Young filmmaker Isla is a film student with Sparks Film School Glasgow South.
We sat down with Isla about her experiences as a young filmmaker and Sparks Film School student.
Isla, on set, shooting a scene with two fellow film students at Sparks Film School Glasgow South
Can you tell me about when you first joined Sparks Film School? Tell me about your first day joining Sparks as a young filmmaker…
I was very nervous! I was sitting in the car with my mum waiting to go in. We saw Audra (Head at Sparks Film School Glasgow South Director) and she welcomed me in and showed me to the room we were working in. I was still really nervous but really excited. I met some of the other students (who are now my friends!) and they were really welcoming and nice.
In the first session we were looking into Foley techniques, which is a form of sound design and creating sound effects for film, and I thought that was really interesting and cool!
What first interested you about filmmaking?
Since I was probably around 8 or 9, I had an interest in acting and filmmaking. I used to see people on TV or YouTube and think “that’s really cool,” both behind the camera and acting. I joined a local stage school before we moved to Scotland and I realised maybe acting wasn’t for me, but I was still really interested in cameras and camerawork.
My mum is a photographer and I love seeing the amazing stuff people can create with cameras. I also watch a lot of films and series and think cinematography is mind-blowing, and I want to be able to make things like that!
Young filmmaker Isla reviews a take on a DSLR camera with a fellow film school student
How would you say your filmmaking has developed over your time attending classes at Sparks Film School? What kind of things have you learned about?
My filmmaking has definitely improved. Before coming to Sparks, I would sometimes help my mum out with her photoshoots for work, or make short films on my phone, but until I came to Sparks I hadn’t actually used a real film camera to shoot, so it was a new experience.
I learnt so much on different kinds of shot types like wide, low, high, tracking shots and I instantly loved it because I find cameras just really cool. I have learnt a lot at Sparks. If you ask any of my peers what Isla’s favourite shot type is, they will say it’s a triangle shot. I think it’s a great setup to use, I just love it. It can add so much detail to our films.
What has been your favourite Sparks Film School production you have worked on?
I have been coming to Sparks for around a year now I believe. So, I have worked on 3 productions now. I loved making our most recent film about two famous actors caught in a love triangle called ‘Played’. I thought this one was really cool to watch as we got to use the stage in our venue and it looked like a real film set for the story. However, my favourite would be ‘A Frog’s Journey Home’.
What advice would you have for other young filmmakers, or other children interested in joining Sparks Film School?
I think settling into the group is really easy as everyone is really welcoming. It’s a group full of personality and a really positive environment, it’s made really easy to fit in quickly and feel part of the group. I would say just be yourself and you will fit in easily!
Find out more…
Isla attends the Sparks Film School weekly filmmaking classes at Sparks Film School Glasgow South.
Sparks Film Schools offer weekly filmmaking classes for young filmmakers aged 5-18 at a range of venues across the UK.
If you’d like to take part, you can find your nearest Sparks Film School here >>
