Sparks Film School Greenwich & Blackheath, partnered with Young Greenwich, have been supporting young filmmakers at Leigh Academy in Blackheath to learn about filmmaking and to produce a series of short films focused on exploring mental health and wellbeing.
The latest cohort of students have been learning the basics of filmmaking and have used those skills to plan, shoot and edit Sophie’s Story, a brand new short film that we recommend is well worth a watch!
Watch the Film:
Sophie’s Story was produced by young filmmakers from Leigh Academy Blackheath, working with facilitators from Sparks Film School Greenwich & Blackheath
An 8-week filmmaking programme in Blackheath
The workshops followed the professional filmmaking process, from early ideas through to a finished film.
In the first sessions, students explored film language and storytelling, how shot choices affect meaning, how editing changes pace and mood, and how sound can shift the feel of a scene. They also covered the foundations of narrative, including character, conflict and structure.
As the weeks progressed, the focus moved into production. Students developed ideas, shaped a script, and learned how to plan a shoot. They explored different roles on set, including directing, camera, sound, producing, editing and performance. Students took turns across roles so they could understand how each part of the crew contributes to the final outcome.
“They should all be really proud of their production.” — Dan Farrell, Sparks Co‑Founder
Sparks Co-Founder Dan Farrell, who facilitated the workshop said:
I was so impressed by the group’s response to the brief. We asked our young filmmakers to create a film that created a positive narrative around a person dealing with stress and mental health issues.
The group drew on their own experiences, and then pitched a really creative idea that revolved around a character called Sophie who is at the top of her game, literally: she’s a world champion in karate. She gets asked a question in a press conference that takes her back to a time at school where she felt anything but on top of the world.
The group rose to some really creative challenges, using green-screen and overlaying to show voices in Sophie’s head, lots of torchlight to replicate press photography and some effective over the shoulder shots to make the fight sequences come together.
I was so impressed by the creativity on show in the group, and they should all be really proud of their production.
Exploring mental health through filmmaking
A key part of the project was giving students space to explore mental health issues through story and discussion.
Through guided conversations, students discussed situations that can affect wellbeing and the kinds of support and strategies that can help. They talked about positive outlets, including creative activities, staying connected to trusted people, and finding ways to communicate feelings.
These discussions helped shape the film and supported the group work. Students practised listening, sharing ideas respectfully, and building confidence in expressing their point of view.
Skills students gained (creative, technical, and life skills)
By the end of the project, students had strengthened a range of skills.
- Teamwork: collaborating, sharing responsibilities, and supporting each other towards a shared goal
- Communication: giving clear direction, asking questions, and offering constructive feedback
- Leadership: taking initiative, making decisions, and helping the group stay focused
- Creative and technical filmmaking skills: camera work, shot composition, directing, sound, and editing
This term’s student film: Sophie’s Story
The final film, Sophie’s Story, follows a famous karate fighter remembering a childhood experience of bullying. As the memory returns, the story explores how early experiences can stay with someone, even as they grow and achieve success.
The students approached the theme with care, and the film reflects both the emotional side of the story and the practical filmmaking skills developed during the programme.
Over eight weeks at Leigh Academy Blackheath, students developed a film from concept to final cut, while also talking about mental health and the importance of positive coping strategies.
Sparks Film School for your Community Group
Sparks Communities deliver film and animation projects with organisations, schools, charities and community groups. If you would like to discuss a project idea for your group, get in touch.
Young Greenwich
The project was funded by Young Greenwich. Young Greenwich is the youth service delivered by Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) on behalf of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Ready to join in?
If your child loves stories, movies, YouTube, animation, acting, drawingor just trying new thingsSparks is a brilliant next step.
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