Learning from Masterclasses

Nick Shearman, Executive Producer

Nick made his way into the film industry through a Drama Degree. He then did Arts journalism and after building up specialist knowledge and contacts he began working in film.

I learnt from Nick’s masterclass the importance of networking and finding a good mentor as well as learning all the technicalities, even if they’re not for your role, as it’s important that everyone on set (especially directors and producers) have a good understanding of how everything works. He also advised that running jobs and training courses were the best progression routes.

Alice Cabañas, Talent Executive for BFI

Alice also started off from a Drama degree, from there she went on to producing theatre. Eventually she ended up doing arts marketing, working at film festivals and promoting UK films internationally.

Her main advice was to watch as much film as you can, to learn what type of filmmaking you’re interested in. She stressed how big the industry is and how many roles this produces that we may not be aware of and also reminded us that we do not need to know everything and asking for help will be beneficial for your career and not hold you back. She suggested various sites to look out for different opportunities on; such as the BFI network website, Southwest Talent Connect Facebook and NetworkFHSW Twitter.

Elias Williams, Content Creator and Filmmaker

Elias hadn’t originally planned to study filmmaking but switched courses at university. He learnt his skills in writing and directing and has set up a media platfrom. He is now doing a Masters in History which is where his subject interest for filmmaking lies and will aid his success in the industry due to having specialised knowledge.

Elias recommended studying film at university or a film school as it helps a lot with not just skills but also networking. He advised us to continue to make films despite rejection and to always keep filmmaking as a passion on the side even if it’s not sustainable as a job for you all the time . He suggests making media platforms and finding a niche that will make you stand out. Some further advice he gave was to keep an eye on current affairs, consider other roles besides writing and directing and to have a knowledge of everything.

Varun Raman, Short Film Writer & Director

Varun first found his interest in media from doing the student radio station at university, on which he wrote a radio play. This then inspired him to start writing films. He experimented with different filming techniques such as shooting on film and got shown at film festivals.

I learnt from Varun’s talk that there is no absolute route into the film industry, it will be different for everyone and filmmaking is different for everyone too. He stressed the importance of practice, drive and passion as well as finding good mentors. He reminded us that film is a business as well as an art and budget etc always has to be taken into serious consideration. We learnt one of the most important aspects of a film to get right is tone and rythm. Varun inspired us that although there are helpful progression routes out there we should always be making our own opportunities and not waiting for anything to happen.