We’re profiling the very best activities for dads and children in collaboration with Club Hub, and this week we’re delighted to feature: Sparks Film and Media, London.
Sparks is a club for budding directors, camera operators and actors that runs from seven locations across London. Children between the ages of four and eighteen learn all about movie making, from the initial spark of an idea to filming, production, editing and more.
1. How did Sparks start?
Founder and director Donna Bamford says: “We saw lots of creative educational potential in film and wanted to share our passion for making movies with children and young people. We never had the technology when we were younger, but it’s amazing how much can be created now.”
And open it up they have. In seven years Sparks has produced over 1,000 movies, showcasing the talents of more than 3,000 young movie makers.
2. What’s in it for dads and kids?
Lots of creative fun. Sparks goes way beyond traditional drama classes, teaching the full spectrum of skills that go into making a movie, both in front of and behind the camera. Everybody gets a go at everything, in lively, hands-on sessions that lead to a rather fabulous end result: an actual movie!
“We have a fun, playful approach towards everything we do, so whilst learning about movie making, the kids are all having fun,” says Donna. “Everything is practical with lots of hands on opportunities to do, make, and film.”
There is much more to a Sparks’ class than just film making skills, as Donna explains. “We help children to develop creative and project skills, as well as technical skills, confidence and social skills. Children learn about storytelling with us, as well as visual skills, communicating with one another, acting and performing, camera and photography skills, video editing, design, collaboration and more. They also learn about taking on responsibility and the nature of contributing towards a production.”
Needless to say, Sparks is Ofsted registered, operates a strict safeguarding policy and takes every care to make sure that children are thriving and enjoying themselves.
3. Sparks film making - key activities
Sparks offers term time and holiday classes, and is currently recruiting young film makers for this Easter’s Epic Superhero Adventure Movie.
As well as regular classes, Sparks creates bespoke action-packed movie making parties with games, imaginative activities and the resulting movie (on DVD if you wish) at the end of it all.
4. Great for dads who…
5. Find Out More & Booking
There’s all the information you need, including times and locations, on Club Hub for their 'The Unbeatables Easter Workshop," or check out the Sparks website.
