We deliver bespoke talks and workshops that inspire, excite and motivate students
Institutions Include:
Here is what students have said about our talks and workshops
We are passionate about helping the next generation of filmmakers
We understand that students want to have relevant, approachable speakers who not only have current industry success but can speak to them on their level.
We openly share our honest experiences and offer practical advice and insights that can only be gained from having years of first-hand experience navigating the independent film industry.
These days film and media students need to be both creative and entrepreneurial if they are to survive and thrive.
We give students a proven road map that walks them through step by step how to turn their ideas into a film business.
We cover: Scripting, casting, budgeting, fund raising, investment, scheduling, location scouting, production, post-production, distribution, festivals, accounting, marketing, international sales.
We are Filmmakers but also experienced Educators
Dark Rift Horror is operated by Stewart Sparke and Paul Butler. Together we have over 20 years experience working in Higher Education, supporting students directly as Technical Demonstrators, Senior Learning Officers and Support Staff Managers.
We have worked in two very different institutions; York St. John University’s Media Production Department and The Northern Film School at Leeds Beckett University.
As former film student’s ourselves (BA & MA), we bring a unique and empathetic perspective combined with over a decade of industry experience.
As Independent Filmmakers, our first two feature films have had worldwide distribution and are available on DVD, Blu-ray and streaming services around the world including Sky Cinema. Our third feature film How to Kill Monsters has won twenty one awards at international film festivals, including five for Best Film and is due for a worldwide release in 2024.
To date, we have produced four critically acclaimed feature films which you can learn more about HERE
