These short courses help train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers, supporting young people aged 16 – 19 to develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a career in film.
You don’t need any previous experience in filmmaking. Courses are delivered across the UK with five hosted in the South West region, from which you will receive an NCFE Level 2 qualification in Preparing to Work in the Film Industry.
The starting date for each course varies and there are different deadlines for applications. Please ensure that you can make all the dates for your chosen course before applying.
Short Courses in the South West Region
Each course has its own application process and you will need to apply directly to the organisation running it, they are:
Watershed
Take part in masterclasses, practical workshops, meet and work with film professionals, and work in crews to create a documentary short film. The training is delivered by Watershed and Black Bark Films.
Please apply via this application form.
Also please complete this equality and diversity monitoring form.
Deadline for applications is 11.30pm, Sunday 15 September.
Course dates are:
Saturday 5th October, 10am – 5pm
Saturday 12th October, 10am – 5pm
Saturday 19th October, 10am – 5pm
Saturday 26th October, 10am-5pm
Monday 28th October, 10am – 5pm (half-term week)
Tuesday 29th October, 10am – 5pm (half-term week)
Wednesday 30th October, 10am – 5pm (half-term week)
Thursday 31st October, 10am – 5pm (half-term week)
Friday 1st Nov, 10am – 5pm (half-term week)
Saturday 9th November, 10am – 5pm
Saturday 16th November, 10am – 5pm
Successful applicants will be contacted by Fri 20th Sept, and invited to interview which shall be on Tue 24th September and Thu 26th September between 4-8pm.
Somerset Film
Somerset Film are offering a seven-day Short Course with hands-on filmmaking experience, working alongside industry professionals. You’ll get to make two short films, watch films, receive masterclasses and career signposting.
- Applications open: Currently open for applications
- Course runs: October – November 2024
- Course Location: Minehead TBC
- Contact: info@somersetfilm.com
- More info: https://www.somersetfilm.com/bfi
City Eye
Based in Southampton but serving the wider Solent and south-central region, the City Eye Short Course provides sessions to support skills development and creativity, connections and experience in the film industry and opportunity to engage with the annual film festival – Southampton Film Week.
- Applications open: from Monday 5 August 2024
- Course runs: October 2024 – January 2025
- Course Location: City Eye, Southampton, SO14 7DU
- Contact: admin@city-eye.co.uk
- More info: https://www.city-eye.co.uk/bfi-film-academy-24.html
Screen Cornwall
Screen Cornwall’s Short Course offers aspiring filmmakers a chance to make their own short film through hands-on workshops led by industry professionals and experts from Falmouth University’s School of Film & Television.
- Applications open: from Monday 2nd September 2024
- Course runs: October – November 2024
- Course Location: Krowji, Redruth, TR15 3GE; plus 1 session at Falmouth University, TR10 9FE
- Contact: info@screencornwall.com
- More info: https://www.screencornwall.com/bfi-film-academy-short-course-delivered-by-screen-cornwall
Please visit the relevant organisation for further information.
Specialist Courses
The BFI Film Academy Specialist courses are designed to develop your filmmaking skills in a particular specialism. Participants work closely with leading industry professionals who offer a unique insight into the filmmaking business and guide you along the way.
Specialist courses are a great, one-off opportunity to help you into the film industry. There are courses in animation, documentary, scriptwriting and film programming and audience development. You can also apply for one of the craft skills courses where you learn a specific craft skill, these include: producing, production design, directing, cinematography, sound, editing and scriptwriting. You can find out more from the national BFI Film Academy website.
