Four unmissable London events for emerging film creatives
Wanting to break into the world of film? This month, Today at Apple and Fully Focused have joined forces to deliver an incredible programme of talks and workshops, all aimed at those at the very beginning of their filmmaking journeys. Here we’re sharing our highlights from the series.
Earlier this year, the BFI reported record-breaking activity for the TV and film industries in the UK – making this is a truly exciting time to be stepping into the sector as an emerging creative. Amid this boom, Today at Apple have collaborated with youth-driven production company Fully Focused to bring you Make Your Mark in Film, a two-week long series of events, spanning useful workshops and mentoring, to insightful inspiration sessions.
Kicking off on Tuesday 15th August, there are a total of seven events to check out, all completely free and taking place between Apple’s Covent Garden and Regent Street stores in central London. So whether you’re looking to get your work noticed or learn some essential new skills, there’s something for everyone.
See below for our four top picks from the programme – and don’t forget to book your place to avoid disappointment!
Get a talk on the power of representation and innovative new formats
Talk: Pioneering New Formats with the Creator of Mood
When: Saturday, 19th August, 2–3.30pm
Where: Apple Covent Garden, 1-7 The Piazza, London WC2E 8HB
Having been compared to Fleabag and Michaela Coel's Chewing Gum, Nicôle Lecky’s innovative TV show Mood has attracted huge acclaim since its debut in 2022. This talk is a brilliant opportunity to hear Nicôle discuss how it all came together, including how she adapted it from a one-woman stage show with the help of MBE-awarded choreographer Kenrick Sandy, who has also worked with the likes of FKA twigs and Rita Ora.
Plus, Nicôle will also touch on the importance of representation in film, and her thoughts on bringing new types of film and TV into the world.
Get insight on making films with limited budgets
Talk: Get it Made on a Budget – Music Videos to Features
When: Wednesday, 23rd August, 6.30–7.30pm
Where: Apple Regent Street, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
As the director of this year’s highly anticipated film Scrapper, Charlotte Regan’s career is truly on the rise. Having already been nominated for a BAFTA and landed a Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, her years of making films on a shoestring budget are paying off.
In this talk, hosted by presenter Maya Egbo, Charlotte will be giving invaluable insight into her approach, as well as reflecting on her early filmmaking days, creating DIY music videos for local London rappers with very few resources.
Learn to produce your own film music
Workshop: Creating Music for Your Film in GarageBand
When: Wednesday, 23rd August, 5–5.30pm
Where: Apple Regent Street, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
Finding the right music for your film can be a tricky business, whether sourcing the perfect track or understanding the complicated licensing process. This educational workshop will help you take matters into your own hands and create something completely unique.
You don’t need to have made music before and beginners are welcome, as you’ll be provided with everything necessary to make a song in GarageBand, including pre-recorded music patterns, as well as an iPad if you aren’t able to bring your own.
Hear an expert panel on getting your film noticed
Talk: You’ve Made Your Film, Now What?
When: Wednesday, 30th August, 6.30–7.30pm
Where: Apple Regent Street, 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
Once you’ve produced a film you’re proud of, how do you get it out there and attract an audience? In this final event in the series, a panel of industry insiders will come together to share their experience and advice on giving your film the best chance of success – from distribution and marketing, to entering the film festival circuit.
The line-up includes Shehroze Khan, an award-winning director with Fully Focused; Isra Al Kassi, the co-founder of T A P E Collective, a platform supporting filmmakers of marginalised backgrounds; Laura Perrachon, a curator at Genesis Cinema; Simon Young, a short film distributor and veteran of the film festival circuit; Mandy Kean, CEO of Mustard Studio, a boutique consultancy for film brands; and Katie Bignell, founder of Festival Formula, which provides festival strategy to filmmakers.
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This article was commissioned by Apple, to promote Make Your Mark in Film – a series of free talks and sessions co-created by Apple and Fully Focused. See the full programme here.
Written by Creative Lives in Progress
