Interview: Westminster Film student invited by BAFTA to interview Short Film and Animation nominees

How did this opportunity come about and how did it feel to get asked to do it?

I had been in contact with BAFTA for about a year to work with them, but I thought it would maybe be attending an event and making content. When they asked me to interview the Short Film and Short Animation nominees, I was completely floored! I was very nervous because I'm usually behind the camera and had never interviewed anyone before. I also didn't want to be one of those people that went into it with no research, so I was excited but also determined to do a good job and be well researched.

What questions did you ask?

I initially went in with lots of general questions that emerging filmmakers might want to ask. For example, “what would you say to someone wanting to make their first short film?”, or general advice about funding, finding your creative voice and comparing yourself to other filmmakers, which is a big issue, especially when you're starting out. 

I did still ask these, but after watching the shorts and hearing what the nominees spoke about in their Q&As, there were so many more themes that I found interesting. I ended up asking very specific questions to each nominee, which ultimately was what I wanted to do. 

For example, I found out that Baz Sells and Ben Jackson, who directed the winning Short Animation, met at university studying film, so I asked them about their experience, and they said they found it beneficial meeting other people. They also spoke about how they were denied funding for this project at first, so I asked what kept them believing in the film and what practical advice they would give to young filmmakers to navigate knockbacks without giving up. They recommended sticking with your gut and relying on your team!

Sophie with British Short Animation award-winners Baz Sells (left) and Ben Jackson (middle)

What was the best part of the experience?

Interviewing! I had never done it before and I was nervous at first, but I realised after the first couple of interviews that it was so much fun and I really want to do it again. I had never even considered interviewing, as I'm primarily a writer and director, but I loved having the chance to ask all the questions I wanted to. 

It also built my confidence because now I wouldn't be as nervous about similar opportunities. I'm dyslexic and I have Irlen syndrome, which is a processing disorder, so I was really nervous about messing up my words or freezing up, but I didn't. I was so comfortable.

How has your time at Westminster prepared you for this moment?

It has definitely built my confidence. I'm always meeting people on my course and other year groups, and get to hear about their experiences and their own projects, which has been great. 

Why did you decide to study Film at the University of Westminster?

There was a filmmaker I followed on Instagram, and I saw his graduate film, which was amazing. The quality was so good, and not like any other universities I had seen so far. I wanted to be able to make something like that, so when I saw him at a networking event, I asked him where he went to, and it was Westminster!  

What has been the best part of studying at Westminster so far?

I love meeting people. I've met some lovely people that I'll be friends with for life, but film wise, I have loved working with analogue film. I would not have had that chance otherwise, as it would have been too expensive, and I wouldn't have known how to do it anyways. Directing or writing something that has been made with film is so beautiful. 

I also like how practical the course is. I like having the freedom to write and direct little projects that help myself and others. 

What’s next for you?

I'm working every day towards becoming a writer and director, not only in film, but as a novelist as well. In film, I want to work with adaptations, and in the book world, I want to write. I've written a book, which is currently in editing, and I hope to get it traditionally published. I want to leave university with a book deal! That's my big goal. 

I'm also working on my first big professional film project, which I’m shooting in April with a music label. 

What would you say to someone who wants to get into the film industry?

Take advantage of social media. It takes a lot of confidence; I was absolutely terrified at first and thought posting was awful, but you have to keep going because it's so worth it. There are so many people studying film across the UK, let alone other countries, and others who have decided to go straight to work in the industry. That's so many people going for the same gig, so you have to put yourself out there to be seen and make yourself known.

Find out more about studying Film and Television at the University of Westminster.