Thomas Elliott Griffiths

Edge Hill alumnus Thomas Elliott Griffiths has built a filmmaking career rooted in empathy, collaboration and powerful storytelling with his recent documentary being streamed internationally on Amazon Prime Video. As co-owner of Old Swan Films, Thomas works as a producer and director, alongside this he actively supports young talent sharing his experience with the next generation as a Film Tutor at Showbiz Performing Arts Academy in Ormskirk. 

Thomas chose to study BA (Hons) Film Studies with Film Production at Edge Hill as a way of challenging himself and stepping beyond the familiarity of home: “I wanted to leave the security of family life in Wales and step outside my comfort zone to try new things in a fresh environment with new people.”

During his degree, Thomas valued the breadth of cinematic perspectives he was exposed to, alongside the opportunity to develop his practical filmmaking skills: “I appreciated how many different aspects and avenues of cinema I was introduced to. The access to production kit was invaluable – it allowed me to develop my own short films and practical skills throughout my studies.”

Edge Hill also supported Thomas in gaining industry experience, securing him a placement with Hurricane Films in Liverpool. Working as an archive researcher on All At Sea, a documentary about legendary British director Mike Hodges, and as a script reader, Thomas gained first-hand insight into professional documentary production. 

Thomas highlights the key skills he developed during his time at Edge Hill: confidence, critical reflection and creative independence. Thomas said: “My degree helped me build self-confidence and trust my own creative instincts. I learned to find value in all films – even ones I don’t like – and to learn from both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ filmmaking.” 

Using Edge Hill’s kit rental service, Thomas created his first fully independent short film after graduating. The film went on to win Best Short Film at the Spirit of Independence Film Festival in Sheffield, a British Independent Film Awards (BIFA)-qualifying festival. Edge Hill also hosted a screening of his debut documentary as part of an on-campus accessibility film festival, helping introduce his work to new audiences. 

Thomas’s most recent project, The Little Things, is a deeply moving feature-length documentary exploring life inside Derian House Children’s Hospice. The film began when close friend and collaborator Paul Woodward approached Thomas with the idea of creating a short documentary as a personal thank you to the hospice, which had supported Paul’s son, Kalel, before his passing in 2019. 

Thomas said: “At first, I was apprehensive about directing a project with such emotional subject matter, but once I spent time at the hospice, my preconceptions faded away. I realised my own uneasiness was the connection I needed – to help audiences understand an environment many people are fortunate enough never to rely on.”

Despite an initial Netflix funding application falling through, the project continued to grow, eventually becoming a feature-length documentary. Balancing night shifts at a hotel alongside filming, Thomas describes the production as physically and emotionally demanding but driven by a sense of responsibility to the families and staff who shared their stories. 

After completion, The Little Things was acquired by Buffalo 8, a Santa Monica–based distribution company, securing a 10-year worldwide distribution deal. The film is now available internationally on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi. The documentary has received numerous five-star reviews, with particularly meaningful feedback coming from the families involved. 

Thomas said: “It’s still surreal. Knowing our work can reach audiences around the world and help start conversations about children’s hospice care is incredibly special. Once I knew the families and staff were happy with how their stories were handled, everything else was a bonus.”

One response, from the grandmother of two boys featured in the film, remains especially powerful for Thomas. He said: “After watching the documentary, she felt able to revisit photos and videos of her grandchildren for the first time since her loss. That tops every award or review the film could ever get. As the title goes, it’s the little things.”

Thomas and Old Swan Films have since completed a new project, Time to Go, a satirical feminist thriller set to enter the film festival circuit throughout 2026. The production marked a full-circle moment, with Edge Hill students gaining on-set experience and filming taking place on campus. 

Thomas encourages current filmmaking students to make the most of every opportunity available to them: “For filmmakers, the kit room is your best friend. Use it as much as you can – the equipment would cost thousands after you graduate. Make films, work with your friends and hone your craft. Put yourself out there, make friends and build relationships – the rewards of those relationships last for years.”