TALKS AND LECTURES
A snapshot of this year’ s speaker programme time at Sevenoaks changed the trajectory of his life, and at times became emotional about his memories of the school. He opened up about feeling that he had been on the wrong path in life before he came to the school, an inspirational message considering his huge successes.
Audience members had the chance to ask questions of Greengrass at the end of the talk. When asked about the impact of AI on film, he responded that there was no need to fear it and that he felt new technology should be embraced. He spoke about occasions when he had to remove actors from projects and about having the bravery to change scripts when it was necessary – it was clear that Greengrass had an assertive presence on set, something that probably contributed to his success.
PAUL GREENGRASS CBE( OS 1973) From Sevenoaks to Hollywood
Sitting in a packed Pamoja Hall after school on Thursday 19 September, there was a tangible atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. One of the biggest names in the film industry and an Old Sennockian, the director of the Bourne series, United 93 and Captain Phillips, Paul Greengrass CBE, had returned to share his insight and knowledge.
The talk was student led, with Drama students from a variety of years in the panel. Greengrass spoke with refreshing honesty and humour, showing remarkable humility. He described how he goes about the creative process, speaking of the dichotomy of trying to find a balance between chaos and control in the creative process and the challenges that come with that. He regaled the audience with stories of dramatic stuntacts and having to deal with big personalities on set.
He often appealed to the students, asking us to remember to be grateful for all the opportunities that are on offer to us at Sevenoaks. He explained that his
Learning about Greengrass’ s journey from filming his first films in the Art department to working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood felt slightly surreal. The talk left me and many of my peers with a renewed sense of what was on offer to us, and a motivation to seize opportunity.
Poppy Crosthwaite, Lower Sixth
MAX THORPE( OS 2011)
Through Fire and Water: An Introduction to Resilience
We welcomed Old Sennockian Max Thorpe back to Sevenoaks in November to give us a talk about the near-death – yet incredible and thrilling – experience he had while attempting to race 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat. During his engaging presentation, Max began by explaining the stakes of the race and what such a rowing boat looked like, something most of us were unfamiliar with, making this introduction especially useful.
He then recounted his gripping story of survival, as the race took an unexpected turn when he and his teammate were hit by a rogue wave. What followed was a series of disastrous events, including capsizing, a fire and a rescue mission against all odds. Everyone in the room was on edge and left speechless when
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2024-2025 13