Unforgettable Welcome Week 2024 | London Film Academy

Reflecting on an Unforgettable 2024 Welcome Week for New BA (Hons) Filmmakers, MA Filmmakers and MA Screenwriters

24 September 2024

Last week was exciting as we officially welcomed our new cohort of BA (Hons) filmmakers, MA filmmakers and MA Screenwriters to London Film Academy   

During our Welcome Week, each day was packed with a variety of talks, masterclass and workshop sessions, ensuring our students were engaged, involved, and got a taste of what lies ahead in their filmmaking journey.

Here’s a recap of the highlights and memorable moments that made it a week to remember.  

Monday   

This was a day of anticipation and excitement as we kicked off at VUE Cinema in Fulham.  

The day began with a warm welcome talk and introductions, creating a sense of inclusion and setting the tone for the week. Our new students had the opportunity to get to know each other better.  

At LFA we understand the importance of fostering the beginnings of what we’re sure will be lasting connections. This is not just a school but a community that thrives on collaboration, reinforcing our shared approach to filmmaking. s crucial and reinforces our collaborative nature and approach to filmmaking.  

Daisy giving a welcome week talk on day one at the vue

The day's highlight was undoubtedly the film screening of ‘How to Have Sex’, followed by an inspiring keynote speech from the film's Producer Ivana Mackinnon. Her words left everyone feeling not just motivated, but also inspired and ready to take on the challenge of the film industry.  

By the end of the day, the energy was palpable with students excited for the networking session and what was to come. 

After hearing the module talk I’m looking forward to getting more in-depth with my stories and doing longer form writing which I haven’t really done yet.

Abbey Hewat

 

Tuesday and Wednesday 

Tuesday was a day for adjusting to life in London and LFA. The MA Filmmakers and Screenwriters could explore Fulham at their own pace, connect with their cohort, and immerse themselves in the local culture.   

It was a perfect opportunity to unwind and absorb the initial experiences of the week. 

Students waiting to enrol on the steps of the LFA building

For our new BA (Hons) Filmmaking students, it was all about enrolment, registration, and most importantly, equipment presentations with the experts, and studio tours. These sessions were designed to give everyone a chance to familiarise themselves with their new environment and feel fully prepared for the journey ahead.   

The program talks and workshops that followed were not only informative but also engaging, sparking curiosity and providing valuable insights into what students can expect from their studies. They were designed to make the cohorts eager to learn and explore the world of filmmaking.   

The day culminated on a high note with a film screening and a Freshers event that allowed students to relax, unwind, and most importantly, mingle. It was a perfect opportunity to start building connections and feel welcomed into our community before doing it all again on Wednesday with our postgraduate students. 

enrolment card outside the LFA building

Thursday 

It was another action-packed day back at the VUE Cinema. The schedule was packed with film screenings, an introduction to the LFA Filmmakers' Club, and an insightful “Ask the Alumni” panel, where former students shared their experiences and advice.  

Eddie Hamilton giving a masterclass

Eddie Hamilton, editor of blockbuster hits such as ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1’, gave a standout masterclass. Eddie shared his industry journey, highlighting key challenges and milestones, and captivated our new students by demonstrating the transformative power of editing on the big screen, showcasing how it can dramatically impact a scene and shape compelling narratives. It inspired students and made them eager to delve deeper into their studies. 

After this week I’m looking forward to getting to know people on my course, getting different perspectives and enhancing my screenwriting abilities.

Moses Macwan

 

Friday 

Our final Welcome Weekday was dedicated to our Neurodiverse and International students.  

We started in the LFA building with a quiet enrolment and registration process, followed by transition events tailored to support student needs.  

It was a day of connection, understanding, and community-building, culminating in a Freshers event hosted by the LFA Student Council. 

It’s been an amazing first week, it was very collaborative, very engaging and very well organised. I’m excited to start filmmaking and to collaborate with people on my course.

Jens De Smet

As Welcome Week ends, we’re more excited than ever to see our new students immerse themselves in their studies.

Students on the steps of the LFA building 

The connections made, the knowledge shared, and the experiences had this week have set a strong foundation for the months ahead.  

Here’s to a fantastic year of creativity, learning, and growth.