Applications open for the BFI Film Academy – specialist residential programme

Are you aged 16-19 and want to be a filmmaker? If so, it’s time to specialise.

No matter where you’re from in the UK or whatever your background, the BFI Film Academy is committed to providing opportunities to young aspiring filmmakers to develop new skills and build a career in the film industry.

Each of the courses, which take place in different locations in the UK, focuses on the complete craft and workflow of one of the different specialisms – animation, documentary, screenwriting or VFX.

Leading industry professionals will give masterclasses and training, and all participants will be given bespoke careers advice. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and a great chance to learn more about the film industry.

Applications are open now, and close at the end of November / beginning of December 2015. All courses take place during February half-term 2016. Visit the websites below for more information.

The courses

BFI Film Academy residential: screenwriting
Learn the skills to succeed as a screenwriter and network with leading industry professionals at Tyneside Cinema.
Find out more at tynesidecinema.co.uk
Watch video: How do I become a screenwriter?

BFI Film Academy residential: documentary
Learn from industry experts and produce a documentary film at VividEcho, London.
Find out more at: vividecho.co.uk
Watch video: How do I become a documentary-maker?

BFI Film Academy residential: animation
Spend six intensive days learning stop-motion animation at Calling the Shots, Bristol.
Find out more at: callingtheshots.co.uk
Watch video: How do I become an animator?

BFI Film Academy residential: animation and VFX
Develop your skills in animation and VFX at the Film and Video Workshop, London.
Find out more at: filmworkshop.com
Watch video: How do I become an animator?

Course costs

The cost to participate in the specialist residential course is £50. But if you will struggle to pay the course fee, don’t be put off as you will be able to indicate this once you are accepted on the course and this fee can be waived. Bursaries will also be made available for participants if you require assistance with travel, child care or other costs. Your accommodation and meals will be organised by the course provider and are included in the fee.

Please note that if you have previously taken part on a BFI Film Academy residential course (specialist or craft skills) you are not eligible to apply.

Eligibility

In order to apply for any BFI Film Academy course, you must:

• be aged 16-19 years old on the first day of the course.
• have a passion or talent for filmmaking and an ambition to work in the film industry.
• be able to commit to the duration of the course.

If you have already attended a BFI Film Academy Network course, you are still eligible to apply. Unfortunately if you have previously attended a BFI Film Academy residential course, you are not able to apply.