From Script to Screen- An Inspiring Day with Film Industry Leaders

We were delighted to welcome Producer Candida Julian-Jones, renowned for her work on TV Series such as 'Birds of a Feather' (1992) or 'Signora Volpe' (2024), Director Bindu de Stoppani, who appeared in the film 'The Beach' and has created and directed in screen, such as 'An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts' (2021-2022), and Chair of BAFTA Sara Putt — three leading voices in the film industry. They visited the school to share their professional journeys with pupils of schools within the Cheltenham Education Partnership, provide an inside look into the filmmaking process, and inspire the next generation of creative talent.

The event, which took place in the Dean Close School Bacon Theatre, was filled with eager pupils and staff from around the county, keen to learn more about the world of film and television. Bindu de Stoppani, known for her distinctive storytelling and directorial voice, spoke about her path into the industry and the creative challenges behind directing compelling narratives. Candida Julian-Jones gave pupils a fascinating overview of the producer’s role — from budgeting and scheduling to the crucial art of keeping a production on track. The entire talk was hosted by Sara Putt, guiding the conversation with insightful questions that sparked engaging discussion and helped pupils delve deeper into the world of filmmaking.

Throughout the session, pupils had the chance to ask questions ranging from practical career advice to the nuances of casting, editing, and production design. The panel spoke candidly about their early experiences, obstacles faced, and the teamwork and perseverance required behind every successful film.

Pupils also got an in-depth step-by-step walkthrough of the entire filmmaking process — from idea development to post-production — helping to demystify the complexity behind what appears on screen.

We are very proud for the opportunity to host this event at Dean Close School enabling us to play a small part in enriching pupils across Cheltenham's understanding of the filmmaking world. We are certain that they gained valuable insights from this talk, which they will be able to apply to their upcoming short film projects.