5 minutes with your Manchester College Principal
Getting to know Screen and Film School Manchester Principal, David Thompson.
David Thompson is a filmmaker with extensive industry experience having worked both nationally and internationally for over a decade. He has previously run an art-house cinema, written and directed his own feature film, produced on numerous shorts and made films in many roles across different platforms with companies including Universal Pictures, ABC, BBC, ITV, C4, Film4, Channel 5, and Discovery amongst others.
We caught up with David last week for a quick-fire round of questions, from his favourite thing about his job, to his favourite piece of film memorabilia. Sit back and enjoy- this is 5 minutes with your Manchester College Principal.
Name: David Thompson
Role: College Principal, Screen and Film School Manchester
Describe yourself in three words: Adaptable, sincere, adventurous.
Favourite thing about your job: The exciting nature of all its possibilities, giving students the experience and dreams they’d always hoped for in their educational experience. Growing a team, making a place that is home for everyone and an exciting energetic proactive place to study and work.
I’m at my happiest when: I’m editing or in the garden!
First film you watched: Superman at the cinema, Wizard of Oz on TV (I hid behind the sofa terrified when the Wicked Witch of the West came on!)
Last film you watched: The Florida Project
Favourite film: ‘Frank’ Directed by Lenny Abrahamson. I just love the wacky mix of humour, music, that indie film style… the meaning, as well as having something really interesting to say about creativity.
Favourite director: Preston Sturges.
Favourite film soundtrack: Donnie Darko.
Favourite female actor: Cate Blanchett
Favourite male actor: Jeff Bridges
Who would play you in a film of your life: David Tennant (I get him all the time!)
Favourite line of dialogue: “If you built it, he will come” (Field of Dreams)
Favourite cinema: Grosvenor Cinema, Glasgow
Preferred cinema snack: I am a popcorn fiend. I’d go as far as to say I may go to the cinema just to eat the popcorn…
Best film memory: Seeing Moulin Rouge at the Hyde Park Picture House was pretty special. I’d never been to that particular cinema before and I knew nothing about the film, pretty incredible to see that kind of film in that kind of a venue… a truly magical experience. I also ended up running the cinema, so it’s a very special place for me.
Strangest film screening: Shakespeare in Love at the Berlinale.
Favourite piece of film memorabilia: I still have most of the film tickets I have ever bought at the cinema, and plan one day to cover a wall with them!
What is your guiltiest film or tv pleasure: Back to the Future or The Naked Gun.
Favourite tagline: If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Want to know more?
This is your chance to speak directly with David Thompson, Principal of Screen and Film School Manchester.
Whether you’re an applicant, a parent or you’re just hearing about Screen and Film School for the first time, we invite you to join this personal online conversation with our college leader to hear how studying a course with us will help set you on a path to a successful career in the UK TV and Film industry.
When: Every Wednesday 10am
