The Sparks Film of the Month Award shines a spotlight on the imaginative filmmaking talents of Sparks Film School students.
Each month, a film production made by Sparks Film School crew members is chosen as Film of the Month.
Our panel of judges – assembled from our team of filmmaking instructors – look at submissions from across Sparks Film Schools nationally and choose one film that they think stands out as an impressive piece of filmmaking.
They assess based on each film’s impact on screen and explore all its little details to uncover all the things we love about each film chosen.
Film of the Month: Selection Criteria
To be selected as Sparks Film of the Month, a film production needs to be…
Original:
We look for originality and imagination above all else when choosing the winner of Film of the Month. We looks for films that surprise us, offer some inventiveness and challenge convention.
Interesting:
To be chosen as Film of the Month, a production needs to be interesting. We want to see what happens next; we want to learn more about the characters. We should be invested in watching until the very end.
Well Made:
We need to be appreciate the technicality in how a film has been made for it to be awarded Film of the Month. It should feature a clear storyline, be well shot, well acted, well edited and put together.
Made by Students of Sparks Film School:
Film of the Month can be awarded to any film production made by students at any Sparks Film School across the UK. It can be made independently or during film school sessions.
Congratulations to the crews behind Brain Rot from Sparks Film School Glasgow South!
This month, Brain Rot by filmmakers from Sparks Film School Glasgow South has been chosen as the winning film.
From the Judges…
“For this month’s Film of the Month award we have chosen this fantastic – and brilliantly titled – production from young filmmakers in Glasgow.
This mystery thriller film is centred on the idea of how much we use our phones. It was produced by Studio 4 crew members during the Summer Term of filmmaking classes.
We loved watching this film, with its solid plot and strong acting performances.
Firstly, the film opens with a short but very efficient introduction sequence. The crew have decided to use CCTV footage of the school and a threatening voiceover from the principal character to open the film. This immediately sets up the idea of being watched or under surveillance, a theme throughout the film that really sets the tone straight away. Some clever creative choices have been made here that give the film a strong start.
We want to commend the filmmakers on the acting on show here. We were really impressed in particular by the scene in the classroom when the children spin around. This scene was eerie and mysterious, and really gave the film its sense of danger and looming fear. The crew behind this film have really achieved a great sense of mystery, brought about by the direction, the style, design and acting all working in harmony together.
We were also impressed with the concept of the plot, which feels timely, relevant to the makers and to a wider audience and takes an intriguing sideways glance at the subject matter. We won’t spoil it, but we felt that this was a film with something to say and we enjoyed how the filmmakers gave some of their own narrative point of view to the production.
Overall, the crew members involved here have created a very atmospheric and interesting film, which clearly has involved a lot of creativity and passion. Congratulations to all involved and well done on being October’s Film Of The Month – it’s a well deserved win!”
About Sparks Film School’s Filmmaking Courses
Sparks Film School offers filmmaking, animation and photography workshops for ages 5-18, including term time classes and holiday camps.
We offer free taster classes and there are lots of opportunities to get involved. You can find out more about our filmmaking courses here >>>
