Meet the Team at Sparks Film School
This month, we sat down for a chat with Iwan, one of the fabulous filmmaking instructors from Sparks Film School Highgate.
Iwan shares his knowledge and passion for filmmaking with students in Studios 2-3 (ages 7-11).
Find out all about Iwan’s love for filmmaking, his experience in the industry and what he most enjoys about inspiring young filmmakers at Sparks Film School.
Iwan, tell us a bit about your background in film and TV…
My background in TV and film began in performance. I grew up around actors training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, and it looked like far too much fun not to try myself. I went on to train at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and after graduating, alongside theatre, I developed a real love for screen work, appearing in Warner Brother’s Pennyworth, Disney’s The Shepherd and most recently Never Never Never (Iris Prize) premiering at BFI Flare Festival, it had a great response!
What was your journey into the world of filmmaking?
My journey into filmmaking started very young with my dad’s camera and my Doctor Who figures, making stop-motion videos by pressing record on and off. Growing up in Wales, I was lucky to be involved in a scheme called “It’s My Shout,” which helps people get their first experience in the industry. I appeared in short films through that programme and even won a Best Supporting Actor award for one of them, which was an early encouragement. It was great to see Sparks sponsoring an Award at the ceremony this year. When two worlds collide!
(More on Sparks Film School Cardiff West and their It’s My Shout Festival success below…)
You work with our film students at Sparks Film School in Highgate. What do you find inspirational about youth filmmaking?
It’s amazing to see them experiment with equipment and learn by doing. That practical approach is something I really relate to, I’m quite dyslexic, so I’ve always learned best through tangible, hands-on experience.
It’s also incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence grow. As they become familiar with industry language and processes, you can see them finding their voice. One of the biggest highlights is when they see themselves, or their work, on screen for the first time. That moment of pride is something really special.
What skills do you think will be important for young people coming in who may be interested in a career in TV and Film?
Teamwork is one of the most important skills. Film and TV are inherently collaborative, and the ability to work well with others is essential. Patience is another key skill, good work takes time, and rushing the process rarely leads to the best results.
What advice might you have for young filmmakers interested in pursuing a career in filmmaking?
Don’t get stuck trying to make something perfect straight away, get your ideas down first and refine them later. Be open to collaboration and listen to others, because great ideas can come from anywhere.
Keep things simple and focus on clarity, if your audience understands and connects with your work, that’s what matters most. Start small, build your skills over time, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Iwan is part of the team at Sparks Film School Highgate. You can find out more about youth film and media courses close to you by finding your nearest film school >>
It’s My Shout
Iwan was also recently at the It’s My Shout Film Festival, where coincidentally, Sparks Film School Cardiff West were also sponsors and up for an award.
Sparks Cardiff West Success at It’s My Shout Festival
About It’s My Shout
It’s My Shout is a renowned training scheme that produces drama and documentary shorts. They have a fantastic track record of developing creative talent, and their films are currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
A Full-Circle Moment
Both Alyn and Christine (Sparks Film School Cardiff West Co-Directors) actually participated in the scheme 20 years ago! Coming full circle, Alyn had the opportunity to direct one of their films last year, a drama titled Enter the Manosphere.
Event Highlights & Sponsorship
Sparks Film School Cardiff West were thrilled to be official sponsors of this year’s awards ceremony. Co-Director Christine said ”Our branding was featured in the event programme and on banners, but the real highlights were:
Sponsoring an Award: The “Best Runner” category. Presented by “The Traitors” contestants!
Celebrating a Nomination: Alyn was nominated for Best Drama for his work on Enter the Manosphere.
Team Celebration: We were also able to invite our staff members to join the celebration, ensuring the team could enjoy the night and see the impact of our sponsorship first hand.
It was a brilliant night celebrating local talent, and we’re excited to share these highlights with the Sparks Film School community!
