We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the BFI Film Academy Bristol for young people (aged 16 - 19) who are passionate about film.

After a hugely successful pilot year in 2012 Watershed and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School have received funding from the BFI to deliver the BFI Film Academy Bristol once again. The BFI Film Academy aims to help train and inspire the next generation of British filmmakers, supporting older teenagers to develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a career in film a reality - whether as a sound engineer, animator, director, producer, programmer, journalist or anything in between.

As a student of the Film Academy, you will gain invaluable experience working alongside industry professionals who are respected practitioners in their field. Students will be offered hands-on filmmaking experience which will allow them to develop practical knowledge and skills, as well as explore their own creativity and passions in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Successful participants will have the exciting chance to put on their own big screen event here at Watershed, as part of Filmic, our annual festival of film and music. They will get to grips with film programming and promotion - working with industry leaders such as film critic and director Mark Cousins and PR Consultant Clare Wilford (Premier PR) - expanding their industry and creative networks, and picking up the insights they need to find their path in the film industry.

Watershed's Engagement Projects Producer Hannah Higginson says:

"After a successful pilot year Watershed are really pleased to have received funding from BFI again to run the Film Academy Bristol. This is an amazing opportunity for young people who are passionate about film. It is open to everyone – so if you want to develop the skills and networks needed to succeed and find your place in the industry apply now."

BFI CEO Amanda Nevill comments:

“The BFI is committed to developing tomorrow’s film audiences and talent and the BFI Film Academy is at the heart of our comprehensive strategy to give young people across the UK opportunities to engage with film. We’re proud that through the BFI Film Academy young people of all backgrounds are given a springboard to a career in film. Following an enormously successful inaugural year in 2012, the Academy is now establishing itself as a gold standard training and development programme with a vision for future growth. This wouldn’t be possible without the backing of the Department for Education and we thank them and all our partners for their continuing support as we this year take the Film Academy to more people than ever across the UK.”

The BFI Film Academy offers training for every film industry role and provides learning around film history and cinematic storytelling to inspire an appreciation of film culture in the round. The Academy will give young people the opportunity to develop their potential in all areas of filmmaking and receive one to one mentoring with professionals.

The Academy forms a key part of the BFI’s ambitious plans to revolutionise film education for 5-19 year olds, a core aim of the BFI’s Film Forever five year plan to support the future success of UK film. Film Academy funding partners include the Department for Education in England, the National Lottery, Creative Scotland and Northern Ireland. Strategic partners include BAFTA, Pinewood Studios and Creative Skillset, helping to ensure the Academy is a gold standard film industry-focused educational programme.

The closing date is Mon 11 Nov. Apply or find out more here.

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