We’re happy to announce that we have been awarded a grant from the British Film Institute (BFI) to deliver a series of Short Filmmaking Courses for 16-19 year olds, in partnership with Somerset Film, Screen Cornwall and City Eye,.

Taking place between September 2024 – February 2025, the programme will offer five filmmaking courses across the South West region, supporting over eighty young people. Participants will gain an NCFE qualification, whilst developing the commercial and cultural skills and knowledge needed, to make a career in film.

“Watershed are delighted to work in collaboration with our fantastic consortium partners Somerset Film, City Eye and Screen Cornwall, to deliver much needed opportunities for 16-19 year olds in the South West region to gain vital first experiences in the film industry through our BFI Film Academy Short Courses. Opportunities to develop skills, confidence, industry connections, portfolios and peer networks are rare, yet provide a powerful springboard into professional practice. We can’t wait to get started.” - Claire Simmons, Watershed Talent Development Producer

More about the Short Courses:

Watershed will offer masterclasses, practical workshops and the chance to work in crews to create a documentary short film, supported by industry mentors. The training is delivered by Watershed and Black Bark Films.

Somerset Film will offer two courses that include hands-on filmmaking experience, working alongside industry professionals. Participants will make and watch short films, receive masterclasses and career signposting.

City Eye will host sessions that support skills development and creativity, industry connections and opportunity to engage with the annual film festival – Southampton Film Week. The course is based in Southampton but serves the wider Solent and south-central region.

Screen Cornwall participants will make a short film through hands-on workshops led by industry professionals, plus experts from Falmouth University’s School of Film & Television.

The courses will culminate in a celebratory screening of works at Watershed’s Inside Screen event in March 2025. Inside Screen is an annual event for 16–25-year-olds looking to build networks, gain tips and insights to help navigate the screen industries - whether that’s TV, film or immersive.

The starting date for each course varies and there are different deadlines for applications, visit BFI Film Academy South West for further information.

Supported by the National Lottery.

---