Sparks Film School Brentwood

For our first Spotlight on a Local Business section I sat down recently with Jag Kaley, Head of Sparks Film School Brentwood, to learn more about him and his business.

What services do you provide to the residents of Brentwood?

We offer engaging and inspiring filmmaking and media classes to children aged 5 – 18.

We offer weekly film making classes during school term time. We also run both Summer and half-term camps outside of term time.

Our classes cover all elements of filmmaking including production, design, camera work, editing, filming location research, acting, producing, directing, and the role of the assistant director.

Our students also leave with more general learning such as people skills, life skills, and a sense of personal development.

What’s the main problem you solve for your customers?

We give children a creative outlet into something that’s not available within the school curriculum. We also provide peace of mind for parents; knowing that their children are cared for in a safe, professional environment.

What area do you cover?

The classes take place at Brentwood County High School but we have kids attend from further afield, for example: Romford, Wickford, Basildon and other areas of East London.

How long have you been in business?

I started the film school in November 2021 and we ran our first classes in September 2022.

What sets you apart from the competition?

While our price point is higher than others in the area our classes are smaller so each child gets greater individual attention. This leads to a higher quality product. Our tutors are experienced people who have worked in the industry. Finally, the children come away with a finished product, a film, that they can share with their parents and family.

Why did you go into this business? Is there a special story behind it?

I used to work for Astra Zeneca as a medical sales representative, covering the Brentwood area. A significant life event led me to question my path in life and ultimately caused me to change direction. I have always been a huge film fan, I always had an interest in films but never really considered it as a career. I wasn’t quite sure how to get into the profession, I just knew I didn’t want to get into acting.

The film school is something that I wish had existed when I was young as it might have given me the opportunity to go into the profession.

I had done some film work in the past, working on some film sets while living in Canada. I’d worked on the set of X-Men 3: The Last Stand and a few music videos.

At this stage in my career I see the film school as a way of being involved in film while at the same time, helping children which is the main reason that I started the school.

I also thought of the film school as a business opportunity that would be really fun to do.

I chose to open the school in Brentwood as the town has a really good community feel. People here care about where they live. I always felt that the film school would work quite well.

How many people work for you? Is there anyone in particular you would like to mention in the article? and why?

We have a staff of three at the moment.

What is the most significant event that ever happened to you (personal and/or business related) and what did you learn from it?

I mentioned previously about a significant life event.

In 2003 I had a spiritual awakening which resulted in me leaving everything behind, including my job at Astra Zeneca, and moving to Canada to become a teacher and therapist and it was the catalyst for where I am today, working with children.

The experience made me question what life meant to me, what I’d like to do with my life, the impact I’d like to make with my life while I’m here.

I felt that helping people with yoga and therapy and helping the youth and the younger generation to really develop the skills and the things that will help them to become strong in the world should be my new path in life.

If you could share one tip with the readers for choosing a film school, what would it be?

Look for a good company with an established record, good satisfaction ratings and one where the children that are engaged in the projects can gain new skills and potentially move on to having film be part of their career.

Any other special life events you would like to share?

I wrote a book during lockdown called Kundalini Jedi Warrior Training: Book 1: A New Hope. The book combines Star Wars and yoga and looks at Star Wars and the idea of the force and how the Jedi are like Yogi’s and they do these meditations and how you can develop special powers and become a real-life Jedi.

The book is available to buy on Amazon

In May of 2021 I finally achieved my black belt in Taekwando after 12 years of driving up and down the A406 three times a week.

Do you provide discounts to special groups?

We do sibling discounts. We are in the process of registering with Ofsted so that we can accept childcare vouchers.

We also offer a free taster session.

Other group discounts may be available, it’s always worth talking to Jag to see what’s available at the time.

What’s your tag line?

Fall in Love with Filmmaking

Do you personally or via the business support a charity / volunteer?

I’m a trustee for a Yoga charity and I help them with their projects.

Do have any special awards / certification. Both business or personal?

I have the black belt in Taekwando that I mentioned earlier.

I have a business degree from university

I am also a Yoga teacher, conduct sound healing, meditation and I am also a trained psychotherapist.

What’s your family status? Married? Kids?

I am single with no kids.

Do you have a hobby?

Film festivals, film exhibitions and visiting the cinema. I also enjoy visiting Comic Con.

Thank you for your time today Jag, it’s been great speaking with you. Finally where can our readers go to learn more about Sparks Film School?

Classes are held at:

Brentwood County High School, Shenfield Common, Seven Arches Rd, Brentwood CM14 4JF

You can learn more about individual classes through the website

Or email us at [email protected] if you have any specific questions.

Reviews

The workshops in understanding camera operation, directing, scriptwriting, storyboarding, acting, special effects as well as editing were pivotal in shaping our students to become active citizens and flourish outside of the classroom. Needless to say, their growing expertise tracked back into the classroom where their teamwork and communication skills greatly improved, particularly for our more reserved pupils who sometimes lacked the confidence to put themselves forward and try new things.

The girls absolutely LOVE the film!!! They clearly had so much fun making it and have watched it on repeat since last night. Thank you so much for facilitating such a unique, educational and exciting experience for them all. We are thrilled that they were able to take part and hope they can join you for another course soon. We have nothing but positive feedback about our experience. Thank you to you and your team for a brilliant first experience of the magic of Sparks.

Cathine A. Parent