Future Endeavours: Emily Bown’s Filmmaking Debut

Alongside our accredited degrees, our Short Courses provide a beginner-friendly introduction to the world of filmmaking, allowing people to experiment and find a new passion. And this is the case for Emily Bown, who completed our Filmmaking Short Course in 2023.

With the collaboration of her classmates, Emily wrote, directed, and produced her debut short film, Future Endeavours – and in today’s blog, we were lucky enough to find out more…

First of all, what drew you to our Filmmaking Short Course?

While I love films, and had made skits with friends before, I didn’t have any other experience.

MetFilm School’s course was beginner-friendly and choc-full of practical elements, giving the chance to create a film from start to finish!

And did you already have the idea for Future Endeavours in mind?

I didn’t! Walking through my local park, I suddenly remembered we’d been tipped off in class that parks usually have free permits.

I had been reminiscing about an old relationship, and inspiration struck, combining the park with a broken couple.

Making the film alongside your classmates, what was your favourite part of the process?

My favourite part was getting stuck into the practical elements of each shoot with my (then newfound, now good) friends, and getting to be creative with them in various roles like Gaffer, 1st AC, Script Supervisor, and Sound Recorded, to tell their stories. 1st AC was my favourite!

How did you and Cinematographer Julio Cármenes come up with the visual style?

I wanted to depict the essence of miscommunication, as well as visually tell the audience that Kira and Aran aren’t meant to be together.

With the final scenes, where they just miss each other’s glances, Julio and I decided that letting the characters enter and exit out of focus would further showcase they are on different paths – and that it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

It’s only when Aran uses the phrase ‘future endeavours’ that the argument begins – was it challenging to write such a personal interaction between two people?

In Aran’s line there is a twist on the last thing my ex said to me. In a way, it was challenging to make the argument not too personal!

For me, it was important to keep balance without the archetypal ‘goodie’ and ‘baddie’. Both Kira and Aran have their flaws, but they are well-meaning people. I hope I portray that – sadly but simply – they just aren’t right for each other.

And alongside writing and directing, you also produced the film. How did these three roles work together for you?

Working the three roles was definitely a new challenge – but exciting! I found it rewarding, because I was in control of everything, from obtaining permits, to rewrites, to creating floorplans and budgeting for equipment…

I imagine on a larger-scale production, this probably wouldn’t be possible! I’m grateful I had the chance to experience all three and flip between them for Future Endeavours.

Watch Emily Bown’s Future Endeavours here!

Looking back on Part-Time Filmmaking, what would be your advice for anyone considering their first steps into filmmaking?

I’d say a practical course is the way to go! Full-time, part-time, or even over a weekend, the connections and experience you get with classmates, friends, and teachers will open the door and help wedge your foot in.

I’d also say that films don’t need a big budget to look good; a simple idea can be powerful.

Finally: good sound makes all the difference. If there are mics, check they’re working, out of sight, and if the location is on a flight path!

And finally, Future Endeavours is your directorial debut… what can we expect from you next?

I have ideas for another magical-realism short, and a comedy-drama series up my sleeve! They’re in the writing phase now, but I can’t wait to make and share them with the world.

• Emily Bown took our Part-Time Filmmaking course at MetFilm School London. The closest available Short Course is our Certificate in Practical Filmmaking.
• Find out more about our full range of Short Courses at our London Summer Open Day.