Series

Arnold alumnus Andrew Mackenzie-Betty returned to home turf this month, filming at Blackpool South Shore Cricket Club. The sun shone brightly as Andrew was joined by fellow Old Arnoldians, and current AKS student, Will H, for a vibrant and productive day of filming.

Andrew, one of AKS’s notable alumni, is the Co-CEO of the independent, multi-award-winning production company South Shore, founded in 2019.  

Andrew left Arnold in 1989 before going on to earn a BA (Hons) in Psychology and Sport Science from the University of Chester, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire.

Since beginning his television career in 1992, Andrew has held several influential roles in the industry. He became a commissioning editor and later Head of Factual Entertainment at Channel 4 in 2002. He went on to serve as Chief Creative Officer of the Twofour Group, which was twice named Broadcast’s Indie of the Year under his leadership. Twofour also topped the Broadcast Peer Poll and was behind critically acclaimed programmes such as Channel 4’s award-winning Educating… documentary series and BBC One’s highest-rated unscripted series, The Real Marigold Hotel.

Andrew’s work has received numerous accolades, including an Emmy, a BAFTA, five Royal Television Society Awards, three Grierson Awards, and six Broadcast Awards.

It was great to see Andrew back where his journey began, sharing his passion for storytelling and television with the next generation.