Insight
Turning a Student Film into a Festival Journey: Jack Patterson’s Story
#SAEStories
From Idea to Something Real
Getting into film isn’t just about having a good idea. It’s about developing it, reshaping it, and knowing when to make it personal.
For Jack Patterson, a Film Production graduate from SAE Glasgow, that shift in thinking is what transformed his final project into a funded film now preparing for a two-year festival run.
All Nighter didn’t start as the film it is today.
“I realised I wasn’t being genuine with what I was writing,” Jack explains.
Originally working on a different concept, he stepped back and changed direction. Instead of forcing an idea, he focused on something more personal, something that actually meant something to him.
The result was a film exploring body image and identity within the queer community.
“It’s something that resonates with me,” he says.
That shift changed everything. The project became more honest, and that honesty is what audiences connected with.
From Showcase to Funding
The turning point came after a student showcase in Glasgow.
Industry professionals were invited to watch the films, including Alison Piper, Director of Opening Shot, a development organisation within the Talent Builder network funded by Screen Scotland and The National Lottery.
“She saw the film and encouraged us to apply for funding,” Jack says.
That one conversation opened the next stage of the journey.
The team went on to secure support through The Final Checks, a finishing fund distributed by Opening Shot. With that backing, they were able to bring in a professional colourist, sound designers, and complete a full mix.
What began as a student project became something built for the festival circuit.
Learning to Shape the Idea
Like many creative projects, All Nighter evolved as it developed.
“It started off much bigger in scale,” Jack says.
With guidance from lecturers, the idea was refined into something more focused and achievable. Instead of trying to do everything, the team concentrated on telling one story well.
That decision didn’t limit the film. It strengthened it.
Building Real Production Experience
By the time filming began, the scale of the project had grown far beyond a typical student shoot.
“It was around 40 people,” Jack says.
Managing a team of that size brought a new level of responsibility, one that pushed him beyond what he expected from a university project.
“Realising I could handle that scale was a proud moment,” he says.
It’s a step many students don’t anticipate, moving from smaller coursework projects to leading full productions with real pressure, real deadlines, and real expectations.
Taking the Film to Festivals
With funding secured, the next stage is the festival run.
The strategy is to begin with regional, horror, and queer-focused festivals, building momentum before targeting larger international events.
“If it does well early on, you hope it builds into bigger opportunities,” Jack says.
Some of these festivals are BAFTA-qualifying, offering genuine exposure within the industry and the potential to open doors far beyond graduation.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
For Jack, one of the biggest takeaways from studying at SAE wasn’t just the finished film.
It was understanding the process behind it.
From writing and development to funding applications and production management, the experience went far beyond theory.
“You get used to the process,” he says. “Even if you don’t get the funding, you learn how to apply.”
That understanding builds confidence, and it’s what prepares students for what comes next.
What Comes Next
While All Nighter begins its festival journey, Jack is already developing new work.
An earlier concept that didn’t make it to screen is now being reworked into a pilot.
“I’m adapting it into something new,” he says.
It’s a reminder that ideas don’t disappear. They evolve, improve, and often come back stronger.
A Story That Connects
Looking back, what made the difference wasn’t just the funding or the festival plans.
It was the decision to tell a story that felt real.
“That’s what connected,” Jack says.
And that connection is what turned a student project into something much bigger.
Start Your Film Career at SAE Glasgow
If you’re serious about working in film, it’s not just about what you learn. It’s about what you create, how you develop your ideas, and how early you start applying them in real-world environments.
At SAE Glasgow, students don’t just study film. They develop projects, showcase their work, and take their ideas into the industry.
