Search Results for: Cornwall

 

The Cornwall Film Festival took 13 aspiring young filmmakers from the British Film Industry’s (BFI) Film Academy programme to visit the 9th annual Future Film Festival in London.

Attendees were granted a day’s worth of information packed screenings, Bafta master-class workshops and networking events, all delivered by an arrangement of industry professionals.

Speakers ranged from visual effects specialists, to directors and a whole host of actors, screenwriters, and leading production experts. How hard is it really to break into the industry? Is there a secret to writing a successful screenplay? Our budding young devotees to film had all their questions answered from a variety of perspectives.

Truro College student Megan Arnold described her experience at the event: ‘It was really cool! The event had a really nice atmosphere and it was awesome to meet so many professionals with loads of really useful information about the film industry!’

The Bafta Career Surgeries were a highlight of the day -intimate discussions within small groups where students were encouraged to actively participate with speakers Andrew Whitehurst, Charlie Covell, and Daisy-May Hudson. Recent Oscar winner Whitehurst, known for his special effects work on the James Bond film Skyfall (2012), and the multiple award-winning Ex Machina (2015), gave insight into discussions such as the role and significance of digital versus photography film, the responsibilities of the director, practical special effects versus digital, and indeed what he saw as the easiest means of entering into the industry.

Whitehurst’s overwhelming message was that the film industry takes time and dedication to enter into. Listeners were told to not be afraid of starting small, and of the importance of self-discovery, and patience when figuring out their callings.

Director Mo Ali echoed this idea, in panel ‘Directing Your Career’, his own means to success; a 10 year life blue-print split down into monthly goals, weekly goals, and then ultimately, daily goals.

Attendees were also delighted to hear from director Rob Savage, as he discussed the importance of persistence and networking, and the value of maintaining hope when repeatedly emailing potential companies with your work.

The panel was open to questions before finishing, with Kate Herron discussing topics that ranged from dealing with social anxiety in the world of comedy, to how to get financing, and also support for your work.

Guests were also fortunate enough to see a 90 minute exploration of narrative and pacing in screenwriting by the talented Gabriella Apicella. An in depth summary of visual storytelling, character development, and structure when writing for the big screen. At this point attendees had split, with some attending screenings of the Student Academy Award Winning short films, while others enjoyed an exploration into film criticism and programming with programmer and freelance journalist Ashley Clarke – a thorough examination of the role of the film critic and what it takes to be successful as a film programmer.

The festival also offered excellent networking opportunities from the start, with a chance for our students to meet with fellow film enthusiasts and filmmakers within the Hive delegate lounge (courtesy of Creative Skillset) for hot drinks and lunch breaks. Additionally, before leaving, attendees joined as a group in the Blue Room for refreshments and a chance to mingle, meet with panel staff in person, and network with partners – overall a relaxed, and cheerful way of rounding off an insightful and information packed day at the BFI.

 

(from a press release)