We are thrilled to introduce acclaimed director and screenwriter, Akaash Meeda, who will be joining the faculty for the MA in Screen & Film Production at Screen and Film School Manchester.
In this second instalment of our 4-part series highlighting our new lecturers, we sit down with Meeda to discuss his impressive body of work spanning BBC programmes, feature films, and short films. We explore his passion for nurturing emerging talent, his approach to mentoring MA students, and his vision for shaping the curriculum to provide practical, cutting-edge training that prepares the next generation of filmmakers for success in the industry.
Read more from our Manchester MA lecturers:
Can you tell us about your background and journey as a film director, and how you became involved in teaching at MA level?
Alongside writing and directing my own short films, I also have experience within various aspects of the film and TV industry. I’ve been a PA on set, worked in scripted development, and it was my second unit directing work that became my launchpad into the world of TV directing. I gained so much from the mentorship I received during my early years of filmmaking, and this is why I now find myself at the MA level, looking to advise and encourage the next generation of filmmakers.
What inspired you to pursue a career in directing, and what particular genres or styles do you specialise in?
My passion for filmmaking was ignited when I first watched The Matrix. I went on to watch the ‘behind the scenes’ of how the film was made, which inspired me to learn more about storytelling and the directing process.
I have gone on to work on a number of productions and it was through working alongside talented directors that I was motivated to keep pushing forwards, applying what I had learnt by their side into my own work.
I love moving between genres, and have worked in both drama and comedy, from sci-thriller The Lazarus Project to comedy Man Like Mobeen, I am always looking for exciting stories, regardless of what style that may be.
What unique opportunities does teaching at MA level offer for both educators and students in the field?
It offers the chance for two-way feedback. Educators can use their experiences to offer guidance, advice and support. Students can use their new perspectives and points of view to enlighten the topics of study. This collaboration across both sides of the field is what makes it an exciting process.
How do you approach mentoring and guiding MA students through their creative projects and academic studies?
The key to mentoring is to understand each individual student’s point of view and intention in the work they are making. Once you know this, you can tailor your advice and support to be as specific as possible. Like working with actors, working with each student should be a bespoke experience.
Can you share any memorable experiences or success stories from your mentorship experience?
In my last mentorship role on Man Like Mobeen, I had an aspiring director shadow me across the entire production. They continually asked questions about my process ad through this collaboration, they gained a thorough understanding of my vision for the show.
As a result, I was thrilled to make them the second unit director on the show, which was their first professional TV directing credit.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the future of film education and the role of MA programmes in shaping the next generation of industry professionals?
The key will be bridging the gap between theoretical scenarios and practical industry standards. This will focus MA programmes on the realities of the film and TV industry; the time pressures, the collaborative nature of the work, and a clearer overview of the entire process, from the development of a project to the final sound mix and delivery.
What advice do you have for aspiring directors who are considering pursuing a master’s degree in Screen and Film Production?
Master’s degrees are a fantastic opportunity to hone your voice, which is fundamentally your calling card within the industry. If you pursue an MA, really try to understand your skill set and work on projects that showcase the kinds of stories you want to tell.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE NEW LEGACY AT SCREEN AND FILM SCHOOL?
Our new Creative Futures Bursary aims to enable and encourage those from lower-income backgrounds to pursue full-time or part-time Master’s degree studies at BIMM University.
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