Manchester-based production company Space Digital has partnered with Network Rail and British Transport Police to deliver a striking series of safety films as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at tackling the dangers of trespassing on the railway.
Commissioned by Network Rail and produced in collaboration with returning rail collaborators Storycatchers, the films take a fresh, cinematic approach to storytelling — placing the lived experiences of railway first responders at the heart of the message.
These harrowing but vital accounts serve as a powerful warning of the real-life consequences of ignoring railway safety, particularly the dangers of live train lines.
Working to a tight schedule and with a carefully managed production budget, Space Digital handled all elements of the shoot. This included sourcing the director, securing studio space, and managing the full post-production process, from edit to sound design and final grade.
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By framing the true stories through the lens of film production, the campaign delivers an emotionally resonant message in a way that is both novel and impactful.
“We’re incredibly proud to have worked on this important series for Network Rail,” said Matthew Nelson, producer at Space Digital. “It’s not only a chance to highlight the incredible work of first responders, but also to use creative storytelling to engage audiences and drive real awareness. We’re pleased to be continuing our work with Network Rail into 2025.”
The campaign has now launched across Network Rail’s channels and is part of an ongoing effort to reduce the rising number of dangerous incidents involving young people on the railways with the vital message: “Stay off the tracks. It’s just not worth it.”
Office of Rail and Road figures show that there were 12 people who died in accidents while trespassing on the railways in the year April 2023 to March 2024. They involved 10 trespass fatalities on the mainline and two on the London Underground. There were two fatalities at level crossings, which involved one motorcyclist on the mainline and a member of the public on the non-mainline network.
