Nick Read:

I have an abiding admiration for the Grierson Trust as unique guardians and supporters of the UK’s documentary community. Having been nominated twice for their awards, I was honoured with their Best Single Documentary – International award in 2024 for My Name is Happy.

It is important to me to offer something back to the industry and the Trust, especially when those entering the industry face unprecedented challenges. I already knew of DocLab’s important work in nurturing new and emerging talent, so had no hesitation in volunteering to be part of their mentorship scheme.

Soon after Yen matched me with Amy, I realised we had lots in common, and I felt positive that we could work together. What helped enormously was that Amy had a very clear idea of what she wanted to get out of our dialogue: to prepare an application for SIDF’s MeetMarket. She has such a strong idea, for which I am sure she will find funding anyway. But I think over the course of several zoom sessions and emails, she was able to finesse and strengthen both her pitch and teaser considerably.

I was really impressed with Amy’s ability to take notes and feedback on board and respond positively. I think she has shedloads of potential and I would not hesitate to recommend or support her again. I hope we can stay in touch as she advances in her career.

Amy Sargeant:

I am incredibly grateful to Nick for his invaluable guidance during our mentoring sessions. His support and expertise played a crucial role in helping me develop my short documentary idea and prepare for submission to Sheffield’s Meet Market. From cutting a three-minute teaser to building a compelling deck for funding applications, Nick’s mentorship was so helpful.

Nick was an excellent mentor – not only did he understand the warm, affectionate, and light-humoured tone I wanted to portray in my film, but he also provided insightful filmic references that helped me refine my vision. His ability to recommend relevant works broadened my perspective and allowed me to hone my storytelling style.

On a practical level, Nick’s advice was so useful in preparing for my shoots. He guided me through key aspects of documentary filmmaking, from building relationships with contributors to conducting relaxed yet successful interviews. His expert knowledge of kit, shot lists, and production logistics gave me the confidence to approach my shoots with clarity.

One of the most impactful aspects of Nick’s mentorship was his feedback on my Meet Market application. When I found myself getting lost in the pressure of emphasising the most dramatic elements of my story, he reminded me of my original vision: a warm and affectionate film. His encouragement gave me the confidence to stay true to my creative intentions, ensuring that my project remained authentic to its core message.

I am so grateful for Nick’s support, insight, and belief in my work. His mentorship has been an incredibly enriching experience, and I feel much more prepared to navigate the documentary industry with confidence.