At TLS (True Lens Services), we believe in empowering the next generation of filmmakers. Recently, we had the pleasure of supporting a talented group of Film and High-End Television Production students from the University of Derby by loaning them a set of our TLS Vega lenses for their ambitious short film Safety Net, which won the University of Derby’s Audience Award 2025. With director Alfie Beard and director of photography Connor McLoughlin leading the charge, the team crafted a thoughtful short exploring ambition, loss, and resilience—captured in part with the TLS Vega lenses.

Telling the Untold Story Behind Youth Football

Directed by Alfie Beard, Safety Net dives into the emotional and social challenges faced by young football hopefuls, those who dream of making it big, only to find themselves unprepared for life outside the academy system.

“So many young people in the UK grow up dreaming of playing football on the biggest stage,” Alfie says. “But the reality is that only a tiny fraction will go on to play professionally. We felt this story needed to be told, so that academies can better prepare young people for life beyond sport.”

Though the short tackles heavy truths, the team also wanted to leave viewers with a sense of hope, highlighting how football can uplift, connect, and inspire.

Crafting a Visual Language of Emotion

Cinematographer Connor McLoughlin approached the project with a clear vision: to create intimate, grounded imagery that reflected the realism of early 2000s youth football. Drawing inspiration from Moneyball, The Iron Claw, and Winning Time, Connor sought to emulate the textured, filmic quality of those productions.

“I wanted the visuals to reflect the time period, so the TLS Vega lenses had the perfect glass for that,” he notes. “We also used a DV tape camera for a few ‘found footage’ shots, similar to how they used 8mm in Winning Time. We managed to align the weather with the mood of each scene to add subtext—using beautiful sunny days to reflect positive moments and dingy, overcast days to underscore negative ones, in typical British fashion.”

Why the TLS Vega Lenses?

The choice to shoot with TLS Vega lenses came after a thoughtful lens testing process. As a Camera Trainee, Connor had experienced many different lenses on set, but when it came time to step into the role of DP, he knew exactly what he was looking for.

“A lot of modern lenses are super clean,” he explains, “but for this story, I wanted something with more character—something that would reflect the early 2000s visually. I’d used TLS Canon FD lenses before and loved them, but I needed something sharper for our sports sequences. After a conversation with the TLS team, we tested the rehoused Mamiya 645s and the Vegas. The Vegas were the perfect balance.”

Connor used an ARRI Alexa Mini and a Sony FX3, with the Vega 50mm proving especially useful on a gimbal. The 24mm and 58mm, meanwhile, became his go-to lenses on the Alexa.

“The lenses were amazing—some of the nicest optics I’ve ever seen. The 58mm, in particular, produced beautiful bokeh even at T/2.8. One of my favourite shots is a hero moment of our protagonist making a save—it’s elevated by a stunning flare that really adds to the narrative. The speed of the lenses also helped in low light, especially when paired with the FX3’s dual base ISO.”

Overcoming Challenges & Celebrating Achievements

Like many student productions, Safety Net came with its share of challenges. For Connor, taking on the role of DP for such a significant project was a leap into the unknown.

“A year ago, I was shooting passion projects on the cheapest gear I could find. Suddenly, I was shooting a 15-minute short on an Alexa Mini with TLS Vegas—it felt like a fever dream. The hardest part wasn’t just the technical side, but managing a team and making sure we stayed on schedule.”

Thanks to a committed camera crew—entirely composed of fellow University of Derby students—Connor was able to bring the vision to life. From location scouting to wrap day, Safety Net was a milestone not just in storytelling, but in collaboration and growth.

“From driving out to location recces with the director to testing lenses at TLS HQ and chatting with the team at the BSC Expo, the experience was hands-on from start to finish.”

“What I’m most proud of is the team,” he says. “Everyone who gave their time and energy to this project—cast, crew, friends, family, and sponsors. Especially the camera department. Without them, and without the Vegas, Safety Net wouldn’t have looked the way it does.”

Safety Net - Short Film Trailer

Stills from Safety Net, shot with TLS Vega lenses

Credit
Director : Alfie Beard (@alfiebeard_film)
Cinematographer : Connor McLoughlin (@lchlnconnor)
Photographer : Waldo Burke-Kennedy (@waldo_burke_kennedy) & Kira Lathbury (@stillsbykira)