Time Out Talks: Work Wonders – Getting into the film industry at Samsung KX

What is it?

Passionate about film, but hazy on how things work behind the camera? What are the best ways to get started in filmmaking, production or just looking, to take a first step into the world of film and get a sense of what’s out there? Enter Time Out Talks: Work Wonders. We’re running a series of five panel talks, hosted by Time Out editors. The session will offer a deep dive into the movie industry in the UK, with expert panellists sharing from key industry bodies offering their insights into its challenges and opportunities – and tips on how to get in there. Tickets are just £5!

When is it? 

7pm on November 1.

Why buy?

Kicking off the series on Monday November 1 is Getting into the film industry. Phil de Semlyen, Time Out’s global film editor, will be your host for the evening. If you’ve ever wondered how someone becomes a film critic and just what makes an awesome interview with an actor, then this one’s for you. He’ll host a discussion with three experts, each coming from different sides of the industry:

Jordan McGarry, head of talent development and production, Film London

Jordan McGarry heads the team that discovers and develops London’s emerging filmmakers. First-time filmmakers she has supported in recent years include Prano Bailey-Bond (Censor) and Rubika Shah (White Riot). Before Film London, Jordan spent five years as Director of Curation at Vimeo, leading the team that programmed the site’s illustrious Staff Picks channel, uncovering talent for Vimeo Originals and brand partners and working closely on the front line of the direct distribution revolution via the development of the Vimeo On Demand platform. In earlier past lives, Jordan paid her dues as a journalist, in festival programming, video commissioning and as an executive producer at Partizan London. 

Akua Gyamfi, founder, The British Blacklist

Akua Gyamfi has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning fashion, film, television, theatre, print and online media. In 2012 Akua founded The British Blacklist a platform that celebrates the talents of British Black creatives across Screen, Stage, Literature and Sound. She also produces podcasts Your Aunties Could Never (popular culture, and TBB Talks (interviews with Black creatives from around the globe). Alongside writer/producer Leon Mayne, Akua is the co-creator/co-exec producer and host of industry round table series The Circle. In 2019 Akua joined forces with Soul Film, The New Black Film Collective, and We Are Parable to launch the S.O.U.L. Film Festival, an annual event which showcases the best of Black filmmakers and content creators from the UK and the wider Diaspora.

Jen Sobol, head of film academy programmes, BFI

Jen Sobol is the head of film academy programmes at the BFI, responsible for a range of activity designed to support young people to develop new skills and build a career in the film industry. Jen is responsible for the BFI Film Academy, Future Skills traineeships, BFI’s in-venue Labs, SCENE and Recommends programme and the annual BFI Future Film Festival. More recently, she conceptualised and launched the Venue Education Fund, which supports cinemas UK-wide to deliver year round training and development activity for 16-25 year olds. Jen joined the BFI in February 2012, coming from the Commonwealth Foundation where she spent six years delivering film and literature grants projects in developing countries.

Find the complete guide to Time Out and Samsung KX events here. 

Need to know:

• Your ticket is valid for one entry to Time Out Talks: Work Wonders – Getting into the film industry at Samsung KX on Monday November 1. Please present your e-ticket on arrival.
• Ticket is only valid for selected time and date.
• The event starts promptly at 7pm. Doors open at 6.30pm.
• Each ticket purchased includes entrance to the event.
• Venue Address: Samsung KX, Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London, N1C 4DQ.
• Seating is unallocated on a first come first served basis.
• Line-up is subject to change.
• Once sold out additional tickets will not be available for purchase on the door. All tickets must be purchased online.
• Samsung KX caters for wheelchair access. For questions please contact a member of staff.
• Please note that photography and filming may occur on the evening and which may feature visitors. By purchasing a ticket and attending the event, you are agreeing to the use of these images in any future promotional, advertising or publicity material.
• Please note that the venue staff have the right to refuse entry.
• This ticket cannot be cancelled, exchanged, refunded or used in conjunction with any other offer. See Time Out's events terms and conditions here

Coronavirus Measures:

• Samsung KX is strictly operating in accordance with current government guidelines.
• All event capacities are in line with these and social distancing rules will be followed.
• Face coverings are encouraged to be worn by adults, unless exempt, when inside the store.
• Any equipment used will be fully sanitised. In the event of having to cancel an event entirely due to legal restrictions or for safety reasons then you will be notified of the cancellation on the contact information provided by the ticket purchaser.