Programme Lead: Jamie Waller
Established: 2022
The Day One Trust is committed to scaling its impact by nurturing the next generation of film & TV teachers. Our innovative Industry Converter Programme brings invaluable industry experience directly into the classroom at London Screen Academy (LSA).
About the Programme:
This unique teacher training programme is designed for experienced screen industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their expertise. Successful candidates embark on a structured training pathway, spending approximately four days per week at London Screen Academy. Their time at LSA involves an initial period of observing lessons, followed by co-planning and co-teaching alongside experienced educators, and eventually taking responsibility for a number of classes on a reduced timetable. The fifth day is spent with our teacher training provider, ensuring participants gain a recognised teaching qualification upon successful completion of the programme. Participants are paid throughout their training, with their salary point on the unqualified teacher pay scale determined by their prior industry experience.
Our Mission in Action:
This programme is specifically designed to leverage the vast knowledge and practical skills of industry professionals to educate future storytellers. In alignment with our mission to broaden access and representation within the screen industries, we particularly seek individuals from underrepresented groups, or those whose industry background brings new and diverse perspectives to our staff body.
Programme Success Story: Anthony Thomas
We are incredibly proud to introduce Anthony Thomas, our first professional to complete the Industry Converter Programme. A seasoned Director and Editor with over a decade of experience in both roles, Anthony exemplifies the profound impact this programme has on LSA life. His recent industry experience, including directing a top-rated BBC2 Christmas special that won an RTS Factual & Specialist Factual Award, has been invaluable to students about to enter the industry.
As our first Industry Converter, Anthony has become an integral part of the LSA community. His impact includes:
Real-World Application: His guidance, particularly as a single shooter, has provided students with critical insights into workflow, equipment choices, and client-facing approaches. He brought a great deal of understanding to music video shoots, guiding students to better outcomes through suggestion and conversation.
Curriculum Development: Anthony co-developed the "Reboot" project, designing and delivering Ethics lessons that not only impacted the curriculum but also align with LSA Values.
Tremendous Student Support: Anthony has worked across cohorts to build confidence and craft. For Level 4 Film Production, he led weekly cinematography specialism sessions, guiding students through shooting plans, equipment testing, and specialist kit choices, and provided invaluable technical and creative advice on location for showpiece productions. He also supported Level 4 Creative Enterprise students with portfolio development and presentation, and led career talks on commercial work, professional communication, and managing substantial budgets.
Ongoing Contribution: Anthony continues to contribute actively and shape opportunities beyond the classroom, with plans to support location filming for the NBCU Creative Impact Lab funded documentary production for the Phoenix Garden in central London.
Anthony’s journey through the Industry Converter Programme embodies its purpose: to bring together industry expertise and education through practitioners who nurture resilience, critical thinking, and real-world readiness that today’s students need.
