Graduate has feature broadcast on Radio 4

Kidnapped is a binaural docu-drama which focuses on two true kidnapping stories. The piece was created using the binaural head.   

Harry explained that since before he started university he was interested in binaural heads and once he found out the university had one, he was really keen to try it.   

Harry managed to secure his interviews by chance with the first, Alex, overhearing Harry talking about his project in a lecture and offering to tell his story and the second, Bob, his girlfriend Rose’s dad, being suggested by his Rose’s mum who overheard a phone call.   

Kidnapped was one of five winners announced at the Centenary Charles Parker Day. Unfortunately, Harry was unable to attend the awards ceremony as he was filming for his final project, but luckily “the filming went well, and all of the actors cheered” when he got the call to say he won.   

Harry achieved a first-class degree and also achieved a first in his final project. He said: “I was very pleased as this validated all of the hard work and made me feel better about missing the awards.” 

Harry added: “The best thing for me was being able to use all of the kit and learn all of the programs that we have available as I’m quite a techy person.   

“That combined with the friends I’ve made; it was just a great overall experience.” 

All documentaries from the Charles Parker Prize winners will be broadcast this week with Kidnapped broadcasted on Tuesday 30th July.

You can listen to Kidnapped here. 

Jimmy Ewing, Lecturer in Radio, said: “Harry, is a very creative media producer and has always been a pleasure to teach. When he told me about this idea in class, I knew he was on to something. With the help of his lecturer Adam Fowler, he made a fascinating piece with great access. Using binaural recording techniques, Harry created an immersive ‘Kidnapped’ experience layered with victims' stories of the terrifying crime.   

“Harry won the prestigious Charles Parker Prize this year which earned him a BBC Radio 4 broadcast before he graduated! I’m sure there are many more award-winning programmes to come from this talented young man. Well done Harry! Best of luck post-Salford”