At London Film Academy, we know that filmmaking is about more than learning technical skills—it’s about building strong relationships and learning through collaboration.
Networking plays a crucial role in the industry, and our programmes encourage students to foster these connections from the moment they step into LFA.
One such story comes from Alex, an LFA alumni who, after completing an MA screenwriting course, decided she wanted to take on film head-on and enrolled in the LFA MA Filmmaking programme. Alex’s experience is a prime example of how powerful networking can be and how it can shape a career in unexpected ways.
The Power of Networking
Her words capture what we teach our students at LFA—making connections is key.
The filmmaking industry is built on collaboration, and each interaction is an opportunity to build relationships that could shape future projects.
While it’s natural to feel awkward at first, as Alex admits, pushing through that discomfort can lead to incredible opportunities.
A perfect example of this is when Alex met fellow LFA alumni G. Abrom Henries during Welcome Week at LFA.
What began as a simple conversation at an LFA event turned into a career-defining experience for Alex, highlighting how quickly opportunities can arise when you open yourself up to networking.
Managing Set Chaos
Alex’s transition from scriptwriting to on-set work gave her a crash course in the fast-paced, often chaotic world of filmmaking.
While working on Crossfaded as both a PA (or Runner in the UK) and an actress, she quickly learned that despite careful planning, things can and will go wrong. When Alex’s costume became damaged, with no backup available, when her knee-high stockings the director advised, “Always bring a backup, especially for costume items".
Reflecting on the experience, Alex shares;
This taught her the importance of adaptability and problem-solving—key skills we nurture at LFA, where setbacks are seen as valuable learning opportunities.
The Director’s Role: Building Trust
Another major lesson Alex took from her experience on Crossfaded was understanding what makes a great director.
As an actress in the project, Alex had to trust Geo to guide her through the challenging overdose scene. What struck Alex most was the way Geo supported her throughout the process.
The result? After several more takes, they nailed the shot, and the entire crew erupted in cheers, celebrating their collective achievement
At LFA, we stress that a director’s role isn’t just about creative vision—it’s about leadership and building trust with your team. Alex learned that firsthand.
Collaboration with the Crew
Alex also observed how Geo treated the crew on set, many of whom were LFA alumni.
Respect and collaboration are fundamental, and the filmmaking process is a collective effort. The relationships you build with your crew are crucial to the success of any project.
Final Advice: Follow Your Passion
As Alex continues her journey from screenwriting to filmmaking, she offers some simple but profound advice for current LFA students:
She’s witnessed firsthand the value of perseverance.
At LFA, we believe that filmmaking is about more than technical skills; it’s about building relationships, learning from experience, and following your passion.
Alex’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and determination. We hope her story inspires you to seize every opportunity and make the films you love.