Alumni Interview with Thomas Jackson, First-Class (BA Hons) Independent Filmmaking, 2020

Futureworks is the UK’s foremost higher education provider for people seeking a career in the creative industries. Our continuing series of alumni interviews focuses on our (BA Hons) Independent Filmmaking Degree and the determination, passion and collaboration needed to succeed in the film industry.

Thomas Jackson, Co-Founder, Lead Writer, and Director at Prickle Productions, graduated with a first-class honours degree in independent filmmaking from Futureworks at the height of the pandemic in 2020. The adversity of his situation stoked the fire of his desire to succeed, and following the release of his first short film in late 2022 and the founding of Prickle Productions, the team are now in Post-Production on both a second film and a music video. We chatted to Thomas about his time at Futureworks, how our degree in Independent Filmmaking helped him succeed, and what the future’s looking like for this Manchester-based entrepreneurial filmmaker.

 

 

 

Why did you choose Futureworks to study Independent Filmmaking?

“Originally, I wanted to be an actor, but my parents pushed me toward film production, and for that, I’m grateful. There’s far more opportunity, more roles, when you’re making the film rather than acting in it, and I have no confidence or inclination to be on the other side of the camera now.”

“I have dyslexia, and I knew I would struggle in long, rambling lectures, so Futureworks’ methodology of teaching filmmaking suited me well. Everything is practical and hands-on with equipment. You’ll get a fifteen-minute talk on how to use a camera, for example, and then you’ll be left to go off and use it, experiment and experience it. Futureworks is very honest in how they present the course. It’s very practical in its approach and, in my opinion, the best way to get to know the film industry.”

 

Did the course live up to your expectations?

“Absolutely. I entered the course expecting to fulfil a role in film production and work on a film for somebody else. I never dreamed that I could make my own film. Everything came together in my final year; I realised I could make my own films. Sadly, the pandemic put paid to any actual filmmaking; we were in lockdown, but I was awarded a First-Class Degree. After graduating, I persevered, and, along with other Futureworks graduates, we collaborated to make a short film called Bespoke Dad. We were nominated at several independent film festivals, which gave us the confidence and experience to co-found Prickle Productions. Getting into the film and TV industry around that time was tough, so instead of waiting for things to happen, we decided to make it happen.”

 

 

 

How did the course tutors help you?

“A great thing about the independent filmmaking course is that it prepares you for the real world; it’s unapologetic. For example, Tich (Richard Hellawell, Head of Futureworks School of Film, TV & Media) provided very open and honest feedback. Sometimes, it could feel brutal, but looking back, I now know that it was toughening me up for the real world. Filmmaking costs time and money, and studios only have a limited budget. Their time is precious. If you pitch your idea and it’s not fully formed or thought out very well, then the only feedback you’ll get is about how poorly thought out it is instead of recognition and professional discussion around your idea for the film. Admittedly, they may not accept your idea for other reasons, but at least the door is still open, and you can go back again because they know you’re professional and passionate and your ideas are well thought out.”

“When pitched to by students, Tich often replies, “Why should I care?” he pushes you to look deeper into your work and find angles in your filmmaking and story that will resonate with the audience. He forces you to think deeply about your work.”

 

What did you most enjoy about the course?

“Scriptwriting! I surprised myself because I never thought I’d like it. I took A-level English Literature; it was all reading and writing, and with my dyslexia, I didn’t get on with it at all. But scriptwriting was different; the course encourages you to do independent research. The research drove me to improve my writing. For example, my first film was set in Manchester, so I looked at other writers who wrote about Manchester and found a book called Sirens by Joseph Knox. I was hooked, and I read all his stuff. I’ve gone from reading nothing to reading loads of books a year, having several notebooks and a growing pen collection.”

“I also enjoyed the collaborative nature of Futureworks. Like the film industry, the campus is full of creatives who want to work with you on your film. While I can pick up a camera and film, I don’t do sound; I could try, but irrespective of my skill set, I also have lots of other things to do in the film and don’t have the time. On the floor below us at the Riverside Campus are students studying music and audio who want to work with you, maybe because one of their course modules is to produce sound for a film. It was a win-win for them and me. It’s just like the film industry; those contacts stay with you and grow; you stay in touch when you graduate.”

“I would be lying if I said that I didn’t like using the equipment. It’s not the state-of-the-art kit you get in a Hollywood production; it’s solid, professional, entry-level equipment that prepares you for a filmmaking career. I’ve met many filmmakers, and it’s a red flag when all they talk about is the kit they’re using and not their idea or vision for the film. Futureworks teaches you to be frugal in your filmmaking, to work with less to achieve the vision for your film, and it results in you achieving more. Fancy equipment cannot cover poor directing, editing, filming, producing, etc. It’s only when you get out into the real world that you realise fancy equipment amounts to nothing compared to excellent filmmaking; that’s the type of education you receive from Futureworks. Furthermore, even after you’ve graduated, Futureworks are supportive, and alumni can still loan equipment from them.”

 

So, four years after graduating, how’s it all going?

“Really well, thank you! In late 2022, after we released our short film, Bespoke Dad, I and two Futureworks graduates, Ash Birks and Martina Mejcen, founded Prickle Productions. Ash is Lead Producer & Videographer and Martina is Lead Director of Photography. We’d been seeking employment, working for other filmmakers, and doing other work, but nothing permanent had arisen. So, the success of Bespoke Dad (it was accepted into some Independent Filmmaking awards) gave us the confidence to go out on our own.”

“2023, though, was a challenging year. We had some set-backs and growing pains as we explored various opportunities and tried to find our feet in the industry. Then I sent Bespoke Dad to a reviewer, Lucy Jay. She mentioned that her partner, Alex, liked Bespoke Dad, had written a film script himself and asked if I would be interested in reading it. To that end Lucy and Alex have hired us to bring their script to life and we’re now in post-production. I’m also editing the film; that’s what I’ll do tonight when I get off this call with you. The film’s called Snare and it explores the dangers, prevalent to women, in UK nightlife.

“We’re also in post-production for a music video. Again, I can’t say much about this, and we’re building a few showreels for some of the crew from Bespoke Dad. I also volunteer at Indie Flicks, a monthly film festival in Manchester and Cambridge, where I’m on the judging panel.”

 

What would you say to someone wanting to study Independent Filmmaking at Futureworks?

“Get ready to be told no, a lot. Also, Filmmaking is about more than making money. If you want to study independent filmmaking expecting to make your own films to make money, then don’t bother. There are easier ways to make money. If you’re seeking a course that gives you the skills to work in one of the many roles available in the film industry, or if you’re passionate about making films, then the Futureworks Independent Filmmaking Degree Course is perfect for you. Not only does it teach you the art of filmmaking, but it also toughens you up and builds your resilience to succeed because you will get lots of pushback when you get out there. Lots of people will say ‘no’, and sometimes that’s what you need because if you learn from your knockbacks you’ll grow, make better films and eventually succeed as a filmmaker. If we’re doing well at Pickle Productions then so can someone else, you just need to be invested in your work and determined to succeed and these are some of the qualities you learn to develop at Futureworks.”

 

What does the future hold for you and Prickle Productions?

“Obviously, I’d like Prickle Productions to grow from strength to strength. Our business model is built around creating music videos and using the profits gained from those to help fund the creation of our short films. Eventually the dream is to make a feature film. We’ve got it all planned out we just need to make it work!”

 

To find out more about Prickle Productions visit their website, watch their showreel and follow them on Instagram.

You can also contact Thomas via email: [email protected]

 

If you’re seeking a career in filmmaking why not book on to a Futureworks Open Day?

Come along and meet our Lecturers, enjoy a tour of the facilities, including our MediaCity Studio, and get hands on with the professional equipment our Independent Filmmaking Degree students use. You can meet students, hear what they have to say about the course and discover why Futureworks is the UKs foremost higher education provider for people seeking a worthwhile and rewarding career in filmmaking and the film & TV industry.

We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Read more about our School of Film, TV & Media on our website and view our filmmaking students’ work in our online gallery.