Into Film Clubs
Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.
Three of our Ones to Watch from the 2024 Into Film Awards joined us at BAFTA recently to sit in on some fascinating careers panels, and take part in their own private roundtable discussion with professional filmmakers.
As part of the prize for being recognised in our Ones to Watch category (Sponsored by EON Productions), Ben (aged 18), Evelyn (19) and Riku (14) had the chance to visit the hallowed halls of BAFTA in Piccadilly, London, where the budding young filmmakers were given an unforgettable insight into the screen industries and invaluable advice on how they can further their passions for filmmaking into fully-fledged careers. (Unfortunately Tom, our fourth Ones to Watch from 2024, was unable to attend).
As in previous years, the Into Film Festival and Young BAFTA Showcase collaborated on several panel discussions throughout the day. The first saw a group of people that have worked on the Horrible Histories TV show over the years join us to discuss their varied roles, including everything from Executive Producer to Set Dresser. Ahead of the show being recognised with a BAFTA Special Award, this was a fantastic opportunity to hear stories from behind-the-scenes of such a beloved programme.
The afternoon session was an in-conversation event with young actor Bilal Hasna, star of TV shows Extraordinary and 3 Body Problem, and new film Layla. As a queer Muslim of Palestinian/Pakistani descent, Hasna offered a unique perspective on working as an actor, providing inspiration to a young audience for whom it's important to see role models of all kinds on screen.
Once the panels had finished, Ben, Evelyn and Riku retreated to a private room in BAFTA, where they were joined by Horrible Histories Executive Producer Simon Welton and seasoned Director Jermain Julien. The pair spoke to our Ones to Watch about many aspects of working in the screen industries, covering advice on pitching, how to network and make yourself stand out, and fielding questions from the eager young filmmakers.
Ben, who is a stop motion animator with a dream of working with Aardman, said: "Meeting Simon and Jermain was an incredible privilege. They gave us some great advice about how to start in the industry that I will be putting into practice. It was so generous of them to give up their time and share their experience in how they started their careers."
Evelyn, whose short films showcase not only technical prowess but a unique artistic perspective, asked Simon and Julien about how much room there is for creative spontaneity once you become a professional filmmaker, keen not to have to compromise her artistry. "TV and film is not about crushing you; it's collaborative" came the reassuring response from Simon.
"I will never forget having the opportunity to come to BAFTA's headquarters", said Riku. "The two panel interviews were very interesting, although the highlight of the day for me was the roundtable, as we got to ask our burning questions to industry professionals." Riku is a documentary filmmaker with a passion for all this transportation, and came well-armed with questions to help further their aspirations.
"From speaking with the two filmmakers sat with us, I gained the exact knowledge that I had needed in terms of pitching documentaries to production companies, as well as some advice that I have already taken into account with my projects. I now feel inspired and motivated to begin a new chapter in my career as a video producer, and would like to thank everyone who made this incredible day possible."
I now feel inspired and motivated to begin a new chapter in my career as a video producer, and would like to thank everyone who made this incredible day possible.
Riku (aged 14), Filmmaker and Into Film Ones to Watch 2024
Ones to Watch 2025 (Sponsored by EON Productions)
Entries are now open for the Into Film Awards 2025, our flagship celebration of young filmmaking talent, offering a platform for 5-19 year-olds from across the UK to express their creativity and tell the stories that matter to them.
The Ones to Watch category, sponsored by EON Productions and supported by BAFTA, celebrates the creativity and excellence in those young people who have already achieved great things and who we believe are destined to be the future of the UK screen industry. The three Ones to Watch winners will receive a cash prize of £1,000 to support their filmmaking as well as the opportunity of career progression support through BAFTA, which includes involvement with the annual Young BAFTA Showcase in November 2025.
Do you know a talented, passionate young person who would benefit from the support and experience that being named a Ones to Watch provides? If so, submit an entry on their behalf today! Entries are open until 12:00pm on Tuesday 4 March 2025.
