BFI Film Academy offers students an opportunity to work in teams to write, produce and direct original short films in an industry focused environment. Students complete masterclasses with guest professionals during the course to enhance their learning and gain an insight into the realities of working in film.
Students of the Academy have previously attended talks with directors Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire), Cannes Film Festival winner Andrea Arnold (American Honey), Jon Baird (Filth), Damien O’Donnell (East is East, Inside I’m Dancing); Producers Greg Spence (Game of Thrones), Andrew Eaton (Rush, 24 Hour Party People), Ivanna MacKinnion (Slumdog Millionaire), Brian Falconer (Ordinary Love, The Dig), directors Glen Leyburn, Lisa Barros D’Sa (Ordinary Love, Good Vibrations) and writers Jeff Pope (Philomena) and Frank Cottrel Boyce (Millions, 24 Hour Party People).
Participants that have completed the BFI Film Academy have gone on to work for Disney, BBC, HBO, Sky and RTE.
Students who successfully complete the BFI Film Academy will become part the growing BFI Film Academy alumni network with access to Industry events and further training opportunities such as BAFTA Careers Surgery with BAFTA winning professionals in the film industry.
There is also the opportunity to attend Specialist Residentials at the National Film & Television School; London and Liverpool in Cinematography, Documentary Production, Script Writing and Animation.
BFI Film Academy is open to young people aged 16-19 with a strong commitment and interest in Screen Production. To be eligible applicants must not currently be at university or enrolled at university when the course starts and be able to commit to the duration of the course. The cost of the Academy is £25 refundable on completion of the programme. Travel bursaries are available to apply for to support attendance.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Academies will offer blended learning through online classes and in venue training sessions in adherence with government guidelines regarding Coronavirus.
Academies will take place on Thursday evenings with scheduled Saturday sessions from Thursday 8th October 2020 until Friday 12th February 2021.
BFI Film Academy is supported by the Department for Education in England, the National Lottery, Creative Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen.
For more information and to apply for one of the three academies based in Derry, Belfast or Armagh, click here