BFI Film Academy Story Development Week
Online & Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine Street, Derry~Londonderry
Admission: Free
From Story Concept to Industry Showcase
Friday 18 – Friday 25 July 2025
Aspiring writers, directors and producers aged 18–25 are invited to join this week-long intensive at Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry.
Guided by leading industry professionals, participants will develop original short film scripts through hands-on writing sessions, masterclasses, and mentorship, culminating in a professional showcase.
Hear from a Past Participant
"The lab has helped me develop my career as it gave me the opportunity to take part in writers' rooms and gain knowledge from industry professionals. Writers’ rooms are a huge part of my chosen career path and getting the chance to be involved in one this early was truly wonderful."
— Hannah, Screenwriting Intensive alum
BFI Film Academy Story Development Week is delivered by Nerve Centre on behalf of Film Hub NI.
Application Deadline: 5pm, Friday 11 July 2025
What You’ll Experience
- Develop your script in a small, collaborative group with guidance from professional mentors
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Take part in masterclasses led by BAFTA winners, BBC commissioners, and working screenwriters
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Build your script from concept to completion through hands-on, practical sessions
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See your work brought to life in a live reading by professional actors including Jade Jordan and Michael Johnston
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Gain direct access to BBC Writersroom, Northern Ireland Screen, and active producers in exclusive Q&A sessions
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Connect with professionals currently developing projects with major broadcasters
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Receive tailored career guidance for freelance creatives, featuring emerging voices Caleb J. Roberts and Carley Magee
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Present your work at the Industry Showcase attended by key funders and commissioners, including Cathy Quinn (BBC Writersroom) and Christine Morrow (Northern Ireland Screen), with live script readings and feedback panel
Who Should Apply
Aspiring screenwriters, directors, producers, or actors ready to create their first professional-quality script
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Film students seeking hands-on industry experience
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Creative professionals looking to break into screenwriting
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Writers interested in collaborative, team-based storytelling
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Anyone aged 18–25 with a passion for film and television
Additional Information
Open to anyone aged 18–25 living in Northern Ireland
- Runs 10am–5pm, Friday 18 – Friday 25 July 2025
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Delivered in person at Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry, with select online masterclasse
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Final day includes an Industry Showcase and networking sessio
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Travel bursaries available for eligible participants
Online Lunchtime Industry Masterclasses
New for 2025 — a series of lunchtime masterclasses exploring writing, directing, producing, and acting.
Tickets are free, but booking essential.
About BFI Film Academy
BFI Film Academy opens up opportunities for young people aged 16–25 across the UK to explore filmmaking and build a career in the screen industries.
Funders
BFI Film Academy Story Development Week is delivered by Nerve Centre on behalf of Film Hub NI.
BFI Film Academy in Northern Ireland is funded by National Lottery, Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen.
