Wednesday September 30th at 7:00pm

When: Wednesday September 30th at 7:00pm
Where: Online Zoom Video Call
Who: MFJF PRO Members Only
Cost: Free for MFJF PRO Members!

This workshop is focused around the many elements of directing, from how to get your first paid gig to what to do in-between projects and whether you should write everything you direct. I’ll cover my entry into the industry as someone without any family connections and how I kept myself afloat whilst I built up my portfolio. I’ll give tips on how to get an agent and explain if you actually need one yet. I’ll go into some detail on short films and what their purpose is in your career journey, and how you’ll know that you’re ready to move from shorts to long form film and television. Plus I’ll answer any burning questions you might have about how to forge and maintain your directing career.

This workshop is for MFJF Pro Members. To join and participate, create your account on MFJF and then upgrade to become a PRO Member.

Sophie King

Sophie is a director and writer whose focus is on telling darkly comedic, visually motivated tales that pack a punch.

A BAFTA Connect and Cinesisters member, her narrative work has been praised by Time Out, The Guardian and The Times and has screened at major festivals globally. Sophie directed DISABILITY BENEFITS for Channel 4 with Merman and 2LE, winner of Best Newform Series at the C21 International Drama Awards 2022. She directed the second series of BUFFERING for ITV with Avalon Television starring Iain Stirling. Sophie was the 2023 Edinburgh TV Fest New Voices scripted director winner and is being mentored by Dearbhla Walsh (HANDMAID’S TALE, BAD SISTERS) as part of DirectorsUK Inspire 2025/26.

Sophie’s coming of age dark comedy horror feature GRO(CERIES) which she has co-written with SEX EDUCATION star Chinenye Ezeudu and will direct is part of Glasgow Film Festival, BFI and Curzon’s FUNNY FEATURES development lab 2025/26 and Frontières Market at Fantasia, Montreal, 2026. Mentors for the film include writer/director Prano Bailey-Bond (CENSOR) and producer Jon Finn (THE SUBSTANCE). Her most recent short, STILL LIFE, stars Ophelia Lovibond and Jacob Anderson, its festival run including Oscar qualifying Hollyshorts and BAFTA and BIFA qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival.

In the branded space, Sophie has directed work for Netflix, Expedia, Google, Warner Music, Mulberry and Lancôme amongst others. Sophie’s super 8 Straight8 made with Merman won the Audience Award at Cannes Lions 2022.

Sophie is represented by Humphrey Elles-Hill at Independent Talent for film & TV and Merman for commercials.

1. My Career Journey

-From not knowing anyone in the industry to an unconventional route into directing that taught me plenty of other departments’ skills along the way, which I feel makes me a better, more empathetic director today as result 

-How I went from short films to directing my first television series for ITV to now having my first feature as writer/director funded, and how I supported myself financially during the journey 

2. Typical Career Paths and When to Go Off-Road

-There’s really no ‘one’ path to directing, it’s usually not a straight forward career ladder like some other roles. But there are some paths more common than others which I’ll go into.

-How to surround yourself by people that champion and challenge you. The value of professional friendships, and the importance of taking care of your mental health and life beyond the industry whilst you’re grafting.

3. The Value of Directing Shorts

-The role of short films as your calling card and why to make them, and to continue to make them even when you’re working in long form 

4. Commercial Work - A Training Ground and Income Stream

-What I learned from working in commercials and how they can keep you afloat financially while you build your creative portfolio. How these worlds are merging more as production finance changes.

5. Finding a Producing Partner

-You don’t have to do it all alone. Finding a great producer to fight for your vision, find funding, and help keep you sane. 

-How small projects can lead to long term collaborations as you both grow in your careers.

6. Writing or Not Writing

-How you don’t have to write everything you direct and how to form productive collaborations with writers. 

7. Getting an Agent

- An agent doesn’t make your career, but they do help you grow it. How I got my agent and what a productive agent/client relationship looks like. How to know when you need an agent and how to go about finding one.

8. When to Start Charging & Finding Consistent Paid Work

-Transitioning from ‘portfolio’ to ‘professional’ and what opportunities to say yes to 

-How consistency comes from visibility and relationships, and what to do when you aren’t working

Any MFJF Pro Member can attend regardless of prior film industry experience or knowledge.

No experience is required, if you are simply curious about a career in film or are a recent film graduate we welcome you to join us.

Please look at our Career Stages Pathways to understand where your experience lies in the grand scheme of things, it will help you navigate and plan your next steps.

These workshops are for Stage 1 and 2 members.