Dimz Inc. Academy × Spiral Skills: Meet the Next Generation of Storytellers
About Dimz Inc. Academy
Dimz Inc. Academy was a free, week-long creative experience for 18–24-year-olds aiming to break into the world of digital media. Founded by Amelia Dimoldenberg (creator of Chicken Shop Date) and powered by Spiral Skills, the immersive programme provided 18 young aspiring digital media professionals with the skills, confidence and connections to take their first step into the creative industries. Participants gained real-world experience working with high-profile industry professionals, created original content, learned the art of storytelling and went behind the scenes of one of the UK’s most popular online shows.
Chosen from over 140 applicants, these aspiring content creators spent five days turning ideas into reality: developing show concepts, shooting on location, editing like pros, and launching their projects.
The mission was to give young people the tools, resources and networks to kickstart careers in digital media and the wider creator economy. Spiral Skills partnered with Dimz Inc. Academy to amplify this mission, co-creating pathways to empower the next generation of storytellers.
The Week in Action
Day 1- Ideas take flight
At Oasis St Martin’s Village, the icebreakers came first, setting the tone for a week of collaboration. Amelia shared her story and what makes a winning format, then teams got stuck into brainstorming and refining ideas. The day closed with a public speaking masterclass and three brand-new production teams ready to roll.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Day 2 – Lights, camera, chicken
The 18 headed to the legendary Sam’s Chicken Shop, home of Chicken Shop Date. After a Q&A with professional creatives Diara and Matt, the participants shadowed a live shoot, tried their hands at filming, snapped photos, planned social media content, and even had a quick date with Amelia!
Day 3 – Shooting like pros
Back at Oasis and YCUK, Industry mentors and camera professionals Bruno, Tayo, and Adrian ran a crash course in white balance, exposure, framing, and movement before teams shot their pilots from start to finish. All footage captured, ready for the edit suite.
Day 4 – The magic of editing
At YCUK, with guidance from Matt and Trent, participants learned editing workflows, cut their stories together, and role-played as executive producers, assistant producers and graphic designers, giving feedback. They finally completed their five-minute pilot episode.
Day 5 – Sell it to the world
Lastly, at the Southbank Centre. After icebreakers, they were led in a marketing workshop by Ashleigh and Victoria and completed a 360° marketing brief, teams built full campaigns with branding, logos, and social plans. The grand finale was screening their pilots, pitching their launches, and celebrating a week of hard work.
Beyond the Programme
It was an action-packed week, but the learning and support did not end at the celebration session. Participants left with:
A creative portfolio: A professional pitch deck, a filmed teaser, and a show concept developed from scratch.
Hands-on experience across the content creation process: From generating ideas to filming, editing, and branding their own show.
Connections with high-profile industry professionals: Networking opportunities with real creatives and content makers who can help shape their next steps.
Ongoing support from Spiral Skills
Graduates have joined a supportive creative community with continued access to:
One-to-one career coaching
CV support and interview preparation
Opportunities in creative employment, training, and further education
Personalised action planning and goal setting
Connections to industry mentors
Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who made the first-ever Dimz Inc. Academy possible.
To the Spiral Skills staff, the Dimz Inc. Academy team and Amelia Dimoldenberg for leading the vision. To the professionals — Tayo, Matt, Bruno, Diara and Adrian, Ashleigh & Victoria, thank you for sharing your expertise, creativity and time with the participants, and to YCUK for your support in making this possible.
A special thank you to HotCam for supplying the filming equipment for the young people to use this week!
Your dedication turned this idea into an unforgettable week of learning, collaboration and inspiration.
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