A decade of support for NFTS scholars: Kieran Nolan Jones

Since it’s inception in 2013 Sargent-Disc’s scholarships have supported 25 graduates of the National Film and Television School (NFTS). We’re taking a look back at the alumni of the Production Management Diploma Programme to share their experiences and learn how the scholarship impacted their journey.

Entering the film industry is often a dream nurtured by passion, and for many, the path is not always a straight line. For Kieran Nolan Jones, a producer in the world of branded content and commercials, the journey from university to the prestigious National Film and Television School was shaped by determination, challenges, and the invaluable support of the Sargent-Disc scholarship.

After spending two years working in university administrations and events management after graduating from university, Kieran decided to pursue a career in the film industry. The decision to attend the NFTS came after a long-standing dream and a goal to immerse himself in the world of film production. The unique approach of the NFTS Production Management Diploma course, discovered on the school’s website, caught his attention.

The appeal of production management, which involves working closely with every department to understand their needs and workflows, resonated with Kieran’s desire to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry. With a background in event organisation, he saw a transferable skill set that would seamlessly integrate into the world of production management.

Accepting the course place at NFTS was not without challenges. Personal circumstances, including a family emergency and financial constraints, presented potential hurdles. However, the Sargent-Disc scholarship emerged as a beacon of support. This financial assistance not only eased the burden but also allowed him to focus more time on studies and take on extra-curricular production work, enhancing practical skills and industry experience.

The NFTS Production Management Diploma course proved to be a transformative experience. Beyond its unprecedented curriculum focusing on practical learning, the course instilled a deep sense of confidence. Kieran learned to navigate and overcome challenges inherent in production, a skill set that would prove invaluable in the real-world scenarios of film and television production. The scholarship also opened doors to valuable industry connections and resources. The confidence gained during the NFTS Production Management Diploma course, coupled with Sargent-Disc’s standing in the industry, provided a solid foundation for his budding career.

Having successfully completed the course at the NFTS, Kieran embarked on a dynamic career as a freelance producer in branded content and commercials. Working with renowned brands such as Stella McCartney, EA Sports, Universal Music, and DoorDash.

Additionally, Kieran is the founder and lead producer of Hellmouth Pictures, a production company specializing in horror and fantasy. The company, in its three years of existence, has produced short films funded by prestigious organisations like the BFI and BBC and produced and episode of Disney and Hulu’s ’Bite Sized Horror’. Notably, Hellmouth Pictures is currently in production on two feature-length horror documentaries.

Kieran’s journey from university to the NFTS, supported by the Sargent-Disc scholarship, showcases the transformative power of education and financial assistance in shaping successful careers in the film industry. The commitment to lifelong learning, coupled with the confidence gained at the NFTS, has propelled him into a thriving career, leaving an indelible mark in the world of film production.

2024 NFTS Graduation – celebrating the achievements of up and coming filmmakers

The annual National Film and Television School (NFTS) Graduation ceremony, sponsored by BBC Studios, took place on Friday 23rd February at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square. The celebration not only recognises and celebrates the successes of the graduating students, but also offers them the chance to forge connections for their future careers with screen industry members.  

Emma Wilford, Sales and Marketing Manager at Sargent-Disc, attended the ceremony as a proud sponsor of three NFTS students (two Production Management Diploma students and one Production Accounting student [John Sargent Scholarship]). These serve as a key element of Sargent-Disc’s work to recognise the efforts of the NFTS and its students in achieving excellence.

Sargent-Disc Award winners

Each year at the ceremony, a number of students are chosen by key NFTS industry partners Sargent-Disc, Avid, Christie, IOSH and Panalux to recognise outstanding levels of achievement.  

The 2024 Sargent-Disc Awards went to two Production Management Diploma graduates. Helena Hunt and Carl Mason received a Final Draft software licence as well as £500 each.

Helena production managed a large and very diverse set of projects ranging from a Documentary shot in America, to Animation projects and a Children’s TV musical extravaganza. She also took on a demanding Fiction project called Resort, filmed in Spain and which required weeks of budget preparation with the Producer and meetings with crew members.

Carl showed a high level of commitment to production management throughout the course, working on over eight graduation films across a wide range of genres from animation to international documentaries filmed in Australia, California and across the USA, as well as a challenging period fiction film shot on location. Carl stepped up to every challenge with conviction and courage to ensure his teams had the resources and support needed to make the best possible films safely, on budget and on schedule.

Dr. Laurence Sargent commented, “The students graduating from the NFTS today are the future of our industry. Their hard work, skill and creativity are critical to its ongoing success. Sargent-Disc is proud to support this year’s Production Managers with awards in addition to providing an annual scholarship for two Production Management students. We wish them every success as they embark on their careers.” 

Left to Right: Carl Mason, Emma Wilford and Helena Hunt
Photo Credit: National Film and Television School

NFTS Honorary Fellowship

In recognition of the exceptional contribution they have made to the film industry, Production Design legends Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer were awarded the impressive Honorary Fellowship. Not only have the pair been nominated for a total of seven Oscars, most recently for their work on Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, they were also celebrated for their efforts to nurture emerging filmmakers.

Honorary Fellowship recipients Katie Spencer and Sarah Greenwood
Photo Credit: National Film and Television School

For more information about the NFTS, click here.

A decade of support for NFTS scholars: Ewelina Dziedzic

Over the past decade, Sargent-Disc’s annual scholarships aided 20 graduates from the National Film and Television School (NFTS). To celebrate this landmark the alumni of the Production Management Diploma Programme reflect on the scholarship’s impact.

 

Ewelina Dziedzic’s journey in the film industry exemplifies the power of determination and the opportunities that arise when one seeks support. Through her unwavering dedication and the assistance of the Sargent-Disc scholarship, Ewelina overcame financial obstacles and was able to pursue her dreams at the NFTS. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers, highlighting the importance of passion, hard work, and seeking out opportunities that can shape a successful career in the dynamic world of film production.

Locaction shot from Call My Agent

Ewelina’s fascination with filmmaking began at a young age when she participated in creating a promotional film for her high school. The experience sparked her interest in production management, a role that blended her passion for logistics, organisation, art, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. However, coming from a small town with no connections to the film industry, Ewelina had to rely on her own determination to pave her way.

While working full-time Ewelina pursued part-time studies in production management. She juggled various film and non-film jobs, constantly building her portfolio and network. Seeking opportunities on bigger international projects, she made the bold decision to move to the capital city of Poland, Warsaw. Commuting every weekend to attend classes, she embraced the challenges that came with starting anew in a foreign city. She learnt that she needed to be her biggest supporter and motivator, because if she wouldn’t believe in herself, no one else will.

Location shot from ESKMO music video

As Ewelina approached graduation, her desire to work on larger-scale international projects grew stronger. She obtained a Master’s degree in producing in London and applied to the NFTS Production Management Diploma course. Recognizing the school’s exceptional reputation and the potential for career advancement, Ewelina was determined to overcome any hurdles that came her way.

One significant obstacle Ewelina faced was the inability to apply for a student loan to cover the tuition fees at NFTS. With limited savings and no financial support from her family, she refused to let this setback deter her dreams. Driven by her passion and determination, she explored all available scholarship opportunities. It was during this search that she discovered the Sargent-Disc scholarship. This scholarship covered half of her tuition fees, allowing her to pursue her studies at NFTS, connecting her to the industry and providing opportunities for career progression.

Location scouting at the NFTS

Ewelina describes her time at the NFTS as transformative. The course emphasised hands-on learning, with students working on various projects, ranging from commercials and short films to games and documentaries. As a production manager, Ewelina was responsible for overseeing logistics, budgeting, crew management, and problem-solving. The programme allowed her to learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable industry knowledge, and build a network of like-minded individuals.

Following her graduation from NFTS, Ewelina’s career soared. She worked as assistant production coordinator on notable productions The Serpent Queen 2 starring Samantha Morton, 2nd Unit of Boys in the Boat directed by George Clooney and also Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Ewelina was also the Travel Coordinator for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, directed by Guy Ritchie (starring Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Cary Elwes, and Eiza Gonzalez), and the Cast and Travel Coordinator on KAOS, written by Charlie Covell (starring Jeff Goldblum, Janet McTeer, and David Thewlis). Her experiences enabled her to refine her skills, expand her network, and continue to grow within the industry. More recently she has been production managing short films such as Left Over starring Chloe Pirrie and Ian Hart for BFI Network. This year Ewelina was accepted into BAFTA Connect; adding to her accolades as Production Guild of Great Britain member since 2022 and taking part in the BFI Academy last year. This involved working with young filmmakers as the Production Management tutor on two films at the NFTS. Finally, we would love to offer our congratulations to Ewelina on her NFTS graduation documentary receiving nominations for the Royal Television Awards and the Grierson Documentary Awards. 

Boys in the Boat night shoot

For more information on the Production Management for Film and Television Diploma course, visit the NFTS website.

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Over the past decade Sargent-Discs annual scholarship support for 3 students attending the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has aided 20 graduates, enabling them to access the education and opportunities offered by the NFTS. As this milestone year unfolds, a special spotlight is cast on the alumni of the Production Management Diploma programme as they reflect on their journeys so far and the impact the scholarship has had on them.

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A decade of support for NFTS scholars: David Freedman

2023 marks the tenth year of Sargent-Disc providing its annual scholarship for students attending the National Film and Television School (NFTS). The scholarships serve as a key part of the company’s work to recognise the excellence achieved by the NFTS and its students. To mark this special year, we caught up with a selection of the Production Management Diploma alumni starting with David Freedman.

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