TESTIMONIALS

STUDENTS

Working with Creative Sparkworks has been a blessing during a really tough time to be entering the industry.

The tutors have expertise spanning multiple genres and specialities and a backlog of amazing contacts they are willing to leverage to help you get the best support available. Their advice and investment in my development were truly invaluable and a huge boost to my confidence.

As a result of contacts made through Creative Sparkworks, I was able to secure work as a Location Marshal on a high-end commercial for Iconoclast.”

Alice Markey , 2020

Student Trainee, Creative Sparkworks

“My time with Creative Sparkworks gave me the resources, understanding and support I needed to get me my first big job in scripted TV.

I joined as the first lockdown was starting and the people at Sparkworks helped keep me motivated and ready for when things opened up again.

Without them I wouldn’t be where I am now, their support and knowledge has been invaluable in helping me get started in the Film and TV industry.”

Emile Guignard-Rogers, 2020

Student Trainee, Creative Sparkworks

……Because of the amazing partnerships cultivated by the program, I was able to apply to Sara Putt Associates, a highly regarded recruitment agency.

It is solely through this process that I was able to secure an amazing role at an exceptional production company. Within 6 months I found a job and have now started working at a great rate (higher than usual for this type of role).

I would recommend this program to anyone.”

Zainab Abrar , 2020

Student Trainee, Creative Sparkworks

“I can’t express how much Sparkworks has helped me.

A year ago I was struggling to even get an interview…. it was nice knowing that someone is out there rooting for me. It pushes you to do more as you want to succeed in this course.

You realise that in this industry everyone knows everyone so it’s all about keeping a good rep.

What was also super helpful was the ready set training. It prepared me for my most recent job as a floor runner. The radio language, production table, location info, cv and cover letter tips and so much more.

Working on set stay focus, quick on your feet, be very social with every department Oh! and learn people’s names (takes me forever but by the end you know everyone ).”

Zahra Malik, 2020

Student Trainee, Creative Sparkworks

“When I joined Sparkworks, I was at the crossroads. I jumped on the last ship, it was actually the last meeting I’ve had before the lockdown kicked off in March.

U provided a lifeline & training remotely, which resulted in paid work in my sector of choice, so thanks a lot .”

Denis Skachidub , 2020

Student Trainee, Creative Sparkworks

“The experience overall was a fantastic insight into Live Production whilst abiding by the new COVID rules set; 2 meter distance, sanitising, temperature checks and cleaning surfaces.

A huge thank you to Creative Sparkworks, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if they hadn’t pushed me to keep going.”

Sandra Dipate, 2020

Student Trainee, Creative Sparkworks

“Sparkworks gave me the job for the Puma Blue video on the phone and told me to do the Covid training.I went and did the job……It was great getting paid work and would love to do that again.

 

 

Joshua Morrison, 2020

Student Trainee, Creative Sparkworks

CLIENTS & PARTNERS

“We’ve all been really impressed with Emile. He’s really gotten stuck in and approached every task with a positive and proactive attitude. I would happily recommend him to other productions and hope I get the opportunity to work with him again in the future.”

Jonah Mayfield

Jr Production Manager, BBC Studios

“Alice did a great job on set as a Location Marshall. She is easy going, enthusiastic and reliable which was much appreciated.”

Morgane Valadie

Location Assistant, Scout Productions

“Knitting professional support together with charities on the ground is essential to making sure Londoners benefit fully from local filming. The right infrastructure is essential. There’s a great deal of good will on the part of big budget filmmakers. A lot of people in the industry welcome the opportunity to give young people a hand up the ladder. But there has to be support on the ground, connecting young people in to these opportunities. Creative Sparkworks is a brilliant example, working with young people every step of the way, often from homelessness, into skills training and crucially, paid work.”

Andrew Pavord

Director , Production Guild company affiliate FILMFIXER

“Zahra was an absolute asset to our team. She took initiative, was bright, pro-active, and mucked in to make the production the best it could possibly be. I’d hire her again in a heartbeat.”

Lydia Harrison

Videographer/Producer, BBC

“Josh was a great asset on our shoot and very helpful to the camera team. He was proactive with a very positive attitude and I would happily have him on set again.”

Frankie Willcock

Producer, My Accomplice

“I’m so, so thankful for coming into contact with Sylvia and all the “Learn2Film2£arn” team involved at Creative Sparkworks. They were an absolute godsend for our BFI/Film London backed short film ‘Knock Down Ginger’. We employed 8 of their film course students as runners and marshals and their general effort, enthusiasm and film knowledge was inspiring to see. No job was a chore and they all without exception where a joy to have onset. I wouldn’t hesitate in employing them to do future projects”

Henry Napier-Brown

Producer, Rooted Productions

“I would like to say that I have worked in partnership with Creative Spark Works in establishing a vocational pathway for clients using Lambeth Early Onset Services. Creative Spark Works have proved invaluable in supporting the creative and artistic development of clients who have attended their programmes and benefited from the activities that they offer. They work in a way that is person centred and socially inclusive. People attending the courses are from diverse backgrounds and all age ranges, which provides a strong sense of community and connection.  The focus is on the activity and the process is one of normalisation, whereby the persons mental health condition is not the focus of the session but the persons interest in the creative activity. The staff at Creative Spark Works are committed and highly experienced in their own specialist areas and offer industry leading training, support and mentoring. Creative Spark Works have a successful and proven track record in delivering high quality and impactful ‘Film, Media and Employment Skills Courses.  I have no hesitation in recommending and supporting the bid application for funding for the film skills training courses. If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact me”.

Vocational Support Worker

NHS South London and Maudsley Hospital

“I have commissioned Creative Sparkworks to create the official highlights video for the Lambeth Country Show in 2018 and 2019. They always respond to the brief with great enthusiasm and creativity with the end results being just what we want to help promote the event the following year, as well as highlighting great memories for the visitors that attend each year. It’s fantastic to have so many of their students work on the project as part of their Film2Learn2Earn qualifications. Each year I can see the hard work and dedication of both students and mentors put in to help make the ambitious project happen. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again on future commissions.”

Tim Fanucci

Senior Project Manager/Event Producer, Lambeth Council

“2017 has proven thus far to be the year to  empower those usually silenced by their Mental Health problems to find a voice. Creative Sparkworks has already clearly demonstrated its ability to change the lives of vulnerable young people by enhancing their life skills and confidence through its film course. Giving young people with Mental Health problems the opportunity to undertake the Creative Sparkworks film course, with its spirit of teamwork and encouragement, could enable their voices to be heard more assuredly through a protected medium”.

Dr Maggie Wright

Consultant Anaesthetist, ICU James Paget Hospital

“Sandra has worked with us on a BBC Films music documentary in a PA role. She has been doing some really important script on the project as we move our edit forward. She is punctual, her work is brilliant and she is a pleasure to have on the team. We cannot recommend her highly enough.”

Jamie Clark

Founder/EP, My Accomplice