A PENARTH filmmaker whose business plans have been derailed by the covid-19 crisis has come up with a novel way to get companies to thrive in lockdown.

Bafta Cymru winner Nick Skinner had planned to launch a business making company videos and training filmmakers but had to come up with another plan because he’s unable to leave the house.

His new company Rough Cut Media is offering online advice to the thousands of businesses now trying to market themselves on the internet.

Mr Skinner said: “Business advisors are telling their clients how important it is to use video as part of their online and social marketing strategy.

“But they make it sound so easy.

“In reality, many people will hate what they produce - or they might not even know where to start.

“The hardest thing is to look at yourself in a video and judge if it is any good!

“We all wince when we see ourselves on film.

“I want to be a second pair of eyes for anyone trying video marketing.

“I can give clients tips on anything from scripting to lighting and framing.

“I can even do the editing.

“The one thing we have learned from this crisis is that we can do almost anything over a video link.

“If we can run big companies and plan engineering projects on Zoom - why not direct a simple video?”

Mr Skinner - who worked for the BBC as a producer and series producer on programmes like X-Ray, Crimewatch and Antiques Roadshow - says he has been inspired by the creativity of businesses and individuals during the lockdown.

“It’s great to see how people are working so hard to make the best of this situation.

You see it in shops and cafes in Penarth and Barry running delivery services for the first time.

“Around the country brewers are making hand sanitiser and car companies are making ventilators - everyone seems to be getting creative,” he said.

“And, of course, people in the community have been incredible.

“Just a glance at the Helping Hands Penarth Facebook group shows how much incredible work is being done.

“These people have all inspired me to continue with my plans to launch a business, despite the challenges of the coronavirus crisis.”

Mr Skinner is planning to donate 10 per cent of the proceeds of his revenues to mental health and anti-poverty charities during the lockdown.

You can contact Nick via hi@roughcut.media or on social media.