GFS giving under-represented Londoners world class film industry training

GFS LDN hosts annual Table Read with filmmakers’ scripts being read by professional actors, including Interview with a Vampire’s Assad Zaman and Sanditon’s Rose Williams, with executives and filmmakers offering feedback at The House of KOKO in Camden.

This week, GFS LDN held its highly anticipated annual Table Read event at The House of KOKO in Camden. This year’s event by the leading film charity brought together a group of professional actors to support young filmmakers, performing a live reading of two film scripts.

The first script, “Abaayo”, was written by Hannah Adan, 21, with direction planned by Malini Raman-Middleton, 19. This film will be shot internationally in August while on location in Vancouver, Canada, and will receive production support from MBS and Panavision.

The second script, “The Brother Dies In The End,” was written by Hamza Chowdhury, 19,  and will be directed by fellow student Touka Goudarzi-Nejad, 19. This short will be filming locally in London having been inspired by a dedicated GFS LDN x Dulwich Picture Gallery partnership, in which students received exclusive access to artwork and instructional sessions with curatorial staff. Both films will be fully-financed by GFS LDN.

The Table Read event is a cornerstone of GFS LDN’s commitment to nurturing young filmmakers and providing them with invaluable opportunities to see their work come to life. By collaborating with experienced actors, students gain unique insights into the professional world of scriptwriting and performance, enhancing their skills and confidence.

The event featured a diverse selection of scripts, reflecting the wide-ranging talents and perspectives of GFS LDN’s student writers.

Executive Director of GFS LDN, Tony Fernandes said: “The Table Read event is my favourite date on the GFS LDN calendar as it encapsulates GFS LDN’s approach to education and youth development. The event celebrates the student’s talents but at its core, the night is all about improving the scripts and developing the students as they get stellar feedback and an incredible networking opportunity.”

Russell Essex-Crosby, Sr. Director, Global Talent Acquisition at NBCUniversal added “The table read event organised by GFS LDN was an exemplary showcase of talent and creativity. The intimate setting allowed for meaningful dialogue and provided a valuable platform for young film and TV makers to receive constructive feedback. It is inspiring to see such dedication to nurturing diverse voices in the film and TV industry. We look forward to exploring further opportunities to support GFS in their mission to elevate and empower these talented individuals.”

Tesha Crawford, Global SVP Scripted Series, Universal International Studios said: “I was blown away by the Ghetto Film School’s table read, and felt so inspired by the incredible talent of the young filmmakers involved. It was a privilege to join them and to see so many seasoned professionals come together and support this brilliant cohort. We are excited to continue Universal International Studios’ close partnership with GFS and to find new ways to support the talent they so brilliantly nurture.”

A range of professional actors took part:

• Zaqi Ismail – From “We Are Lady Parts”
• Déja J. Bowens – Star of “Champion
• Edwin De La Renta –  From “Ted Lasso”
• Dionne Brown – Star of  “Queenie”
• Nina Wadia – From “Eastenders” and “Count Abdulla”
• Shaheen Khan – From “3 Body Problem”
• Bhav Josh – From “Granite Harbour”
• Rose Williams – Known for her performance in “Sanditon”
• Assad Zaman –   From “Interview with a Vampire”

Panellists providing feedback included:

• Tesha Crawford – Senior VP of Global Scripted Series, NBCUniversal
• Dillon Mapletoft – Executive Producer & Writer, “ Everyone Else Burns” on Channel 4
• Lilah Vanderburg – Writer, “Mi Tio”  on Amazon Prime
• Karla Williams – Writer, “Grantchester” on  ITV

Attendees included:

• Miranda Higham – GFS LDN Board Member & Director of Corporate Relations at Channel 4
• Nizam Uddin – GFS LDN Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer of algbra
• Shobhit Piasa – Actor, “The Buccaneers” on Apple TV

GFS LDN launched its Fellows Programme in July 2020, founded by pilot programme graduate, 20-year-old Tony Fernandes, who led a research and strategic planning process to expand the award-winning U.S. Ghetto Film School model to London. Fernandes now serves as the Executive Director for GFS LDN.

Opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, GFS LDN has provided free-of-cost film education and industry career development to 100+ young artists from all over London during its start-up, including the production of International Thesis Shoots in both Amsterdam and Iceland, while securing key partnerships with the National Film and Television School, Sony, Apple, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mulberry Schools Trust, Wieden+Kennedy, and many more.

GFS LDN has a unique, complementary role in the UK Creative Ecosystem via its core skill of identifying young talent and potential from underrepresented communities, removing obstacles to access and resources, and delivering a high-quality, broad introductory experience to promote confidence and momentum at an early age.

GFS then connects Fellows with partners who provide specialised training platforms, university education, early-career paid work experience, and employment opportunities. In this way, GFS LDN contributes to the entire sector, whilst working long-term with talent and their families to help them achieve their creative goals and dreams.