Meet Thomas Duerden & Jeffrey Beguin: The Creative Duo Behind the “City Slickers” Series
Our Spotlight SHC Article SHC Drama SHC Junior SHC Story SHC TeacherAt Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, great teaching happens beyond the classroom too—and two teachers who bring that to life brilliantly are Thomas Duerden and Jeffrey Beguin, our English as an Additional Language (EAL) specialists. Known not just for their engaging lessons, but also for their blockbuster-style student films, this dynamic duo is the creative force behind City Slickers, a much-loved series that has become a student favourite across Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus.
Passion, Purpose, and a Shared Vision
Mr Duerden and Mr Beguin both bring rich and varied backgrounds to their roles.
Mr Duerden studied Environmental Science at the University of Chester in the UK. He worked as a volunteer marine conservationist on global projects—from sea turtle and coral reef conservation in the Caribbean to dolphin research in the UK and Greece. His work eventually led him to Thailand, where he became a sea turtle conservation field research leader and later moved into teacher training and education. Over the past 15 years, he’s developed his film and video editing skills by creating educational content for his conservation work. His love for nature is only rivalled by his passion for film, music, and storytelling.
Mr Beguin studied Literature and Film at the University of Missouri in the United States. Over the past decade, he has taught in Colombia, Chile, Vietnam, the U.S., and now Thailand, where he has lived for the past five years. With a deep appreciation for stories, language, and culture, he brings a storyteller’s touch to everything he does—whether scripting a scene or crafting an inspiring lesson. A writer of poetry, stories, and scripts long before he started teaching, Mr Beguin continues to draw on those skills to create engaging classroom content and imaginative lesson plans.
Their paths crossed years ago, and they’ve been collaborating ever since. Now at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, their combined strengths—Mr Duerden’s technical skills and eye for detail, Mr Beguin’s narrative flair and instinct for dialogue—have culminated in a unique and meaningful project: City Slickers.
Inspiration Behind City Slickers
What began as a humorous skit to liven up an International Language Day assembly at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus quickly evolved into a full-blown film series.
“We wanted it to be funny, interesting, and engaging,” they explained. “Most importantly, we wanted it to be for the students and about the students. The ideas just kept coming. One of us would pitch a joke or a scene, and the other would build on it. We’re a really good team that way—we make each other’s ideas better.”
What followed was City Slickers: a signature, adventure-packed film series filled with laughs, school-based mysteries, and unforgettable characters—all played by Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus students and staff.
A Collaborative Creative Process
The pair begin most scripts with casual chats around the school, where spontaneous ideas often blossom into full scenes.
“Jeff is an absolute master of scriptwriting,” Mr Duerden praised his colleague. “He can take any dialogue and instantly add a twist or a funny line that brings it to life. He also has great editing instincts, making sure the film flows at a fast and engaging pace. Jeff is also the person you need on set to ensure the footage is collected on time and every shot is captured. He keeps the students focused and helps them deliver their lines convincingly, which makes the editing process much easier. I think the combination of our skills is what enables us to produce a film that really resonates with both students and adults.”
“Tom is a wonderful storyteller, he has a great understanding of what will engage the students, and he’s brilliant behind the camera,” Mr Beguin said. “More than anything, Tom is incredibly gifted at editing and mixing the sound and music. He puts in an enormous amount of time and care to bring the vision to life and make the films memorable. Also, making films at school takes a lot of organisation and preparation, and Tom is diligent and dedicated to putting in the work to make something great for the students.”
Students at the Centre
At the heart of City Slickers is student voice and participation. While the scripts are thoughtfully crafted, they’re treated as starting points.
“We love it when students add their own lines or rephrase things in their own voice,” the teachers said. “It makes the film more authentic—and often much funnier.”
Through their involvement, students aren’t just acting—they’re learning about film language, continuity, digital literacy, and the power of storytelling.
“Filmmaking helps them practise narrative comprehension in a completely new context,” they added. “It’s like literacy in action—but with costumes and time machines.”
Perhaps most importantly, the process has empowered students who might not otherwise step into the spotlight. “Film is a medium where quieter students often shine. It’s been amazing to see their confidence grow.”
A Whole-School Effort
Beyond the student cast, the series has drawn enthusiastic cameos from across Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus community. Guest stars like Ms Dennison (Principal), Mr Sheffield (Class Teacher), and Mr Ice (ITC Technician) have all lent their time and humour to the project. Here are some of the teachers’ reflections:
“Our Principal Ms Dennison is a talented actress. Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time to be in the films and clearly enjoys interacting with the students on screen. It shows how much she cares about the school community.”
“Filming with Mr Sheffield is always a joy. He’s appeared in every film we’ve made and is always ready to do something silly to make the students laugh. We’re constantly laughing when we film his scenes—and he’s even added some of his own lines!”
“We think Mr Ice deserves an award for his role in City Slickers 2. He was amazing and hilarious in every scene. It’s so heart-warming that our ITC Technician is willing to dress up as a caveman and swing a bone at a time machine just to entertain the students!”
“It’s a testament to the spirit of Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus,” they said. “There’s a real willingness to join in, to play, and to create something fun for the students. That generosity is what makes these films possible.”
Why It Matters
For both teachers, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus’s City Slickers is about much more than entertainment—it’s about connection.
“These films are entirely for the students,” they reflected. “They see themselves and their world reflected on screen, and that makes it incredibly engaging.”
“The goal has always been to inspire and engage. Just like with lesson planning, we try to make something creative and meaningful—and the students take it the rest of the way.”
In an age where creativity and collaboration are more important than ever, City Slickers is a joyful reminder of what’s possible when teachers and students create together.
With Mr Duerden and Mr Beguin at the helm, we can’t wait to see where the next adventure leads.