Meet Oscar and Gus, two passionate creatives and one-half of the production company Jacco Macacco. Founded while studying the BA (Hons) Filmmaking course at London Film Academy, their journey is one of creativity, collaboration, and perseverance, offering valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers hoping to follow in their footsteps.
Keep reading to discover more about the motivations, challenges, and successes of a group of young filmmakers who dared to leap into the world of independent filmmaking.
What motivated you to start your own production company?
What started as a way to stay creative and have fun evolved into something much more significant—a passion project that would shape their futures.
It was this desire to expand their creative horizons, coupled with their passion for filmmaking and skills learnt during their studies at LFA, that motivated them to leap and Jacco Macacco was born.
What key lessons did you learn while at LFA?
This hands-on experience while at LFA helped Gus, Oscar and the rest of their team learn to adapt creatively and work efficiently with the resources available to them - all of which became crucial in the early stages of establishing.
With a small but dedicated crew, they embraced the challenges of multi-tasking and resourcefulness, essential traits for any filmmaker.
How do you differentiate your company from the competition?
One of the key differentiators of their production company is the diversity of talents and perspectives within the team. Each member brings their strengths and preferences to the table, whether it's directing, writing, or managing the business side of things.
By embracing these differences and working collaboratively, they've created a dynamic environment where creativity thrives and their vision and refusal to conform to conventional norms continue to set them apart.
What challenges have you had to overcome since forming Jacco Macacco?
Like any entrepreneurial venture, starting a production company comes with its fair share of challenges and they've faced numerous obstacles along the way.
Through persistence, creativity, and a healthy dose of resourcefulness, they've managed to overcome these hurdles and forge ahead, with two films, including A Van Called Muriel and soon-to-be-screened Saving Penelope, now under their belt.
How do you manage your time and juggle other responsibilities?
Running a production company while juggling other jobs and commitments is no easy feat. Yet, they've learned to strike the delicate balance between creativity and pragmatism, finding ways to make it work despite the inevitable challenges.
Through this shared passion for their craft, they've managed to keep their company afloat while pursuing their dreams, which emphasises the importance of collaboration and understanding.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers looking to start their own production company?
For those considering starting their own production company, their advice is simple: just do it.
Don't wait for the perfect moment or the ideal circumstances—start creating, experimenting, and learning from your experiences. Embrace the journey, celebrate your successes, and don't be afraid to fail along the way.
Above all, remember that filmmaking is a collaborative endeavour—surround yourself with talented, like-minded individuals who share your vision and want to build something together.
Jacco Macacco is also excited to invite you to the exclusive premiere of their latest film, Saving Penelope. Join them for a hilarious crime comedy caper about a group of friends reclaiming a precious Tamagotchi from their nemesis.
Created by LFA alumni and Oscar Hewitt, Gus Herbert-Müller, Jude Crook, and Sara Beshiri, this film embodies the collaborative spirit of Jacco Macacco Films.
Screening details:
Sunday, 24th March, 11:30am at Act One Cinema, Acton, London.
Secure your tickets here.
Your support means the world to them.
The journey of starting a production company is filled with ups and downs, but with passion, perseverance, and a supportive team, anything is possible. Oscar and Gus' story is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration in bringing cinematic visions to life.
If you've ever dreamed of making your own films, don't wait—start creating today.
Who knows where your journey might lead?