Award-winning producer and co-founder of Jacco Macacco Films, Oscar Hewitt, returned to speak with MA Filmmaking students about his career since graduating, offering a candid look at the highs, challenges and realities of independent filmmaking.
Since leaving LFA, Hewitt has built a successful career producing independent films and commercial projects. Alongside fellow alumni and long-time collaborators, he has developed a production company focused on creating character driven stories filled with heart and humour.
The discussion began with the success of Friday's Mushroom Soup, which recently won Best UK Short at the Liverpool Film Festival and has enjoyed a strong run on the film festival circuit across the UK and beyond.
According to Hewitt, the film has created exciting opportunities for the creative team while helping establish credibility for Jacco Macacco Films as an emerging independent production company:
He explained that film festival success can act as a valuable calling card for filmmakers, helping attract collaborators, secure funding, and build industry relationships. For a young production company, festival recognition can provide an important stamp of approval when pitching future film and television projects.
The Reality of Running a Production Company
When discussing what it is really like to run a production company, Hewitt described the process as both exciting and demanding, requiring filmmakers to solve problems constantly while learning on the job.
One of the biggest lessons he has learned since graduating is that every production, regardless of budget or scale, comes with its own challenges:
Drawing on his experiences in independent film production, Hewitt stressed the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and building strong creative relationships.
Three Pieces of Filmmaking Advice for Students
1. Be nice
For Hewitt, filmmaking is ultimately a collaborative process. Building positive working relationships can be just as important as technical ability.
2. Find your tribe
He encouraged students to surround themselves with people they enjoy working with, like-minded individuals with creative ambitions. Many of his own collaborators are people he met early in his career, including those he met whilst studying at LFA, and continues to work with today.
3. Just make things
Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, Hewitt encourages aspiring filmmakers to start creating with whatever resources they have available. Every project, regardless of size or budget, provides an opportunity to develop skills, build a portfolio and gain valuable industry experience.
Current Film Projects
Students were particularly interested in how the success of Friday's Mushroom Soup influenced the company's latest production, The Worm Charmers.
Hewitt explained that one of the key lessons from previous productions was understanding where investment can make the biggest difference on screen.
The upcoming project represents another step forward for the company as it continues to refine its filmmaking style and expand its slate of original work.
Alongside The Worm Charmers, Hewitt discussed future ambitions for Jacco Macacco Films, including developing new film and television projects and moving towards larger-scale productions.
Looking Back on Film School
Reflecting on his own journey Hewitt shared the advice he would give to his younger self:
Looking back on his time at LFA, he emphasised the importance of making the most of every resource available to students:
The masterclass offered students an honest insight into life after film school and the realities of building a career in the film industry, while reinforcing a simple but powerful message: success in filmmaking comes through collaboration, persistence and a passion to keep creating.
Or, as Hewitt put it: "Just make things."