A University of Roehampton Film student has gained first-hand industry experience on Coming Of Age, a new research-inspired comedy feature film directed by Roehampton Associate Professor of Film, Josh Appignanesi, and connected to King’s College London.
Nick Szafran joined the professional crew as a runner, supporting the production and assistant director departments. The opportunity allowed him to experience the pace of a feature film set, learning from working filmmakers, contributing to a working production and seeing how different departments collaborate.
Coming Of Age was directed by Josh Appignanesi, Associate Professor in Film and Programme Leader for MA Filmmaking at Roehampton, and co-written with writer and academic Devorah Baum.
Josh Appignanesi is Associate Professor in Film and Programme Leader for MA Filmmaking at Roehampton, as well as a writer and director with seven feature films to his name. His fiction and documentary work has been shown at leading festivals, in cinemas and on international streaming platforms.
On Nick’s experience working on the film:
“Nick was a fantastic addition to the crew and approached the experience with enthusiasm and professionalism.
“Working on a professional feature film gave him the opportunity to see the realities of production at close hand. Experiences like this can help students connect their learning with the working world of film.”
Roehampton’s MA Filmmaking and BA Film Production are taught by practising filmmakers and combines hands-on production with insight into the wider film industry. Students develop their creative voice while learning about areas including screenwriting, directing, production, finance, distribution and marketing.
From research to the screen
Coming Of Age forms part of The Sciences of Ageing and Culture of Youth, a major UKRI-funded King’s College London research project led by Dr Martina Zimmermann.
Told through 30 years of car journeys across a changing London, the romantic comedy follows a couple navigating love, parenthood, midlife and ageing parents. It explores growing up and growing older as part of the same continuing process.
Josh contributed to the project as a project partner and consultant, helping to translate its research into a feature film for a wider audience. Produced by his company Lifelong Films Ltd, Coming of Age is expected to be released in 2027.
Taking student work to the big screen
Roehampton students also have opportunities to share their own work at professional London venues.
Graduating MA Filmmaking students will screen their final films at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith on Friday 25 September. BA Film Production students are also presenting original short films at the venue through Roe-bellious Youth, a BFI Film Audience Network funded season, and both BA and MA students will showcase work at the Ealing Film Festival in October
Study MA Filmmaking at Roehampton
Develop your creative voice, strengthen your practical and professional skills and learn from filmmakers with current industry experience.
Find out more about MA Filmmaking at the University of Roehampton