As London Film Academy prepares for its upcoming Showcase, we’re looking back at our 2023 ceremony, where actor, writer and director Callum Turner joined us as a guest speaker. Known for his roles in Masters of the Air, Emma, The Boys in the Boat, and apple TV’s upcoming series Neuromancer, Turner took to the stage alongside film critic Danny Leigh to discuss filmmaking, creativity and building a career in the industry.
Speaking to LFA filmmakers, Turner shared advice on finding creative inspiration, building collaborative teams and staying persistent when pursuing a career in film.
Learning from the filmmakers who inspire you
For Turner, filmmaking has always been about curiosity and understanding the creative decisions behind the films he admires.
His advice was to look beyond what appears on screen and consider why certain creative choices have been made, whether it’s a particular shot, a line of dialogue or an edit.
Also highlighting the importance of collaboration and creating a positive working environment on set.
Finding your own stories to tell
Alongside acting, Turner has explored writing and directing. For him, developing a creative voice begins with understanding the stories you want to tell and what inspires you.
Encouraging aspiring filmmakers to explore/develop their interests allowing those experiences to inform their work.
Turner was also candid about the realities of building a career in film. Reflecting on his early twenties, he spoke about balancing three jobs with acting classes, making time to watch films, read scripts and visit galleries.
Recalling being told he was too tall to be an actor, he stressed the importance of not letting negative feedback put you off pursuing a career in the industry.
Find your rhythm, find your beat, and then dance to it
When Leigh asked Turner to share one final piece of advice, he recalled guidance from actor Daniel Day-Lewis, whom he connected with after being nominated for the Breakthrough Brits scheme.
Turner shared the advice that has stayed with him:
It was a fitting message for an audience at the beginning of their filmmaking journeys. While learning from others is an important part of developing your craft, finding your own perspective and having the confidence to pursue it matters.
Celebrating the next generation of filmmakers
As LFA looks ahead to this year's showcase, Turner’s advice remains relevant to the filmmakers preparing to share their work.
The LFA Showcase celebrates students across our BA (Hons) Filmmaking, MA Filmmaking and MA Screenwriting programmes, recognising the creativity, collaboration and commitment involved in bringing projects from script to screen.
Stay tuned and watch this space to discover who will be our guest speaker at the 2026 showcase.