BFI Film Academy Chester

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Are you 16 – 19?

Passionate about film?

Want a career in the film industry?

Funded by the Department for Education and the National Lottery, the BFI Film Academy short courses are delivered at over 50 locations across the UK. These introductory hands-on filmmaking courses support the building of knowledge and skills to equip young people for a range of pathways into the screen industries.

Regarded highly by the industry and targeting talented young people aged 16-19, the BFI Film Academies have an excellent track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew. 

Take a look at some of the great short films made by previous participants at the BFI Film Academy on YouTube.

The BFI Film Academy Chester focuses on immersive filmmaking – we use 360° cameras to shoot the films and use editing software to create films that can be viewed in VR (Virtual Reality).

Since the start of the pandemic immersive filmmaking, particularly for games, is one of the few areas of the screen industries has experienced massive growth this year. As more things continue to need to move online, never has there been a better time to skill up in this new emerging field of filmmaking. 

As part of the BFI Film Academy Bradford, you will:

  • Be involved in making a short film, either individually or as part of a team
  • Be guided through the filmmaking process from start to finish.
  • Be supported to turn your own ideas and stories into a film
  • Learn from industry professionals
  • Begin to make great new contacts
  • Review short films
  • Experience immersive 360 filmmaking
  • Work towards achieving a Silver Arts Award qualification
  • Be required to plan your work, create and maintain your own online portfolio
  • Attend course sessions, either face to face or online if necessary.

Once you have completed this short course, the fun and opportunity doesn’t stop there!

You will become part the growing BFI Film Academy alumni network with access to a range of events and career opportunities.

You could also apply for one of the BFI Film Academy’s intensive residential courses as a graduate of Chester’s BFI Film Academy. The residential courses last between one and two weeks and are designed to develop more specialist filmmaking skills. 

‘One of the most brilliant things I have done… it’s set me on the path for university’

‘…a very valuable, interesting and exciting experience that provided me with more knowledge about the practical side of filmmaking but also about the wider creative sector.’

‘The Film Academy just let me as a young British Muslim woman come and take part and welcomed me.’

‘The best experience for a young person who wants to lead diversity changes in the film industry. The BFI has given us the opportunity to show that people of colour can make a difference.’