Watch Northampton College student’s 'masterpiece' emotional Christmas video featuring his dog Poppy

A student from Northampton College has created a festive film featuring his dog Poppy, which is making everyone emotional.

Leo Kelly, who is studying creative media, filmed and edited the short video about his family dog going missing, with a long and anguished search proving fruitless until the pooch emerges at the front door just in time for Christmas, as part of a college project.

The 17-year-old’s film, starring his younger brother, Ben, which was inspired by previous John Lewis Christmas adverts, has now been hailed as a ‘masterpiece’ by industry experts.

Leo said: “I’m from a generation that has grown up with a phone in their hand at all times so filming things is second nature to me.

“It’s something I love doing and I have always made short clips or versions of music videos and I love editing them afterwards.

“When I had the chance to do this for a college project I knew immediately what I wanted to do.

“I have loved the John Lewis adverts over the years and I really wanted to use those as my inspiration.

“Emotion is a huge part of those films and I wanted to capture that feeling in my version too.

“I wanted to produce a video that made people upset but then wrap it up with a message of hope and happiness at the end, which is something we all need after what has been such a difficult year.”

The video was shot across eight locations around Northamptonshire, including Althorp, Hardingstone and Gayton and took six days to film over three weekends.

Poppy, an eight-year-old Bichon Frisé and cavalier King Charles spaniel crossbreed, plays a starring role in the film.

Leo added: “She was amazing, considering she’s totally untrained we were able to get her to play the part brilliantly.

“My family helped a lot and we made sure we had plenty of treats to hand to get her to focus.”

The soundtrack to Leo’s piece was important and he was able to call on a family friend for further inspiration.

Chart-topping performer Freya Ridings once sung at a relation’s wedding and her song ‘Lost Without You’ proved the perfect accompaniment to the heart-wrenching film.

Leo's tutors have been full of praise for his work and the college is using the video as part of its official digital Christmas greeting.

Principal of Northampton College, Pat Brennan-Barrett, added: “Leo’s outstanding video is an incredibly touching film which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of emotive messaging.

“It is heavily influenced by the Christmas advertising campaigns we have seen from the likes of John Lewis in recent years and this would be worthy of a place alongside anything they have produced. It is truly exceptional.

“As a college we are delighted to be able to showcase Leo’s work to a wider audience and will be using it across our social media channels this Christmas.

“It is a prime example of what can be achieved by students who combine a strong work ethic with an imaginative mind and an eye for detail.”

The video has already attracted thousands of views on Leo’s YouTube channel, which can be found by searching Leo Kelly on the site.

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