Wave Makers Talent Day 2025
Thursday 27th March 16:00-21:00
Staggeringly Good Brewery, Unit 10, St Georges Industrial Estate, Rodney Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 8SS
Sponsored by Millstream Productions
Discover the next wave of South West Film Talent at The Wave Makers Talent Day!
Join us for an inspiring evening of networking, film screenings, and industry insights at the Wave Makers Talent Day—a celebration of emerging talent in film and media. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative professional, or simply passionate about storytelling, this event is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Enjoy a fantastic selection of craft beers from Staggeringly Good Brewery, renowned for their bold and innovative brews, alongside delicious food from Bear Bones Co. Their outdoor kitchen serves up freshly grilled meats, gourmet burgers, and flavourful vegetarian options, making sure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re grabbing a bite between sessions or unwinding with a locally brewed pint, you’ll be well-catered for throughout the event.
Programme:
16:00-17:30 | BFI NETWORK – Discover funding and development opportunities for your next project.
Join us for an engaging Networking Session hosted by BFI NETWORK, an organization dedicated to supporting, developing, and funding early-career filmmakers across the UK.
Made possible through National Lottery funding, BFI NETWORK collaborates with film organizations and leading cultural venues to provide:
- Short Film and Early Feature Development Funding: Opportunities for new UK writers, directors, and producers to secure financial support for fiction live-action, animation, or immersive projects.
- Professional Development and Networking Support: Industry-backed programs, including talent labs, mentorships, and travel grants, designed to help filmmakers enhance their skills and expand their professional networks.
This session is an invaluable opportunity to connect with BFI NETWORK representatives, learn about available resources, and discover how they can support your filmmaking journey.
17:45-18:45 | Filmmaker Q&A – Hear from industry insiders as they share their experiences and insights.
Join us for an exclusive Filmmaker Q&A session with director and screenwriter Dan Pringle. Known for his compelling storytelling and unique cinematic vision, Dan has made significant contributions to the film industry as an emerging talent.
His latest feature film, “Die Before You Die“ (2024), is a gripping thriller that follows a hot-headed influencer who finds himself trapped six feet underground after an internet challenge goes dramatically wrong. The film has received positive reviews from The Guardian and The Times, and was awarded the Jury Prize and Best Director at the Manchester Film Festival.
During this session, Dan will share insights into his creative process, discuss the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking, and offer valuable advice to aspiring filmmakers. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a visionary director whose work continues to inspire and captivate audiences.
19:00-20:30 | Future BAFTA Winners Short Film Competition – Witness the next generation of filmmaking talent in action.
This competition showcases the next generation of filmmaking talent, inviting emerging directors, writers, and producers from Portsmouth, Winchester, and Solent Universities to compete for the coveted Making Waves Short Film Competition award – the Fish Tale.
A panel of industry judges carefully shortlists six outstanding films, which will be screened on the big screen at Staggeringly Good Brewery. On the night, the judges will select the Best Film Award, while the audience gets the chance to have their say, voting for their favourite to win the Audience Choice Award.
With future BAFTA winners in the making, this is your chance to see tomorrow’s stars today!
