“It’s given me the confidence to do things I’ve never tried before.” Miaowito founder Sara Barbas on her Screen Launchpad Journey
A freelance existence is one often spent at the mercy of gatekeepers so what happens when you decide to take control of your own creative future? That was the choice made by animation writer and director Sara Barbas, one that ultimately led her to our 2024 Creative Enterprise Screen Launchpad cohort.
“I always knew I wanted to write, direct and be a creative leader but as a freelancer, you’re always waiting to be chosen,” says the Portugal-born, Bristol-based creative, discussing her work-for-hire career as an animator. “You apply for jobs and then you wait. It’s always in somebody else’s hands. I applied for Screen Launchpad because I thought maybe it was time to grab my financial life by the reins.”
After years spent balancing freelance commissions with time spent crafting her own work, Barbas’ hoped her decision to enrol in this type of support scheme could help catalyse her creative goals. It worked too. In late April, she launched her new production company Miaowito, a place where she can develop and showcase her own animation IP.
While the company had long been a dream, its launch was certainly catalysed by Barbas’ time on Screen Launchpad. Aware she had gaps in her founder skillset, the scheme arrived at just the right time. “As a creative, all the business stuff doesn’t come naturally,” she admits. “The financing, planning and contractual stuff wasn’t new to me but it was daunting - and I was scared of making mistakes. When I saw this scheme, I thought ‘Oh, this would fill those gaps and demystify things a bit.”
Screen Launchpad paired Barbas with an industry mentor. Together, they were able to find clarity regarding the key elements that would help Miaowito stand apart from its competitors. “There were quite a few epiphanies,” says Barbas of the sessions spent working with her expert mentor. “Like finding your business’s ‘North Star’ - if you know that, alongside your values and where your work is coming from, it can always guide you.”
Elsewhere, the programme’s hyper-specialised sessions were of equal use to Barbas’ growing skillset. “They focused on a myriad of themes - from business models, to marketing, pitching, financial forecasting and managing your time and money,” she explains. “The lectures were all on things that are going to be pertinent for you as a creative business owner.”
In addition to being surrounded by supportive, like-minded founders, just being part of the scheme was enough to add some much-needed validation to her work so far. “Being selected makes you think ‘Wait a minute, maybe I can do this,’” suggests Barbas. “It makes you think what you’ve done to date is valuable and solid - and then gives you more tips and tricks.”
A big part of Screen Launchpad’s goals is to shine a light on screen industry leaders from under-represented groups. It’s an element of the programme that Barbas’ knows is “super important,” especially in the current creative climate. “Although there’s more awareness around minoritized people in general, I’m not sure the landscape still provides an equal playing field for everyone,” she reasons, sharing thoughts on the health of her sector’s creative-scene. “Having this kind of extra support does a lot to help level things out.”
Now that her time on Screen Launchpad is behind her - and with her production company freshly launched - Barbas feels better equipped to face whatever the future may bring. “I feel like I have the resources, knowledge and contacts to take the leap,” she smiles. “It’s made me look deep inside myself and re-evaluate my career and where I want to go, and given me the confidence to do things I’ve never tried before.”
