Who we are
About ISSA
Established in 2002, ISSA was the first dedicated screen acting facility in the UK—true pioneers in the field, and proud of it!
We are the UK’s pioneering specialist in screen acting training, offering a unique and immersive experience for aspiring actors. Our full-time One-Year and Two-Year TV & Film Acting Courses provide rigorous, vocational training tailored specifically for performance on screen. We also offer short crash courses, summer classes, and specialised workshops to help actors of all levels refine their craft.
Our training goes beyond acting techniques, incorporating horse riding, archery, screen combat, screenwriting, and student short film projects, ensuring a well-rounded skill set for the screen industry. This intensive and transformative journey pushes each actor to reach their full potential—enhancing self-awareness, personal growth, and preparing them for a professional career.
All full-time training culminates in a graduation screening at a local cinema (usually the beloved Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square), along with an online industry showcase for agents, casting directors, and other key professionals.
Are you ready to step into the world of screen acting? 🎬✨
Training at London’s Creative Hub
Our studio recently moved from 3 Mills Studios and is now based at 415 Wick Lane, right in the heart of East London’s vibrant creative district near Hackney Wick. Known for its lively mix of independent studios, artistic spaces, and cutting-edge cultural venues, Hackney Wick has become one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods for film, media, and the arts.
Just a stone’s throw from the Olympic Park, this dynamic area provides our students with endless inspiration and opportunities to collaborate within London’s thriving creative community. Hackney Wick’s eclectic cafes, buzzing artist studios, and iconic riverside backdrops add a unique edge to our training—often serving as authentic East London settings for student shoots.
With our recent move to upgraded, modern facilities, ISSA offers students a professional environment that blends immersive, hands-on training with the raw energy of London’s creative scene. Here, you’ll gain the skills you need while experiencing the unmistakable spirit of East London.
Our Team
Our small but dedicated core team lead the school and ensure the highest quality teaching and support for all our students.
David B Craik
Director
David Started his career at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he trained in classical acting and theatre arts and at the renowned Bristol Old Vic Company. His training also included appearances for BBC TV Bristol. His career in acting and directing has included Repertory // National Theatre // West End // Theatre-in-Education // Fringe // four years touring in companies specialising in clown work and classical mime // TV comedy // Film // Music videos.
Mark Normandy
Director
Mark has spent much of his creative life as an actor, writer and director with critical acclaim in the theatre, film and television industry.
Whilst pursuing his career Mark explored an interest in teaching screen acting and show reel development for student actors along with a series of crash courses for beginners at an established drama school in London. It was through this experience that the idea of creating a school exclusively dedicated to screen acting took root and in 2002 the International School of Screen Acting was created.
David Shine
Associate & Technical Director
After initially obtaining a BA in Visual Communications, David has for over 20 years worked in almost every area of film and video production. However, for the past decade he was a Film Editor at one of the world’s largest trailer-making companies outside of America, cutting 35mm trailers for feature films, as well as occasionally subtitling them for territories, world-wide.
