Open call for BFI Film Academy partners to provide short and specialist courses

We are funding partners to deliver short and specialist courses that provide opportunities for young people to develop new skills and build a career in the screen industries.

BFI Film Academy, Aberdeen

Overview

Since 2012, BFI Film Academy short and specialist residential courses have provided opportunities for talented and committed young people between the ages of 16–19 to develop new skills and build a career in the screen industries, regardless of their background or where they live.

BFI Film Academy courses are led by industry experts and cover key areas of the industry, enabling young people to develop crucial commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to make those first steps. Our aim is to find talent with a passion for the screen industries all across the UK to ensure that the opportunity is available to all.

BFI Film Academy courses are funded by the Department for Education in England, National Lottery funding awarded by the BFI, Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen.

Key dates for funds

Application launch dateWednesday 26 April 2023
Application closing dateMidday on Friday 26 May 2023
Decision and offer of fundingWeek commencing Monday 10 July 2023
Film Academy Partners DayThursday 7 September 2023
BFI Film Academy Short Course commencesFrom September 2024
BFI Film Academy Specialist Course commencesFrom February 2024

What you can apply for

For short courses, partners can apply for up to £20,000 per course. 

For specialist courses, partners can apply for funding between £1,800 to £3,500 per participant.

See the guidelines for a detailed breakdown of what you can use the funding for. 

What you need to provide

A full list of what you need to provide can be found in the fund guidelines for each course.

BFI Film Academy open call funding webinar

We hosted an hour long funding webinar at 2pm on Wednesday 10 May 2023.

We shared information about the BFI Film Academy Short and Specialist courses guidelines, and what we expect from delivery partners. There was also an opportunity to ask questions related to the application process.

Please note, we are having issues with the closed captions and are hoping to have this issue resolved with YouTube in the next few days. 

Apply for funding 

Read the full guidelines for the course you’d like to provide below. You can apply using the application link in the guidelines.

Learn more about the BFI Film Academy courses, events and resources

Read more