Director, editor and Creative Director at KLOSS FILMS and Digital Creative Director at Large of British Vogue, Alec Maxwell is announced as the first patron of the London youth initiative, Shadow To Shine.
Step out of the shadow & start to shine…
Shadow To Shine a community interested company (CIC), committed to delivering employability training and career opportunities to young people aged between 16-30 – providing them with training on specialised professional development courses, and connections with experienced industry mentors.
Two years on from Maxwell’s initial introduction to the organisation, following his attendance at one of its graduation ceremonies back in March 2019, the film-maker and digital creative has gone on to become a great supporter of the community based initiative, having taken on one of the schemes graduate mentees to assist him in the KLOSS FILMS studio.
Speaking of his admiration for the team at Shadow To Shine, and all of the incredible work they do to offer help and support to young people who face barriers in their quest to achieve professional success, Alec says: “As a creative person myself, I remember when I was younger how much I was set on finding my way. I know when you’re young it can feel like what you want to do is so far out of your reach. I think for me, I really connected with the idea of being present in someone else’s journey towards success.”
And present he has been, in the journey of Will Rock, a former graduate of Shadow To Shine, who has remained firmly by Alec’s side since completing his training, working hard on a number of exciting and creative projects at KLOSS FILMS. “What’s been rewarding.” Alec continues. “Aside from his fresh energy and dedication, is knowing that Will is able to come and talk to me about the way we work together, we’re both working it out along the way and I’m learning as much as he is, but for me it’s about making sure that he is set up on his journey in a way that goes beyond your usual creative, business or freelance exchange.”
Despite growing up in “the middle of nowhere up north”, Alec Maxwell has worked diligently to get to where he is today, never once letting circumstance, his humble beginnings or lack of connections hold him back, instead forging ahead on his own path and blazing a trail to carve out quite the remarkable career. “I always had creative dreams and just knew I had to make them happen. I think it’s important that other people know that too.”
Having secured a work placement in London whilst studying fashion at university, Maxwell found himself catapulted into a new life, in a new city; relishing in the hustle and bustle of the UK capital, gaining crucial industry insight and connections, whilst also learning how to assert himself in the ever evolving, fast paced world of fashion. “For me, this is an opportunity that I connect with Shadow to Shine. If I hadn’t had this placement through uni, that’s where Shadow To Shine steps in, they open doors to industries, it’s really invaluable.”
Speaking of the appointment of Alec Maxwell as patron of Shadow To Shine, the initiatives Director Korinna Williams says: “We’re so proud to have Alec as our first official patron. He’s been doing amazing things behind the scenes for our young people and we’ve loved watching Will’s progress unfold. These incredible opportunities for growth, both personal and professional, is exactly what we strive for at Shadow To Shine.”
If you’re interested in mentoring the next generation of fashion talent, you can sign up at shadowtoshine.com
