Resources for BFI Film Academy course graduates

If you’ve finished one of the BFI Film Academy courses and are considering making your first film, getting a film to be seen by a wider audience, or simply need advice on how to specialise in a certain area of filmmaking, then these resources will help you get started.

Our Film Academy Facebook group is the best place to find out about upcoming events, hear about opportunities and share your work with the UK-wide network of participants.

Monthly news on festivals, funding schemes, placements and workshops around the UK. To subscribe, please email zakiya.bale@bfi.org.uk.

Follow #bfifilmacademy on Twitter for discussion, news and other shared opportunities.

The Future Skills placement programme places Film Academy graduates on feature film sets, across different departments. We place trainees in roles such as assistant directing, editorial and production, right through to costume, props and action vehicles.

Placements are paid at London Living Wage or above. The programme runs once or twice a year, and is publicised through the BFI’s existing channels. It is funded by the National Lottery.

BAFTA Guru Live is BAFTA’s UK-wide annual festival of talks, workshops and masterclasses specifically aimed at new entrants to the industry.

ScreenSkills can help you learn about different roles in the industry, how to get into them and hear from those who already work in them. You can apply for bursaries to help you take your next steps or support your development – ScreenSkills can even help support driving lessons or wet weather filming gear – or take a training course to improve your skills and progress your career.

The BFI Future Film Festival takes place over 4 days in February at BFI Southbank and is aimed at young, emerging filmmakers. The programme is announced early in January.

This placement programme is an entry level opportunity for Film Academy graduates to join our Film Fund team for 3 to 4 months.

The runner pool opens at the beginning of the academic year and participants are placed in the team throughout the year in order to gain valuable contacts and experience within the BFI. The Film Fund looks for those who are not only interested in production but want to experience other parts of the film industry, working in areas such as development, distribution and exhibition.

To find out more please email: filmfundenquiries@bfi.org.uk

ScreenSkills trainee finder has placed hundreds of young, talented, creative individuals on film, high-end TV and children’s television across the UK.

Sarah Putt Associates is the leading independent UK agency for film and television heads of department. They also have a trainee assistants scheme to provide opportunities to those at the start of their careers.

BBC apprentice and trainee schemes have a variety of opportunities for candidates seeking a career in the creative industries.

The Channel 4 Production Training Scheme is for entry-level talent who want to break into the media industry and are passionate about making television programmes.

Search the My First Job in Film site for professional training with a range of providers. Also provides information on entry-level job opportunities.

Check out Just Runners to apply to receive work and training as a runner for independent films.