Stephen Follows

“As a student, I recently attended an excellent 2 day course on 'successful crowdfunding for film' designed and presented by Stephen. I have some experience in the subject area as I have already recently been involved in a successful £77k crowdfunding campaign, and I have researched the area considerably. Stephen's course was very informative, his depth of knowledge and evidence base was highly impressive. Equally as importantly the presentations were highly entertaining, Stephen's keen humour made the 2 days 'work' very enjoyable (And I say that as a professional stand-up comedian myself). I feel the course was excellent value and invaluable as I prepare for further successful crowdfunding campaigns. ”

“Stephen's Crowdfunding Masterclass is an essential for all filmmakers. His teaching was excellent, to-the-point, and he is clearly an expert in this field. Thoroughly enjoyed it and thoroughly recommend!”

“Stephen's 'Successful Crowdfunding' course was brilliant. The course was incredibly comprehensive, well-structured and I've walked away feeling like I'm ready to build a fantastic campaign. Stephen's delivery of the content was efficient but often humourous, and he gave plenty of hands-on case studies (and statistics, of course!) to support the theory. I strongly recommend this course for anyone looking to crowdfund in the film industry.”

“I attended Stephen's Short Script to Short Film Masterclass at the 2014 London Screenwriters' Festival. I found him to be professional, knowledgeable, supportive and fun. The masterclass was a triumph!”

“Stephen’s research is brilliant. No-one is doing data-driven analysis of the film industry quite like Stephen Follows. His detailed research and reporting about the film industry is unique and invaluable. Every week Stephen's insights shed new light on different areas of the film business. We have syndicated some of Stephen's work and will continue to do so. It is always very popular with our audience of producers and distributors. Thanks Stephen!”

“Stephen is deeply knowledgeable producer and an accomplished teacher. The lessons were fast-paced, fact-packed and always enjoyable. I strongly recommend Stephen's teaching for anything who wants to understand how the film industry really works.”

“Stephen is one of the best informed and prepared tutors at the Met. Student feedback from his sessions is excellent and the fact that they can follow him on his invaluable industry blog is a bonus that few tutors can offer.”

“The national trust is re-launching its website and embracing a more content focussed approach to communications and marketing. We ran a series of workshops for headquarters teams last week and Stephen was the star turn. He evangelised for great story-telling in a witty and engaging way. He gave us the science, the mind and the heart of story telling and backed it up with examples of great short film making. HIs erudition supported by his practical skills! I would happily use him again. ”

“I have just completed a short course in producing taught by Stephen Follows. Being new to the film industry Stephen guided me through all aspects of producing. I was stunned in his extensive knowledge about the industry. Stephen was always attentive on what I wanted to learn and introduced me to several industry professionals – I recommend Stephen’s classes, he is truly an expert in producing and an excellent teacher!”

“I have just completed a short course in producing taught by Stephen Follows. Being new to the film industry Stephen guided me through all aspects of producing. I was stunned in his extensive knowledge about the industry. Stephen was always attentive on what I wanted to learn and introduced me to several industry professionals – I recommend Stephen’s classes, he is truly an expert in producing and an excellent teacher!”

“When teenagers describe a workshop as "brilliant", you know you've got the right person at the helm. Stephen was flexible, patient and full of creative prompts, and always in response to ideas generated by the group.”

“Stephen's work is bursting with the same unstoppable creative energy as the person himself. He is driven, focused, and completely committed to utter perfection, always making sure that each detail is as polished as it can possibly be. As a producer, he's excellent at motivating and managing people and enabling everybody to give their best. As a writer, Stephen's ideas never fail to amuse, surprise, entertain and amaze: at every turn, just when you thought you knew where the story was going, an unexpected twist will take you to a completely new and exciting place. It's a delight to work with him - a Renaissance man for the 21st century.”

“I just attended the brilliant Seven Step Producer Course taught over a weekend solely by Stephen. Throughout the long infomation packed days Stephen was never less than an engaging, super enthusiastic fountain of knowledge, and, for what I learn't from it, the price was a steal! For anyone searching for a super short course that teaches them the no holds barred reality of what it takes to become a UK Independant Film Producer and get a feature film made, look no further.”

“I had attended master class by Stephen Follows ¨7 Steps producer¨. This seminar is a MUST for any kind of filmmakers-would it be a director, a producer, a writer or a DP. Stephen had delivered loads of essential industry information in a light and entertaining manner, though making sure that attendees have captured all the bullet points by distributing the handouts and posting documents online. I highly recommend Stephen Follow's master classes, thats a great vehicle of moving one's career forward. Besides, Stephen establishes comfortable atmosphere for networking with industry professionals, which is both inspiring and rewarding.”

“Stephen is one of the most knowledgeable producer I had the pleasure to work with. I have learned in weeks what would have taken me months otherwise. Stephen is trustworthy and will always finds solutions to any production challenges put in front of him. All in all, a great person to work with and to learn from.”

“Stephen is the whole package- an excellent producer and a talented writer. He delivers high quality productions with a strong sense of story that also manage to surpass the confines of budgetary restrictions. He and his teams are always a pleasure to work with and reliable through and through.”

“Stephen has helped me continuously on various projects. On my IMAX short Film Chasing Cotards, Stephen was the Executive Producer and it is no exaggeration to say that the film literally wouldn't have happened without him. He was pivotal to its success. From advice on Production aspects to being on the phone to me for two hours around midnight one evening helping me write a very difficult email, he was always there when I needed him. Since Chasing Cotards we have moved on to work on various other projects together and I hope to work on many more. Stephen is a man destined for great success.”

“I first met Stephen Follows about 2 years ago and after a 3 hour chat I wrote the following into my iPhone: competent producer, speaks fast, knows his sh**. Fast forward 2 years and I've just sold my first feature to 15 territories worldwide with Stephen helping me successfully navigate the murky waters. This is a guy who knows how producing movies works--I mean really works--but he isn't going to say nice things to make you feel better about it! One thing's for sure: he's changed my perception of how I see the industry, so at least I feel better armed going out there to make more movies. Now I'm on the subject, I've just added another word to my iPhone: useful.”

“Stephen is focused, extremely hardworking and highly creative. Prior to the launch of Brink Stephen created, produced and directed a large-scale project shot over ten countries, resulting in over 35 films, a DVD and an online community of fans. We were delighted with the work put into it and the overall outcome.””

“As Creative Director of Friends of the Earth I need to be certain I'm getting the best work at a great price. Working with Stephen is a real pleasure - he's a great guy, highly skilled, is a great problem solver and really gets under the skin of the environmental issues we are concerned with. We've now made a number of films with Stephen and have never been less than overjoyed with the results. If you need someone creative, focussed and who delivers every time , he's your man.”

“What is frightening about Stephen is that he so incredibly knowledgably about the film industry and the production process yet he is still so young. By the time he gets to 40 he will be running some major film or broadcast corporation.”

“Stephen is one of the most gifted producers I know. His mind operates at an entirely different speed to almost everyone I know, solving problems, offering solutions and innovating new opportunities at break neck speed. I don’t know anyone his age that has the same depth of experience and insight in film making.”

“A ridiculously nice person and a great Producer. Goes the extra mile, then goes another… and another.”

“Stephen is considerate and remains focused and forward thinking at all times. One of the most knowledgeable and well rounded thinkers I have met.”

“Stephen and I have worked together on a number of projects over the last 6 years. Stephen's organisational ability, attention to detail and creative vision are facilitators in getting the best from those he employs to assist him. In addition to his exceptional skills as a producer, his wit and good humour make the process of working with him very uplifting and absorbing, instilling confidence in those both in front and behind the camera. Long may it continue.”

“Stephen is an experienced and professional Producer with many successful productions to his name. A fantastic ability to acquire everything the project requires within budget and within time. Stephen is a pleasure to work with; always positive and calm even under the most difficult of situations. I know that if Stephen is involved with a production it will be a success and go very smoothly indeed!”

“Stephen is a tremendously knowledgeable and savvy producer, and more than willing to impart that knowledge to others. He brings a practical, entrepreneurial and commercially-minded approach to all his projects.”

“I always enjoy working alongside Stephen. He has a talent for organizing people and scheduling films to run smoothly. He works hard to successfully push a film from the early ideas stages right through to the final delivery. Yet strives to keep hold of the ideas integrity throughout. His sense of humour also helps the more challenging days feel more of a breeze. He'll be an asset to any production.”