The Young Film Academy Podcast: Recent Episodes
Young Film Academy
The Young Film Academy Podcast is essential listening for young filmmakers and actors who are looking to find their way into the creative industries. We chat with industry professionals who have worked on the biggest TV shows and movies, uncovering how they broke into the industry and learning what they did during their teenage years to set themselves up for success.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Ollie George Clark, novelist and screenwriter, about the art, discipline, and challenges of writing fiction. From developing unforgettable characters to crafting compelling plots, Ollie shares what it really takes to turn an idea into his finished novel "Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer".
But HOW do you actually start writing a novel?
How do you build believable characters and keep readers hooked from the very first page?
What’s the publishing journey really like, from finishing your manuscript to seeing your book on the shelves?
From plotting and world-building to editing and finding your unique voice, Ollie reveals the creativity, persistence, and passion behind bringing a story to life.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Manav Kher, a re-recording mixer who brings together dialogue, music, Foley, and sound effects to create the final soundtrack audiences hear in film and television. From intimate character moments to blockbuster action sequences, Manav reveals how sound is shaped in post-production to elevate every scene.
But WHAT exactly does a re-recording mixer do?
How is re-recording mixing different from production sound recorded on set?
How do you balance dialogue, music, and sound effects without audiences even noticing?
What happens when the production audio isn’t perfect, and how much can be fixed in post?
What’s it like collaborating with directors to find the perfect emotional balance for a film?
From immersive surround sound to the subtle details that audiences never consciously hear, Manav shares the creativity, technical expertise, and storytelling behind one of the most important and least understood roles in filmmaking.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Lauren Sequeira, writer and showrunner whose work spans television development, writers’ rooms, and creating original series. From pitching ideas and developing characters to leading a team of writers, Lauren has first-hand experience navigating the complex journey of bringing a TV show from concept to screen.
But WHAT exactly does a SHOWRUNNER do?
How do you turn an idea into a television series that gets commissioned?
What really happens inside a writers’ room?
And how do you balance creativity, collaboration, and leadership when you’re responsible for an entire show?
From breaking stories and writing scripts to managing production and working with broadcasters, Lauren takes us behind the scenes of television development and reveals what it takes to build a career as a writer in today’s TV industry.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Nathan Theys, commercial director and filmmaker whose work spans branded content, documentaries, and digital storytelling. Most recently, Nathan directed a documentary series for Jamie Oliver’s YouTube channel, crafting engaging stories that connect with audiences across the world while navigating the unique challenges of online content creation.
But WHAT exactly goes into directing a COMMERCIAL or BRANDED FILM?
How do you tell compelling stories while working with a client’s vision and objectives?
What makes a successful documentary series for YouTube?
And how do filmmakers adapt their storytelling techniques for an audience with endless content at their fingertips?
From pitching ideas and working with major brands to collaborating with Jamie Oliver and his team, Nathan takes us behind the scenes of modern filmmaking and reveals what it takes to build a career in the ever-evolving world of commercial content.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Kiff McManus, a production sound recordist with nearly 30 years of experience capturing audio for film and television. From high-speed car chases on Top Gear to intense one-shot dramas like Adolescence, Kiff has worked across some of the most demanding environments in the industry.
But WHAT exactly goes into recording sound on set?
How do you capture clean dialogue in noisy, unpredictable environments?
What’s it like collaborating with directors, actors, and busy film crews while staying invisible behind the scenes?
And how do you balance technical precision with the chaos of real-world locations?
From hidden microphones to on-set problem-solving, Kiff shares the expertise, adaptability and sharp ears needed to make every moment sound just right.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Ségolène Veyre, professional animal handler who specialises in training and working with dogs for film and television. From emotional performances to high-energy action scenes, Ségolène helps bring some of the screen’s most lovable—and talented—canine stars to life.
But WHAT exactly goes into training a dog for the screen?
How do you get consistent performances from animals across multiple takes?
What’s it like working on set with directors, actors, and unpredictable four-legged co-stars?
And how do you ensure animal welfare while still capturing those perfect cinematic moments?
From behind-the-scenes tricks to heartwarming stories, Ségolène reveals the patience, skill, and creativity needed to turn dogs into true screen performers.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with script supervisor Lucy Hatherly (28 Years Later, A Thousand Blows, Snow White, The Marvels, Ted Lasso), whose role is essential in keeping film and television productions running smoothly behind the scenes. From tracking continuity to supporting directors and editors, Lucy is the bridge between script and screen.
But WHAT exactly does a Script Supervisor do?
How do you keep track of every detail—from performances to props—across multiple takes and shooting days?
What happens when continuity goes wrong?
And how does this role shape the final edit of a film or TV show?
From meticulous note-taking to spotting the smallest on-set inconsistencies, Lucy reveals the hidden craft that ensures everything you see on screen makes perfect sense—even when it’s shot completely out of order.
Host Dan Allen chats with Eleri Jones, director on the long-running hit soap Hollyoaks. Working at an intense pace, Eleri is responsible for bringing compelling drama to life on screen, often shooting multiple episodes across tight schedules while maintaining strong performances and visual storytelling.
But WHAT exactly goes into directing a SOAP?
How do you balance speed with creativity on such a fast-moving production?
What are the unique challenges of working with long-running characters and evolving storylines?
And how does directing soaps compare to other areas of television, film and theatre?
From rapid-fire shooting days to shaping emotional, character-driven moments, Eleri gives us a behind-the-scenes look at one of TV’s most demanding and exciting directing roles.
Eleri is a theatre and film director, originally from North Wales. She achieved a full scholarship to the University of Manchester to study Drama and Screen Studies, gaining a 1st Class Degree before training at Drama Centre London (Leverhulme Scholarship). After working as an actor and 1st AD across TV, film and theatre for 8 years, Eleri moved into directing under the guidance of BAFTA winning director Carol Wiseman and was selected as one of the first recipients of the Carne Traineeship for Directors in Wales, based at Theatr Clwyd and mentored by Tamara Harvey.
Eleri’s previous directing credits include CELEBRATED VIRGINS (Theatr Clwyd) which she also co-created, SPRINKLES (Dirty Protest), the WOMEN REDISCOVERED Film Series (Theatr Clwyd), GWYL GAEAF (Theatr Clwyd) and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Charles Dickens Museum). Eleri’s work as Assistant Director includesISLA(dir. Tamara Harvey, Theatr Clwyd/BBC 4), GOING THE DISTANCE (dir. Felicity Montagu, LBT/The Dukes, Lancaster) and MOLD RIOTS (dir. Katie Posner, Theatr Clwyd).
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas reflect on the incredible Young Film Academy Awards All Stars event last month and listen to exclusive interviews with students and industry professionals who attended the awards and also judged the categories, including Top Gun Maverick & Mission Impossible editor Eddie Hamilton, film critic and Girls on Film podcast host Anna Smith, along with film animal trainer and handler Grace Dickinson.
About YFA Awards ALL STARS:
On Saturday 28th February 2026, Young Film Academy hosted a once-in-a-generation showdown, bringing together standout filmmaking talent from across our programmes since 2016. Nominees and their guests joined us for a spectacular evening of red-carpet glamour, industry insiders, show-stopping prizes and an afterparty to remember — all at the historic Genesis Cinema in London, where Charlie Chaplin famously performed. The best films and performances from 10 years of the annual YFA Awards went head-to-head to claim an ALL STAR title, and the million-dollar question was finally answered – what is the best YFA film EVER made?
10 years, 10 categories — judged by star-studded industry professionals, including Jamie Campbell, Executive Producer of Netflix smash-hit Sex Education and an Audience Award for Best Comedy, decided by YOU.
Students past and present had the opportunity to reconnect, network and meet their next filmmaking collaborators. This milestone event was testament to YFA’s commitment to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and a showcase of the astounding work they produce.
Host Dan Allen chats with Sue Quinn, acclaimed Locations Manager whose work includes the Harry Potter films, Fantastic Beasts, Love Actually and numerous major film and television productions. Sue has helped transform real-world places into some of the most iconic locations in modern cinema.
But WHAT exactly does a Locations Manager do?
How do you find locations that feel magical, cinematic, and authentic—while still working in the real world?
What goes into securing, managing, and protecting locations on huge productions like Harry Potter?
And what are the unexpected challenges of filming in castles, historic buildings, and public spaces?
From spellbinding sets to logistical nightmares, Sue takes us behind the scenes of one of the most vital roles in filmmaking—where creativity meets coordination, and every location tells a story.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Annie Sulzberger, the Head of Research on Netflix’s award-winning series The Crown. Annie has spent years digging through archives, uncovering complex histories, and shaping the factual backbone behind one of television’s most ambitious and beloved dramas.
But WHAT exactly does a researcher do on a major series?
How do you balance historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling?
Where do you even begin when you’re responsible for verifying decades of royal history?
And what are the challenges of portraying real people, some still alive, on an international stage?
From sourcing rare documents to advising actors, writers and directors, Annie takes us behind the scenes of The Crown to reveal how history becomes drama, and how careful research can elevate a story to something truly iconic.
It’s time for a festive showdown! Dan Allen takes the host’s chair for a special Christmas & 2025 Movie Quiz, putting film knowledge to the test as Ellen Thomas, Ruby, and Lewis go head-to-head. From 2025 releases to festive film trivia, surprises, and wild guesses, anything can happen.
Who really knows their movies?
Who’s bluffing their way through the answers?
And who will be crowned Movie Quiz Champion of 2025?
Grab a mince pie, play along at home, and see if you can beat the panel in this end-of-year movie quiz spectacular.
🎄🍿🎬
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Teddy Blanks, acclaimed title designer and co-founder of CHIPS, the New York-based design studio behind striking title designs for films and series such as Nosferatu
From concepts to final frames, Teddy takes us inside the creative process of building visual identities that stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
But WHAT exactly goes into making great TITLES ?
How do typography, pacing, and sound design shape a viewer’s first emotional connection to a film or show?
What’s it like collaborating with directors like Greta Gerwig and Robert Eggers?
And how can emerging filmmakers use design to elevate their own storytelling?
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, fresh off the back of his BFI LFF screening of his latest film, Black is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story. His work includes One Man and His Shoes and Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World. Yemi’s documentaries blend striking visuals with cultural insight, exploring how media, identity, and power shape our world.
But WHAT exactly goes into making a great DOCUMENTARY?
How do you earn trust, find access, and tell real stories that connect with audiences?
What does it take to break into the industry today—and how can young filmmakers find their voice in an ever-changing media landscape?
Yemi shares his creative process, his challenges, and his advice for the next generation of storytellers.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Grace Dickinson, a professional animal trainer and handler who works with exotic animals for film and television. From big cats to crocodiles and rats, Grace has brought some of the screen’s most unforgettable creatures to life, safely, ethically, and with a deep respect for the animals she works with. She has worked for and alongside one of Europe’s most highly esteemed providers of trained wild animals for media since 2002 and continued to work freelance in this industry from 2013 as both an animal wrangler, stunt double/extra and animal coordinator and trainer specialising in reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and rodents as well as supporting other reputable names in the industry.
But WHAT exactly goes into training animals for film?
How do productions balance storytelling, safety, and animal welfare on set?
What’s it like to direct a tiger, a cockroach… or even a snake?
And what are the behind-the-scenes challenges and magical moments that come with working alongside Hollywood’s wildest co-stars?
https://www.reptilesetc.co.uk/
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Steven Bernstein, acclaimed cinematographer, director, and writer, whose work includes the Oscar-winning Monster, Like Water for Chocolate, White Chicks, Scary Movie, SWAT and more. Steven has built a career not only behind the camera but also as a teacher and author, helping filmmakers understand the deep connection between image and story.
But WHAT exactly does cinematography bring to a story?
How do visuals shape the emotional core of a story?
How can you let go of what's not important when writing?
And what can new filmmakers learn about the craft of storytelling, whether through words… or through light and lens?
You can find Steven on https://www.instagram.com/stevenbernsteindirectorwriter/
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with cinematographer Vince Knight, whose striking visuals have shaped everything from genre films to glossy TV and music videos. Vince’s recent work includes the viral horror phenomenon Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey and its twisted sequel Blood and Honey 2.
But WHAT exactly does a CINEMATOGRAPHER do?
How do they translate a director’s vision into powerful, visual storytelling?
What are the secrets behind great lighting—and why does it matter so much?
And how do you keep your creative edge when moving between formats, genres, and budgets?
PLUS—we dive into what it takes to RUN a FILM FESTIVAL, as Vince also founded and directs the Motor Film Awards, the world’s leading awards show celebrating automotive content in film and media.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Nick de Semlyen, editor of Empire Magazine—the UK's coolest and world’s biggest movie magazine—and author of Wild and Crazy Guys and The Last Action Heroes. Nick has spent years interviewing Hollywood legends, chronicling the rise and fall of blockbuster icons, and shaping how we talk about movies. From the glory days of ‘80s action heroes to the evolving world of film journalism, Nick brings deep insight and behind-the-scenes stories from both sides of the industry.
But WHAT exactly goes into editing a world-famous film magazine?
How do you interview the biggest names in cinema—and still get something real?
And how do you go from movie-obsessed teenager to leading voice in film criticism?
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with BAFTA & OSCAR-NOMINATED production designer Suzie Davies, whose incredible work includes Saltburn, Conclave, Mr. Turner, Peterloo, The Lost King, and The Zookeeper’s Wife. Suzie has collaborated with some of the BEST directors around, including Mike Leigh and Emerald Fennell. Suzie has built a reputation for her meticulous attention to historical detail and atmospheric storytelling through design.
But WHAT EXACTLY does a PRODUCTION DESIGNER do?
How do they shape the visual world of a film—from the grand sets to the smallest props?
What’s it like recreating entire time periods on screen?
And how does a designer collaborate with directors, DOPs, and costume departments to bring a story to life?
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas sit down with writers Max, Miles and Emma to talk all things story, structure and scribbling under pressure — as they take us behind the scenes of writing the epic short film G.L.A.D.I.S for YFA’s prestigious Project Paradiso.
Hear how the idea came to life, how three brains tackled one script, and what it's REALLY like writing for a film that shoots in Sicily whether you're ready or not!
Plus — tips on how comedy is written and LOADS more!
Project Paradiso is a prestige project from Young Film Academy (YFA), offering a select group of YFA’s most promising students aged 16-20 the chance to create a stunning short film in a cinematic location in Sicily, Italy.
This ambitious not-for-profit project unites educational training with a real-world film industry opportunity – offering participants the experience of a lifetime.
https://www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk/project-paradiso/
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with actors Scottie, Anoushka and Mallika about their unforgettable adventure starring in an amazing short film shot in Sicily — part of YFA’s prestigious Project Paradiso.
Hear what it’s REALLY like stepping into character on set!
And how it feels to have a MASSIVE crew staring at you as you bring your character to life!
And discover how the whole thing came together thanks to epic teamwork, crowdfunding, and comical shooting shenanigans.
Project Paradiso is a prestige project from Young Film Academy (YFA), offering a select group of YFA’s most promising students aged 16-20 the chance to create a stunning short film in a cinematic location in Sicily, Italy.
This ambitious not-for-profit project unites educational training with a real-world film industry opportunity – offering participants the experience of a lifetime.
https://www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk/project-paradiso/
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with students Nils, Anna, Isobel and Eidan about their incredible experiences shooting an amazing short film in Sicily, as part of YFA's prestigious Project Paradiso.
Find out what it's REALLY like on set!
And how YOU can get selected!
And what goes into MAKING IT HAPPEN through the power of crowdfunding and bake sales!
Project Paradiso is a prestige project from Young Film Academy (YFA), offering a select group of YFA’s most promising students aged 16-20 the chance to create a stunning short film in a cinematic location in Sicily, Italy.
This ambitious not-for-profit project unites educational training with a real-world film industry opportunity – offering participants the experience of a lifetime.
https://www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk/project-paradiso/
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Alex Gray, a storyboard artist and director who has worked with brilliant directors such as Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad) and Rose Glass on Love, Lies, Bleeding.
HOW GOOD AT DRAWING do you REALLY need to be?
And how can you turn YOUR PASSIONS into a FILM INDUSTRY SIDE HUSTLE?
How much FREEDOM does a STORYBOARD artist have?
Are they the ones WHO REALLY COME UP WITH THE SHOTS!??
Stay tuned for Alex's upcoming film as a director on his social media and website:
https://www.alexgrayfilm.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alexgrayfilm
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Danusia Samal, a London-born actress, writer and jazz singer who has appeared in The Great, Ghost in the Shell, as well as writing for Gangs of London and Netflix's Bodies. Danusia is one of the founding members of GREEN RIDER, an actor-led movement, using contractual and cultural influence to create a fairer and greener TV & film industry.
NOW it's time for YOU to find out how you can MAKE YOUR FILM SHOOTS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
Find out what is REALLY bad about film shoots when it comes to the environment.
Wether you're an aspiring ACTOR, PRODUCER, or DIRECTOR, find out how the POWER really is IN YOUR HANDS to make change.
Green Rider have been supported by actors Mark Rylance, Paapa Essiedu, Natalie Dormer, Hayley Atwell, Bill Nighy and Ben Whishaw.
You can support Green Rider and find out more at https://www.green-rider.org/
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with OSCAR-NOMINATED Irish director and producer of ANIMATED films, Nora Twomey. Nora has directed 'The Breadwinner', 'My Father's Dragon' and more. She is one of the co-founders of CARTOON SALOON, alongside Tomm Moore and Paul Young. Cartoon Saloon is a legendary animation studio based in Kilkenny City, Ireland. Nora has worked as an animator, director, screenwriter, producer and voice actress.
But WHAT EXACTLY goes into making ANIMATION?
What does the DIRECTOR of an animated film actually DO?
How does this compare to producing?
And what is it like when you find out you've been nominated for an Oscar?!?
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with James Everett, who has worked in the Art Department on Bridgerton, The Winter King, The Gallows Pole, The Power, The Souvenir Pt. 2, Fast and Furious 9. James has also worked as a Supporting Artist on historical productions such as Vanity Fair, World on Fire, Vikings: Blood and Conquest, Father Brown, and The Personal History of David Copperfield. Find out what is truly important when bringing historical films to life, and how YOU can make your own WW2 or historical movie.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Lish Steiling, an Emmy and James Beard winning culinary producer. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and for over 25 years has worked in the culinary arts and food service industries. For over seven years she was the VP of Culinary Operations and Productions for the celebrity chef, Giada De Laurentiis.
Do you LOVE food?
What are the REAL SECRETS behind food shows on TV?
Is baking a cake REALLY that different from MAKING A FILM?
What can go wrong? And how to blend your love of both worlds...
Dan Allen chats with Chiara Fulgoni, lecturer at MET Film School, cinematographer and crew member on various projects. Notably contributing as Cinematographer and Composer for BIFA Qualifying Sunrise Film Festival winning short film "Pops" with Director Molly Vandermeer and extensive work with Director and Screenwriter Bruna Pias. Work includes the shorts “Braids" and “Perfidia", webseries "The Stairs".
So HOW do you manage a FREELANCE career?
Is it the right path for you?
What makes shots look great?
Find your own visual style and more in this super visual-focused episode.
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with stunt performers Tom Jackson and Jeśka Pike about what it's like to be DRAGGED BY CARS, be SET ON FIRE, stunt drive MOTORBIKES and become a JEDI in a GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY! How Safe is stunt performing REALLY!?! How do you train and become a stuntman or woman?!?! Can anyone do it? Or is it for adrenaline junkies? Or does it require more? Tune in for this ACTION-PACKED episode.
Tom Jackson has worked as a stunt performer and fight arranger for 10 years, on Indian productions as well as UK shows such as The Burning Girls (Paramount) and Half-Bad (Netflix).
Jeśka (“Yesh-ka”) is an actress, producer and action performer, trained in South Africa, New York City and London. She can be seen playing ‘Gill’ in Netflix fantasy series Half Bad, special action in Slow Horses (Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas; Apple TV+) and most recently in Secret Invasion (Disney+). On the horizon, Jeśka will be seen in Masters of the Air (Apple TV+), CIA operative in Our Man From Jersey (Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry), Heads of State (Idris Elba, John Cena) as well as The Acolyte (Lucas)
Host Dan Allen and guest host Ryan Duke chat with legendary SFX Prosthetics and Animatronics creator Shaune Harrison, who has worked on every cool film you can possibly imagine. From Voldermort and Goblins in HARRY POTTER, to creatures in STAR WARS, horror Winnie the Pooh, MARVEL's Captain America, Avengers Age of Ultra and a badgillion other iconic and cult, classic movies from Nightbreed to Fifth Element and Hellraiser. Find out what it takes to bring such iconic creatures and characters to life; the DEDICATION, CRAFTSMANSHIP & SKILL. How can YOU get into this career? And how can you STAND OUT in todays crowded world of SFX.
Hosts Dan Allen and James Walker chat with Maria and Alex from Media Tracks, an independent production music service providing high-quality, authentic and innovative music for TV, film, advertising, podcasts and more.
Find out WHY you should NEVER download music from YOUTUBE! And how to make your film SOUNDTRACKS standout from the crowd! And why AI MUSIC IS A BAD IDEA... plus hear an AI generated song about Dan's dad...
Hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas chat with Anna Smith, one of the UK's top film critics and broadcast journalists. She is the former President of the UK Critics’ Circle, the host of the Girls On Film podcast and a regular film critic for BBC News, Sky News, BBC Radio, Deadline Hollywood, Time Out, Metro, The Guardian, Sight & Sound, Empire and more. She has spent over a decade interviewing major actors and directors on stage, on screen and in print. A former magazine editor, Anna decided to go freelance in 2000, and has since enjoyed stints as Acting Film Editor of both Time Out London and Metro UK Newspaper. Find out HOW YOU CAN BECOME A FILM CRITIC, and what it takes to talk about film and discuss movies with the MOVIESTARS who are in them!!!
This week, hosts Dan Allen and Ellen Thomas, chat with Olly Williams, who has worked on some of the biggest films and TV shows, from Ridley, Scott's Gladiator 2, Marvel's Loki, Apple TV's Silo and many more! But what does an Art Director do exactly? How do they bring past lands or imaginary places to life?!? Find out more on this episode!
PLAY ALONG! Join guests and YFA friends – Duke, Kit-Room-Keith and Actor Annabel along with QUIZMASTER / director, writer & editor Dan Allen for this end of year special episode! We have an EPIC 2024 as well as Christmas movie quiz that goes right down to the wire... But can you beat the quizzers?!?! How well do you know this year's top films...? And how good is your Christmas knowledge..?
Hosts Dan Allen and James Walker chat with legendary editor Myron Kerstein about his niche working (mostly) as an editor of musicals, from the new WICKED for Jon Chu, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. He has also worked With Lyn Manuel Miranda on his cinematic debut 'Tick Tick, Boom!' as well as editing the movie adaptation of his Broadway show 'In The Heights' which proceeded 'Hamilton'! but just HOW do you edit a musical? How are they filmed on set and how does this affect the edit prodcess? Is it the same as regular movies? What do you do when ALL your footage is incredible? And how do you find gold from 20 different camera angles?! All of this and more!
Hosts Dan Allen and James Walker chat with Candice Mausner. Candice has worked for the biggest names in TV, including Apple TV shows, The Boys, The Handmaid's Tale, Chucky the TV Show and more...
She has extensive experience in Social Media, Behind The Scenes & EPK Content, Corporate and Gallery Promo Shoots. But WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?!?!
If you've ever wondered how those "behind the scenes" films you see online or on Blu-Ray extras get made, then look no further!
What's it like interviewing A-listers?
How can you do your job and not get in anyone's way?
What's it like being right next to the director!?
All of this and more...
Hosts Dan Allen, Eleri Jones and James Walker chat with Marc Coleman about his debut feature film 'Manfish'. This unreleased pilot episode from 2022 sheds more light on Marc's journey, as explored in the last episode. At this point in time the show was going to be called "the young filmmakers podcast", hence us calling it such in the episode. Learn how to get your no-budget film off the ground and the kind of work you need to put in to make it happen!
Hosts Dan Allen and guest host Ryan Duke chat with comedy horror filmmaker Marc Coleman about going from no budget filmmaking to suddenly having money to play with to bring your vision to life. What’s it REALLY like suddenly having some financial resources for your film? How do YOU get funding for your film? And HOW do you make a whole feature film with no budget whilst never taking no for an answer!
Hosts Dan Allen and James Walker chat with film and TV stills photographer Jack Merriman, who has worked with incredibly famous faces such as Sir Ian McKellen, Domhall Gleeson, Sir Roger Moore and MORE! Discover what a stills photographer does on set, how YOU can become a stills photographer, what producers REALLY want, and the skills you need to succeed in the world of film and TV.
Hosts Dan Allen and James Walker chat with legendary and Oscar Winning Editor Joe Walker about how on earth you begin editing the biggest and most epic films on the planet! Joe has edited Dune 1 and 2, Sicario, The Creator, Arrival, 12 Years a Slave, Widows, Shame, Harry Brown and more! Learn about his incredible creative partnerships with directors Denis Villeneuve and Steve McQueen. Discover what editing REALLY is, and what it’s REALLY like, and how you shape personal intimate stories on the biggest scale and with the biggest backdrops
This week Amelia Sciandra chats with Rebekah Smith, known as 'The Film Festival Doctor' offering advice and mentoring for filmmakers who are on the festival circuit. She is the author of the book "Film Festivals & Looking After Your Mental Health". If you've ever wondered HOW TO MAKE THE MOST out of your film festival submissions, then look now further! The IMPORTANT DO'S and DONT'S are right here.
Host James Walker chats with Steve Potts and Jessica Bradley from Helion Partners, LIVE from the Media Production & Technology Show. Helion is a leading M&A adviser to the media sector, with unrivalled expertise and experience in advising owners in the TV production, kids IP, advertising, marketing and creative services industries on maximising the value of their businesses on a sale or in a fundraising. Find out what does and doesn't get funded to increase your chances of getting your film made!
Watch video version: https://youtu.be/Bcys4OKbnaM
Host James Walker, coming live from the Canon Podcast booth at the Media Production & Technology Show, chats with Brian Moseley & Andrew Wilson about how they make incredible television and movies sound amazing. There's MORE TO SOUND THAN YOU KNOW! Learn about working on great shows like PLANET EARTH, BAKE OFF, SUPER/NATURAL and MORE and how to make your own films sound great.
Watch video version: https://youtu.be/RbFcUndUweo
Host James Walker coming LIVE from partner Canon's podcasting booth in the Media Production and Technology Show. Students Calypso and Ashton tell ALL about their incredible experience starring in 'Strings', the student film made as part of Project Paradiso 2024.
Project Paradiso is a prestige project from Young Film Academy (FA), offering a select group of YA's most promising students aged 16-20 the chance to create a stunning short film in a cinematic location in Sicily, Italy.
This ambitious not-for-profit project unites educational training with a real-world film industry opportunity - offering participants the experience of a lifetime.
Host James Walker coming LIVE from partner Canon's podcasting booth in the Media Production and Technology Show. Students Calypso and Ashton tell ALL about their incredible experience starring in 'Strings', the student film made as part of Project Paradiso 2024.
Project Paradiso is a prestige project from Young Film Academy (YFA), offering a select group of YFA’s most promising students aged 16-20 the chance to create a stunning short film in a cinematic location in Sicily, Italy.
This ambitious not-for-profit project unites educational training with a real-world film industry opportunity – offering participants the experience of a lifetime.
Hosts Amelia Sciandra and Dan Allen chat with award-winning documentary filmmaker Eriksen Dickens about his work as a storyteller and a filmmaker for hire! Hear about his personal loss of his father which turned into the foundation for everything he has built with his brother at Platinum Peek and Dickens Brothers!
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with the brilliant and incredibly versatile actor Fiona Dourif. She is known for her role as Bart Curlish in BBC America's Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency and as the young Diane Jones in Dustin Lance Black's When We Rise, as well as featuring in Christopher Nolan's Tenet. Hear about her journey, the crazy world of auditions, what it's like acting opposite her father as well as BEING her father...?!?!
Hosts Dan Allen and James Walker chat with legendary blockbuster film editor Eddie Hamilton about his work on some of the biggest movies on the planet, including all the latest Mission Impossible films from Dead Reckoning to Rogue Nation, as well as the highly acclaimed Top Gun Sequel, Maverick! As a frequent collaborator with both Christopher McQuarrie and Matthew Vaughn, he's also worked on Kick-Ass, Kingsman, X-Men, the list goes on! Make sure you check out his resources on his website too eddiehamilton.com where you can see all of his Avid Media Composer timelines too!
Hosts Dan Allen and James Walker chat with legendary writer ABOUT cinema, Sam Wasson. His works include the biography Fosse, the history books Improv Nation: How We Made a Great American Art and The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood and the co-authored Hollywood: The Oral History.
Find out how to actually sit down and get your writing DONE! & what makes a writer tick and how to work out what to write about!!!
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with costume designer Samantha Hobart about how to REALLY do costume in film. It's not just about looking good... and it's more than just frills... Learn what not to do and how to do great work on a budget, whilst ALSO thinking about genre and how that affects the decisions.
Hosts Dan Allen and James Walker chat with Jack Dolman, music editor of some of the biggest films of recent years. From Marvel to Star Wars, Kickass to Kingsman, Jack has worked with the biggest names in the business; Ron Howard; John Williams; Mathew Vaughn, Paul Greengrass and more... and boy does he have a story or three to tell!
Is this THE coolest job in Hollywood? What does a music editor do? & How do they collaborate with composers and directors alike?
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with cinematographer Beatriz Delgado Mena about her journey from modelling to shooting features, commercials and music videos. How can you get into features so quickly out of film school? Can you be a cinematographer without knowing how to set up a camera or the difference between certain lights? Learn how to be YOUR OWN type of filmmaker in this episode.!
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with joyous and experienced commercials actor Stephanie Linas! Learn how to make every bite of a taco look as tasty as the last and how to prepare for the straaaangest of jobs in the world of commercials / advertising.
Sound Recordist Zak Ferguson chats with hosts Amelia Sciandra and Dan Allen about the trials and tribulations of recording sound for movies and TV shows on set. Zak has worked on countless movies including a swathe of horror films such Winnie the Pooh Blood and Honey 2!
What are the biggest difficulties recording sound? What are the biggest mistakes to avoid? And what is more important than simply where to point the microphone...
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with director Dom Ellis about the weird and wonderful world of directing TV commercials for BIG BRANDS; from working with animals (CATS included) to telling clients their ideas just WONT work... What does it take to be a director for hire AND deliver the goods!!!
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with prolific film producer Becca Hirani about how to make movies happen! Becca now lives and works between London and Manchester, UK. She has produced over 60 feature films over the last few years, and is also known for her leading roles in the globally released "Fox Trap" (2018) "Unhinged" (2017) and "The Watcher" (2018) which was re titled by the studio to "The Bad Nun".
PLAY ALONG! Join guests filmmaker & actor Josh Dickinson, sound recordist & graphic designer Alex Haeberli, actor & director Amelia Sciandra, along with QUIZMASTER / director, writer & editor Dan Allen for this end of year special episode! We have an EPIC 2023 as well as Christmas movie quiz that goes right down to the wire... But can you beat the quizzers?!?!
How well do you know this year's top films...?
And how good is your Christmas knowledge..?
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with Emmy winning producer Fenton Bailey about the origins of Ru Paul's Drag Race and putting iconic personalities on the big screen and the little screen. Fenton Bailey is the author of 'ScreenAge: How television changed our reality from Tammy Faye to RuPauls Drag Race', co-founder of @worldofwonderknown, and known for Party Monster (2003), RuPaul's Drag Race (2009) and The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021).
Dan Allen chats with regular host Amelia Sciandra about her voice work in the world of audio books, commercials and "looping". Discover how to record your voice from home and how much creativity goes into recording your favourite audio.
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with New-York based actor Doug Harris about finding your way as an actor in the 21st century across both theatre and film, as well as the actors strikes and why they are important.
Alex Hackford, head of A&R at Sony Computer Entertainment America, chats with filmmaker Dan Allen and YFA Co-Founder James Walker about what its like working on the scores for some of the biggest games on the planet. Alex is responsible for soundtracks of The Last of Us, Gran Turismo, MLB, Sound Shapes, Little Big Planet Karting, and Playstation All Stars: Battle Royale among others. He
Young Film Academy Co-Founder James Walker chats with filmmaker Dan Allen about Dan's first forays into storytelling and working towards telling "serious" films.
Young Film Academy Co-Founder James Walker chats with filmmaker Dan Allen about his first time making a short film, the unforeseen hurdles, and the surprise success!
Sonum Sumaria of Guerrera Films, is an award-winning filmmaker, who has been making documentaries on marginalised communities for the past ten years. Her work includes 'In the Shadows of Moscow', a film exploring xenophobia in the Russian capital, 'Goppi, The Cuban Indian', a short about identity and belonging in Havana, and 'Even The Crows: A Divided Gujarat', a feature on Hindu nationalism Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with Sonum about what goes into making a documentary film and how to connect with your subjects to tell a story.
Amelia Sciandra chats with actor Riley Anderson (The Crown) about acting in big TV Shows, what its like acting in an immersive show, as well as what being a SPACT actor entails...
In this Project Paradiso special, Amelia Sciandra chats with the three cast members who star in 'Lemons', a short film shot on location in Sicily after a successful crowdfunding campaign run by the students. Find out what the process was like for Emily, Lochlan and James as they discuss their characters and Project Paradiso experience.
Project Paradiso is a prestige project from Young Film Academy (YFA), offering a select group of YFA’s most promising students aged 16-20 the chance to create a stunning short film in a cinematic location in Sicily, Italy.
YFA’s ambitious collaborative project unites educational training with a real-world film industry opportunity – offering participants the experience of a lifetime.
In this Project Paradiso special, Amelia Sciandra chats with a handful of the filmmaking students behind 'Lemons', a short film shot on location in Sicily after a successful crowdfunding campaign run by the students.
Project Paradiso is a prestige project from Young Film Academy (YFA), offering a select group of YFA’s most promising students aged 16-20 the chance to create a stunning short film in a cinematic location in Sicily, Italy.
YFA’s ambitious collaborative project unites educational training with a real-world film industry opportunity – offering participants the experience of a lifetime.
Sarah Shepard, Senior Vice President of 20th Century Studios, previously oversaw the launch of new content on the popular Disney Plus platform. Find out what its like to oversee some of the biggest film projects on the planet and what it takes to get to the top! Hosted by Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra
Avatar 2 & 3 and The Amazing Spider-Man are just some of the incredible movies Graham Foote has worked on. Find out what an Orchestrator does and what it's like working in the music department on some of the biggest films on the planet. Hosted by Amelia Sciandra and Dan Allen.
Actor and writer Charlie Field talks about his experience working on large scale sets, and how it compares to smaller projects. Charlie has starred in Genius (2017) for National Geographic, Poldark (2015) for the BBC, Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal (2019) for Lifetime and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan (2018) for Amazon. Filmmaker Dan Allen and Actor and Director Eleri Jones chat with Charlie in this special BONUS special, one of the OG pilot episodes for the show
Jamie Campbell (Eleven Film) produced worldwide phenomenon 'Sex Education', 'Red Rose', 'The Enfield Haunting' and more. Take a listen to this live Q&A Meet The Makers special, hosted by Writer and YFA director James Walker.
Actor and writer Charlie Field talks about his experience working on large scale sets, and how it compares to smaller projects. Charlie has starred in Genius (2017) for National Geographic, Poldark (2015) for the BBC, Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal (2019) for Lifetime and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan (2018) for Amazon. Hosted by filmmaker Dan Allen and actor/director Amelia Sciandra
Writer of hit TV shows and movies including Sweeney Todd (2006), The Enfield Haunting (2015) and The Wedding Dress (2009), Joshua St Johnston talks about what its like to work in and run a writers room - a hub of creativity where everyone works as a team to deliver TV shows. Hosted by filmmaker Dan Allen and writer James Walker
Hosts Dan Allen and Amelia Sciandra chat with Visual Effects Production Manager Richard Elson about working behind the scenes on some of the biggest shows for Disney Plus and Sky, including Gangs of London, Nautilus and Nearly Famous! Just what exactly goes into making all these VFX heavy shows happen...?
Getting jobs here and there for different productions and companies in film and TV can seem daunting. Freelance Director of Photography Gonçalo Valle dispels myths and fears, telling us all about his experience making the leap from studying film at university to being self-employed in the industry. We also learn about his fresh new filmmaking podcast, as he chats with host Dan Allen.
Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith talk all things writing as a duo in this Meet The Makers Special. Collectively they have worked on 'Run', 'Afterglow', 'Save Me', 'New Blood' and soon, 'The Upper World' for Netflix! Hear all about working as part of a team to deliver a singular vision in this enlightening Q&A Episode.
Actor SLASH writer Nikhil Parmar has had success in not just one role in the industry, but two! As an actor, you can see Nikhil in Apple TV+ series 'Foundation' and the upcoming Sony Pictures movie 'Gran Turismo'. As a writer, he has written for stage and film, whilst also developing a TV series. We hear how each of these very different professions help fuel the other.
Locations are paramount to elevating story and production values. Bad locations can make your film lacklustre or even break the reality of the film. Assistant Location Manager Joshua Faux talks to us on his lunch break whilst working on a big new Netflix show. He's worked on both features and TV shows and tells us all about this fairly unknown role and its significance in the storytelling process.
Katya Alexander is a film producer known for Pretty Problems (2022), which got into the prestigious SXSW Festival! Find out what goes into producing movies and how learning as many film crafts as possible could become your greatest strength. Plus, how to get into festivals!!!
Happy New Year! Film director Nathan Theys talks working in the world of commercials, shooting ads for brands as a director-for-hire. Hear what it's like having representatives from different companies in your ears as you try to assemble your vision on set!
Can you beat our staff? To wrap up the year we have assembled some YFA Avengers, tutors and staff who have shared their knowledge with students this year, including director and editor Dan Allen, writer and actor Josh Dickinson, director and actor Amelia Sciandra and actor Annabel McCusker! See if you can answer as many questions correctly as our team and let us know how you did over on instagram!
In this delightful and profound festive special, smushy Dan Allen, angel Amelia Sciandra and resident grinch Matthew Doswell explore what is and is not a Christmas film, exploring some of the lesser known festive hits, as well as summer blockbusters that are more christmassy than they seem...
Theatre, film and opera director Natalie Abrahami enlightens us to the similarities and differences of directing different mediums, teaching us about how she works with actors to deliver a clear vision.
Documentarian Marina Parker chats with James Walker on this Meet The Makers special. Marina Parker has tackled tough and sensitive subjects with her films from death row to fighting Isis. Her latest documentary is about Amy Winehouse, following the 10th anniversary of her death. Learn how to put your subjects at ease and tell challenging stories in difficult circumstances.
Dan Allen chat's with musical wizard and composer Greg Birkumshaw. The two collaborated on indie horror film "It Came From Below" (available on amazon) and here explore how to begin creating music for film. Where do you begin? And what skills do you need to pull magical music out of thin air.
Author Nick Clark Windo' s dystopian sci-fi thriller book "The Feed" was picked up and adapted into a TV show before it was even published! Learn about how books get turned into TV shows, and what goes into writing books for modern audiences!
Writer/Director Ben Hunter talks about his time working alongside a director of a Netflix film and what he learned about the process, uncovering shocking similarities and some huge differences with independent DIY filmmaking.
In this MTM special episode, hear from Talent Agent and Managing Director Christian Hodell of talent agency Hamilton Hodell. Representing big names such as Tom Hiddleston, Rupert Grint, Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, Ben Whishaw, Tilda Swinton, Sophie Okonedo and Matthew Macfadyen among others. In this exclusive Q&A with Young Film Academy, Christian explains what a talent agent does, and shares his experience nurturing the careers of some of the biggest names on the planet.
On this week's Halloween Special, award-winning horror filmmaker Dan Allen (It Came From Below, The Mime) talks all things horror with new host Amelia Sciandra. Uncover why so many people love horror films and discover the various sub-genres, whilst hearing about Dan's journey into becoming a writers, director and editor of horror films, including viral hit, 'The Mime'.
Cinematographer (Director of Photography) and Director Dann Emmons tells all about what it's like to shoot films and commercials. He recently shot his debut feature film as a cinematographer, 'Manfish' (from director Marc Coleman) which is hitting the festival circuit as you listen!
Producer Hank Stars has worked on the likes off Star Wars documentary 'Elstree 1976' and 'Pennywise: The Story of IT'. He has also produced countless films and the TV show Reel Britannia. Find out what goes into crowdfunding a movie and learn how to get projects off the ground
We chat with Alan Gilmore, who worked as a production designer as well as an art director for the Harry Potter Franchise and X Men First Class, World War Z, Johnny English and MORE, in this special Meet The Makes episode.
Having worked on huge Disney+ productions and small independent horror films, Jojo is a master of monsters and SFX injuries. Learn how she transitioned from no-pay short films to big time sets, as well as uncovering what goes into being a good special effects make-up artist.
We chat with filmmaking and acting students Grace, Sophia, Theo, Bea, Isla and Ashton who attended this years Residential Filmmaking And Screen Acting Summer Camp. Peal back the curtain and take a behind the scenes look at what happens on camp, how the films get made and what the process is like, straight from the students themselves!
1st, 2nd and 3rd Assistant Director ( as well as super talented actor) Tom Taplin talks to us about breaking into film and TV and working on awesome smash-hit shows like Heartstopper. He details what skills the different AD roles require , entry level positions, and how to be good at your job.
Actress Georgie Banks talks all things musicals during her run as Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical. Discover what life as a leading lady is like, from the audition process through to rehearsals and performance, including self preservation during the shows run.
Film Producer Daniel-Konrad Kooper of Rather Good Films (Rathergoodfilms.com), has working on incredible movies like Dunkirk, Captain America, RED 2, Dead in a Week Or Your Money Back and MORE! Find out what goes into to making blockbuster films and indie movies happen, working with small crews and vast teams.
We talk to practical Special Effects artist Dave Watkins about his work on movies like Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Pirates of the Caribbean and more, in this special Meet The Makes episode.
We chat with SFX, Hair and Make Up artist Natalie Wickens about working on Star Wars films and beyond! Find out what its like working on a major Disney film!!!
We chat with actor Rebecca Hanssen (The Witcher, Arthur Braxton) about acting for video games, audio books, animation and TV in this awesome episode. Go behind the scenes of the life of an actor...
Hello and welcome to the Young Film Academy podcast, the ESSENTIAL podcast for young creatives looking to find their way into the Film and TV industry, wether your an actor director or creative of any kind!!! Join us on this weekly podcast where we chat with some incredible people who have worked behind the scenes or in front of camera of some of the biggest film and TV shows from Harry Potter to Star Wars and Dunkirk.
We talk to up-and-coming director Raphaela Wagner about working on a virtual production stages (the likes of which were used on The Mandalorian) and discuss what is important as a director whether you're on a huge technical movie stage or just working with a couple of actors in a room.