THE STORY BEHIND AN “ODE TO CHICHESTER”
In August 2020 I got the chance to work on a dream project, one that celebrates some of the amazing independents businesses here in the city of Chichester … so here’s the story behind it.
A couple of months ago, Marco, of Purchases Bar & Restaurant approached me about making a promo film to highlight some of the hospitality businesses that were re-opening following the Covid crisis. It was an instant YES from me of course. I knew that this was a great idea — especially as I try to fly the flag hard for the City’s indie businesses.
After my initial excitement, I remembered I only have an iPhone at my disposal so needed a pro team onboard, so I spoke to local filmmaker Ranald founder of Feel Good Films and he was also thinking of doing some similar, inspired by other films he’d seen — so a collab was a no-brainer.
After the seed of an idea Ranald and I wanted to take it further and not just focus on hospitality – a kind of “from dawn to dusk” story celebrating the variety of independent business here in the city, with a particular focus on retail, hospitality, hair and beauty salons — those areas that have been hardest hit.
An “Ode to Chichester” was born … almost
We needed a story, some words, to tie the film together and Emily Penny aka The Brand Poet was my number one choice — she nailed it perfectly.
We spent two glorious but long days filming 19 independent businesses (they all paid a nominal fee to be included) here in the city and then another day recording the voiceover. Ranald’s team were awesome, which also included a director and two photographers on the filming days.
After some late nights, the finished edit was ready and it premiered at the Chichester Drive-in over the bank holiday weekend – a collaborative event between Chichester Cinema at New Park and Chichester Festival Theatre
It then went live across Facebook and Instagram. As at 8th September, it had reached over 27k people on Facebook alone.
Chichester Is Us … we are all what makes it a special place to live and work.
Ranald and I hope you enjoy the finished film:
In the press: recent interview with Ranald in the Chichester Observer
If you think I could help you and your business, get in touch
Debbie is amazing, and her workshop has helped our business grow. She is kind, friendly and really down to earth can’t wait to work with her again in the future! Along with this the space [at Rume2] was fantastic for individuals or to use as a group. Its clean, bright and feels like a great place to get creative!
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I recently attended a Social Media Workshop for small businesses and I am so glad I did. Not only was it delivered with lots of enthusiasm by Debbie who clearly knows her stuff, but it gave me great tips to use moving forward and gave me the kick up the behind I needed to get a little more consistent with my social media. I would definitely recommend this session.
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Debbie Ford is an inspiration & her Social Media workshop at Rume2 last week gave me loads of new ideas & a fresh perspective. Was really refreshing being amongst other business owners, all of us from different backgrounds, but everyone really friendly & supportive.
Debbie is absolutely brilliant! So informative and has given me a new lease of confidence when it comes to social media. Debbie taught us all so much in such a relaxed manner and made a group of strangers feel like a group of friends within seconds! I cannot recommend her enough!
I attended the social media masterclass with Debbie and I took away so many top tips and useful information. It was pitched at a level which meant if you were a total beginner or more experienced you would have walked away with much more knowledge that you had when you went in the room. Very useful and I’d highly recommend it to support your social channels for your business – thanks Debbie!
I am very new to social media and literally learning on the hoof! Debbie delivered an extremely informative social media presentation crammed with useful tips and links in a very relaxed and friendly style – lots of laughs too, no question too silly, and no chance of nodding off! Thank you! I will be in touch!
Thanks so much for this morning’s session. Very useful! and packed with brilliant information I had no idea about.
I attended the social media for small businesses course you ran today with the Chichester Bid – and it was fantastic! The atmosphere was relaxed but interested, you were informative and happy to answer any questions that came your way. All of the tips you suggested looked attainable and the steps came from a place of common sense. Thank you!
Can’t thank you enough for a great workshop and I’ve certainly come out of it with a clearer understanding and mind-set!
Debbie was fantastic… I struggle with social media (I only joined Facebook when I started my business a few months ago). Debbie spotted things that I could change quickly and easily as well as guiding me to streamlining my process for all platforms. She is incredibly supportive and I highly recommend her.
We trust Debbie to manage all our social channels for our web design and digital marketing agency. Debbie really understands how to get the most out of social media for our business. She gets that it’s all about engagement and authenticity, not just ‘likes’ and ‘follows’. Never generic or dull, our social feeds have never been so useful, interesting and consistent. Highly recommended!
Debbie really knows her stuff, and has great energy and ideas. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her to anyone needing some social savvy!
Thank you so much for the course, I found it eye opening and extremely informative.
Thank you to Debbie for coaching me with my digital media, Debbie has a wonderful way of thinking, so many brilliant ideas for content. Anyone that is involved with social media must have Debbie as a coach! Thank you 
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Recently attended a course, run by Debbie, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It gave me the kick to start using Instagram (which is the social media channel I was lacking in). Debbie explained everything in a no-nonsense way, that even I could understand. Very much recommend her course.
Super helpful session with Debbie this morning, learnt some top tips which I have taken on board and already putting into practise. A calm and clear teacher with a friendly manner, with the vibe that no question too silly to ask. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her sessions. Thanks again Debbie.
I would thoroughly recommend Debbie. I joined one of her social media sessions. I thought she pitched it really well – giving us lots of useful and practical advice whilst creating a forum to ask those questions you’ve always wanted to ask! I came away with a renewed confidence in my approach to social media for business.
I attended a social media course run by Debbie.
It was very interesting and I learnt a lot to use for the future in my role at work.
would recommend
Debbie came and gave a very inspiring talk about Social Media to our networking meeting for The Selsey Business Partnership. She had a wonderful way of engaging with everyone in the room, raising lots of discussion and advised on ways to improve and help with business Social Media – everyone in the room found the tips very helpful whether or not they were regular social media users – highly recommend if you are looking for help with your business or as a speaker for your group.
Thank you for a very informative 121 session on email marketing!
Had a great day at Boston Tea Party Chichester with Debbie from The Chichester Social looking at how we use social media for our business, and the best tips to improve our social media presence – highly recommended 👍
For any business that needs a bit of Social Marketing Savvy, do get in touch with Debbie at The Chichester Social. She’s ace, and is most passionate about our local independents and entrepreneurs!
Had a brilliant catch up and strategy session with Debbie from The Chichester Social. She reminded me that this time last year, South Coast Mermaids didn’t exist and encouraged me to reflect on the progress I have made! Thank you Debbie!
Debbie gave a very interesting and inspiring talk to the Selsey Business Partnership members last week. She remembered everybody’s name and their type of business and brought that into the talk, which made it very personal to everybody there. many thanks Debbie, Sue and Tom Celebration Balloons 4 You
Debbie is a mine of knowledge. Your talk has given me a lot if ideas and inspiration as to the direction I want my business to go in.
Thank you
