Who is the Lab for?

Please note that this is not an entry-level scheme. This Lab is aimed at directors/writer-directors who have previous experience in directing live-action fiction, or those with drama-doc experience and the ambition to develop their scripted showreel. It’s designed to give you advanced skills in directing actors, a heightened appreciation of character-focused storytelling, and a creative challenge under tight parameters. 

At the end of the Lab you will have increased confidence in your craft, some advanced tools and techniques to utilise on your next fiction film, and some great new contacts for future collaborations. 

We’re looking to select up to six directors to take part in this Lab. You must be based in the south west of England (see region map on our FAQs page), aged over 18 and not in full-time education. 

To apply, please fill in our application form and supply an example of your previous work. We strongly encourage those from marginalised backgrounds to apply. If you require assistance with your application, or have any questions please email: bfinetwork@watershed.co.uk  

Applications will open on Mon 28 April.

Timeline

Applications open: Mon 28 April

Applications close: Fri 23 May 5pm

Applicants notified (via email): Thu 5 June

Brief chats with shortlisted candidates (15min, Zoom): Tue 10 June

Participants confirmed: Wed 11 June

Lab takes place: Fri 27 & Sat 28 June (includes one overnight) 

About Em Smith

Em Smith is a Bristol-based director and acting coach. She’s a graduate of the NFTS Directing Fiction MA, where she was sponsored by Channel 4 and the David Lean Foundation. Em’s shorts have screened at BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying festivals worldwide, and her recent BFI-supported comedy-drama, Rapture, starred Jessica Hynes and Siobhan Finneran. Em was child acting coach on the forthcoming Bad Apples, featuring Saoirse Ronan. She was also John Crowley’s assistant on the critically acclaimed Life After Life (BBC) and shadow director on Boarders (BBC). She is represented by Casarotto Ramsay & Associates. 

About the film set

The Bournemouth Film School art department will be creating a set based on a period-style abandoned warehouse, including a foreman’s office. Concept art can be seen below. The short script you will be working with will be set in this location.