High Flying Classroom to Play A Starring Role in New Film

A unique Loughborough College classroom is set for take-off as a film set after being spotted on TikTok.

The college’s travel and tourism training classroom, which is a replica 737 cabin, will be used as the setting for a film by Loughborough University student Lauren Ann Decouto.

She was looking for a quirky location to make a film as part of her final year research project into how techniques from narrative-driven video games can be used to improve a typical movie’s interactivity.

And she couldn’t believe her luck when she saw the cabin in all its glory on a Loughborough College TikTok video.

Lauren said: “I am studying English and Drama and as part of my research project as a final year student I creating a film to explore how techniques of narrative video games can be used to improve a "typical" film's interactivity through things like perspective and chaos theory. 

“I found the classroom via TikTok as a video was posted of one of the classes in session. It looked absolutely amazing and it seemed to be a perfect location for one of my scenes.”

She added: “I would never have thought the college would have such a setting, and the fact that it does is so intriguing. I’d have kicked myself if I didn't attempt to see if I could use the space - and I’m really grateful the college agreed to let me.”

Elizabeth Gensler, an Advanced Practitioner in Hospitality & Tourism and lecturer on the College’s Level 3 Extended Diploma, said: “We were more than happy to help Lauren. It is a wonderfully unique classroom and I’m sure more people in the area may find it interesting, especially people who have never flown before. Just get in touch if you’d like to take a look!”

The special classroom was built last summer and is a full-size section of a commercial airline cabin designed to train travel and tourism students.

The 7.5-metre long cabin features two rows of seats, a full working galley, an intercom system and an audio control panel that simulates a range of different scenarios, including emergencies and standard procedures.

If you would like to arrange a visit to the classroom cabin, please email Elizabeth.gensler@loucoll.ac.uk.