Delivered at over 50 locations across the UK, our introductory hands-on filmmaking courses build knowledge and skills and show the different pathways into the industry. For talented and committed young people aged 16-19, our short courses have an excellent track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.
Courses last between one and two weeks and are designed to develop more specialist filmmaking skills. No previous filmmaking experience is necessary to attend the BFI Film Academy.
About the course
Our BFI Film Academy short courses have an excellent track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers, whether you want to take your first steps in film or improve on existing skills. As a participant of one of our courses, you’ll gain hands-on filmmaking experience working alongside industry professionals to help develop practical knowledge and skills and learn about the different pathways into the industry. You’ll also get the opportunity to work towards gaining an NCFE in Preparing to Work in the Film Industry in Bradford and a Silver Arts Award in Chester.
Take a look at some of the great short films made by previous participants at the BFI Film Academy on YouTube.
- 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
- Learn about new emerging technologies in film production
- Work towards achieving a Silver Arts Award qualification
- Be required to plan your work, create and maintain your own online portfolio
- Attend course sessions both face to face and online
We are looking for 20 young people aged 16-19 who want to find out more about film and think they might like to try for the first time, or further develop, their filmmaking skills. Previous filmmaking experience isn’t necessary. We welcome applications from all young people including those eligible for free school meals, disabled young people including those with non-visible disabilities and mental health conditions and young people who may experience racism.
Courses cost £25 to attend. If you think you will struggle to find this amount or might need assistance covering other associated course costs such as travel and childcare, please still apply – if your application is successful, we’ll make sure you can attend – there is a bursary fund to cover these costs where eligible. More information about who can, and how to apply for bursaries, can be found here.
The BFI Film Academy Short Course Chester will run during the October half term holiday 2023 with a few additional Saturday and week day evening sessions before and after the the holiday week. In order to complete your Silver Arts Award we will also be running some Tuesday evening sessions after production week. Applications will open on 1 September 2023. Our Academy in Chester is a short, intensive course which usually last between 7-10 days and takes place at the Storyhouse in Chester. We give participants access to industry standard equipment and facilities. Elements of the course will be delivered online but the majority of the course will be face to face.
The course will run on the following dates:
All day Saturday 14 October, every day from Saturday 21 to Friday 27 October and Tuesday evenings 31 October, 7, 14 and 21 November 2023. There will also be a Celebration Screening Event of your films on Sunday 10 December at the Storyhouse.
There’s a simple online form to complete if you would like to apply to the BFI Film Academy Short Course Chester here or complete your application below. Please get in touch if you need support with your application – we want the process to be as accessible as possible and we are more than happy to support you or adapt to accommodate individual needs. Applications are open now and close on 2 October 2023.
Once you have completed the Short Course, you will become part of the growing BFI Film Academy alumni network with access to events such as career and skills talks and further opportunities to attend courses to advance your learning and film experience both with the BFI and other organisations. We also have links with key industry production companies and work with them to provide entry level career opportunities for BFI Film Academy graduates.
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.
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.