BFI Film Academy Plymouth
Applications now closed.
Are you 16-19? Passionate about film? Want a career in the film industry? Then the BFI Film Academy — UK Network Programme is for you.
This exciting programme offers a hands-on filmmaking course, aimed at developing your knowledge and skills and encouraging your special interests.
Behind the scenes of BFI Film Academy Plymouth
There are 40 different courses running between September and March across the UK so wherever you live — be it Birmingham or Belfast, Dundee or Durham — you will have the opportunity to gain the essential skills to enter the film industry.
No prior experience is required, which is ideal for young people who have an interest in film but haven’t yet had an opportunity to take that interest further.
Courses provide at least 40 hours of industry-standard training through regular evenings and/or weekend classes. Each one offers a combination of workshops, practical skills lessons and lectures.
You will also get masterclasses by key industry figures, receive personalised careers advice and work towards making a final film as part of a crew. As a graduate of the BFI Film Academy, you will become part of the growing alumni network and have access to year-round events such as BAFTA career surgeries.
Take a look at some of the great short films made by previous participants at the BFI Film Academy on YouTube.
At the BFI Film Academy Plymouth, hosted at Arts University Plymouth, students will work in small production crews with specialist scriptwriters, and locally sourced actors, to create a short film.
Three shorts will be produced during the academy by the 20 students involved, and these shorts will be screened not only as part of a final Plymouth-based showcase but also as part of a regional South West BFI talent event. At every step of the way, all students will be given guidance, resources and practical skills training in order to be able to achieve a high-quality outcome.
Our guest speakers for the coming year include an inspiring range of practitioners. All students will have the chance to learn from these professionals, through specialist workshops, to support their filmmaking.
Students will learn practical filmmaking skills from the ground up, including but not limited to camera, sound, lighting, editing, crew roles, pre and post-production and directing actors.
In addition to developing an accomplished range of practical skills, students will also undertake work to individually attain the NCFE Level 2 Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification, and involve themselves in networking opportunities with creative people from Plymouth and the South West.
- Oliver Stapleton BSC - Director of Photography, British Society of Cinematographers
- Ivan Greyling - Producer, Director and Cinematographer
- Anna Navas - Film Programmer
- Kev Johnson - Casting Director, Actor
- Will Jenkins and Ben Hancock - Directors of Rebel Film Festival
- Cali Andrews - Scriptwriter
- Round One Films - Film production company
- Ed Turner - Production Designer
- Dajain Daley - Sound Designer
- Alix Taylor - BFI Talent Executive, South West
Students must be available for ALL dates:
Saturday 25 September (10am-4pm)
Saturday 2 October (10am-4pm)
Saturday 9 October (10am-4pm)
Saturday 16 October (10am-4pm)
Saturday 23 October (10am-4pm)
Monday 25 - Thursday 28 October (Four day film shoot, 10am-4pm)
Saturday 6 November (10am-4pm)
Saturday 13 November (10am-4pm)
Saturday 20 November (10am-4pm)
Saturday 27 November (10am-4pm)
Saturday 15 January (10am-4pm)
Saturday 22 January - film screening (tbc)
The success of the BFI Film Academy Plymouth for young people across the South West has been overwhelming, with 100% of participating students graduating from the programme with their NCFE Level 2 Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification. All BFI graduates gain access to a national network of support, designed to help them work towards, and transition into, roles within the film industry.
Sound good? At a course cost of just £25, we think so too!
If you are unable to pay the full course fee, don’t let this discourage you from applying. Contact BFI Academy Project Manager, Lucy Leake lleake@pca.ac.uk. Bursaries for travel and childcare may be available if you require assistance with these costs.
Please note that if you have previously been on a BFI Film Academy residential course or are enrolled in University during the 2021/22 academic year, you are not eligible to apply.
The NCFE ‘Preparing to Work in the Film Industry’ accreditation for participants will be offered by course providers as part of the UK Network Programme courses.
Have a question about the course? Contact Lucy Leake at lleake@pca.ac.uk
Applications now closed.
