I’m Lilly, and I attend United Response’s Media Hub in York. Since joining, I’ve learned a lot about filmmaking techniques as well as other media training. I’ve wanted to make a ‘proper’ film for ages and with help from the team I’m finally doing it, which I’m really happy about. 

For a long time I thought I wanted to be an editor, but when I tried it, I realised it wasn’t the career path for me. However, I’ve always loved writing so I thought, why not create my own story, and then I can be the one to bring it to life.  

My film is called ‘Turning Twenty is Gross’, and it’s pretty much what the title suggests. It’s that horrible feeling you get when you realise you’re leaving your teenage years and need to think about adulting, and responsibilities that come with that. 

Once I had the idea, I thought it would work really well as a short film, so I wrote several drafts to get the right balance of humour and drama, and then we started planning what we’d need to turn it into an actual living breathing thing.  

I have a mentor called Sofia, and together we spent the summer of 2026 planning the project. This included location scouting, auditioning actors, character workshops, employing a crew, and loads of other things. There’s so much involved with making a film, more than I expected (and I expected it to be a lot). It’s hard work, but you know what you’re pushing towards, so that keeps the momentum going.  

Making the film 

Filming took place over three days in September 2026 and involved a crew of over 20 people. It was a big responsibility being the leader of a team that size, but I really enjoyed it. I was learning things as I went, and we were all pulling together, sharing our skills and strengths to create the very best version of the story. 

The film is currently in its post-production stage, with editing, sound design and colour grading due to be done by December 2026. 

When it’s completed, we’re going to have a premiere in York city centre, and then we’ve lined up lots of film festivals to enter. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved so far and I’m hopeful it’ll get picked up by some festivals so that it has the chance to reach a much wider audience.  

More than anything, it’s shown me how much passion I have to do this. I want to do more and I want to keep working with the team in York, including Sofia, Simon, Matt, Lucy, Andy, Lewis, Jamie, Sam and so many more. Everyone’s really talented here and we all work really well together.  

Follow the film’s journey 

To follow my filmmaking journey and the progress of ‘Turning Twenty is Gross’, follow United Response’s Instagram channel where I’m sharing regular updates.

About York Education and Media Hub 

Our York Education & Media Hub is primarily funded through York Learning, part of the City of York Council.  Their support other the years has been instrumental in developing the Education & Media Hub to the level where it can support industry standard training.  

Find out more about the Education and Media Hub.