ABOUT US
“The stories we tell literally make the world. ”
Our mission is to inspire, equip, and empower the next generation of actors, filmmakers, and screenwriters by fostering creativity, collaboration, and a strong community. We provide the tools and support needed to bring stories to life across film, digital, and emerging media.
Founded in 2019 by Marina Magdalena, Imaginarium Academy has swiftly established itself as a nurturing ground for aspiring young creatives in the film and entertainment industry.
As content moves globally, we believe so too should its creators. At Imaginarium Academy, we are committed to providing incredible training wherever you are. Our live, interactive online classes are not just educational spaces—they are melting pots of multicultural exchange, brimming with creativity and tailored to be accessible to underrepresented groups within the industry.
Our online community is further enriched by our studio spaces operating monthly in London and Ibiza. These studios provide students with access to state-of-the-art equipment and industry support, fostering a fun and imaginative learning experience. They also serve as essential community hubs, allowing students to build local networks and collaborate on projects while maintaining their connection to our expansive, international community.
At Imaginarium Academy, we strive to create an accessible, inclusive environment that cultivates socially conscious, imaginative individuals. Our students are trained to excel in their craft, to fall in love with cinema, and to harness their talents to create stories that engage and resonate with audiences around the world.
KEY PEOPLE
MARINA MAGDALENA Founder & CEO
Marina Magdalena is the founder of Imaginarium Academy and has experienced both sides of the camera as a TV presenter, broadcaster, writer, and format designer. Before entering the world of television, Marina worked as a theatre practitioner, occupying the roles of writer, director, and actor, predominantly in Children’s theatre. She has toured both nationally and internationally with her work. Marina continues to act and produce theatre, and she is a published author of Middle Grade Fiction.
DOMINIC MAGDALENA Chief Operating Officer
Dominic Magdalena has worked as Director, Producer and Executive Producer for multiple projects in Film, Television and Live Events and has a growing portfolio of business experience as both a leader and consultant. As a passionate adventure photographer, Dominic steers Imaginarium with a clear understanding of both the business and creative elements of the Film and Television industry.
KARLA WEHRLE Designated Safeguarding Lead
Karla Wehrle has worked with Children and Young People in creative community based projects for over 15 years and is a consultant in Early Years and Child Safe Guarding.
RYAN O’GRADY Accents and Dialect Coach
Ryan is an acclaimed accent and dialect coach with ongoing experience instructing A-list actors on the sets of blockbuster films worldwide.
HARRY BELL Facilitator
Harry is a creative workshop facilitator. Equipped with many years experience working with children, a degree in Childhood and Youth Studies and a passion for story creation, Harry runs a range of workshops, from Drama to Creative Writing and lots in between!
JAMES COLTMAN Commercial Strategy Advisor
James Coltman brings a wealth of experience to Imaginarium Academy as our Commercial Strategist. With a distinguished career in financial services, James has held key leadership roles, including COO and partner at Gladstone, and Head of Commercial Strategy at Fnality International. His expertise spans finance, digital transformation, corporate strategy, and emerging technologies such as machine learning.
JULIE SMITH Facilitator for Awards & Diplomas
Julie Smith is a teacher and facilitator with many years experience in leading young people and producing community based arts projects.
JONNY VERNON Facilitator
Jonny is a passionate actor with over a decade of professional experience in screen acting. After training at East 15 Acting School and earning his BA Hons in Acting from Manchester School of Theatre, Jonny continues to work professionally while sharing his expertise at Imaginarium Academy. He is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of young actors, showing them that no matter where they come from, they can pursue their dreams.
EDIE WILSON Facilitator
Edie Wilson is an Actress and Creative Facilitator who specialises in working with neurodiverse individuals and alternative learning environments.
Why online learning is fundamental to the growth and development of Imaginarium students?
Technology will transform the way we learn, but it is human connection, powered by our sociable brains, that truly expands our minds. Check out this TEDx talk by our Founder Marina Magdalena.
Technology will transform the way we learn, but it is human connection, powered by our sociable brains, that truly expands our minds. In this talk, Marina Magdalena, founder of Imaginarium Academy, a global edtech company, explores the power of online education. She discusses how meaningful human experiences, connections, and collaborations placed at the center stage of online learning can elevate our learning experiences. Marina Magdalena is a dynamic social entrepreneur who is making waves in the world of education. As the founder and CEO of Imaginarium Academy, she is passionate about releasing young people into the world of visual and performing arts. Marina's infectious enthusiasm for her work comes from her natural curiosity about how people learn, a passion that has been fueled by her own experiences as a home-educating mother. Marina's leadership of Imaginarium Academy has been marked by a commitment to innovation and a focus on nurturing creativity in her students. Under her guidance, the Academy has become a hub for children and young people who are eager to explore their artistic talents and discover new ways of expressing themselves.
In addition to her work with Imaginarium Academy, Marina is the author of the “Antigone Kingsley” series, a collection of novels for older children and tweens.