BFI FILM academy bradford

Reel Solutions are proud to have been delivering film schools to young people in Yorkshire in partnership with the BFI since the start of the scheme in 2011 and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew over so many years to build careers in a range of roles in film, TV and XR.

The BFI Film Academy programme provides amazing opportunities for ambitious 16-25 year olds, delivered at over 50 locations across the UK and supported by the Department for Education and the National Lottery, to get to know more about film and how to make a career in the screen industries through Academies, Specialist Courses, Future Skills Traineeships and Labs and Scene.

We believe in our young future filmmakers' enthusiasm, their talent and their ambitions and feel hugely privileged to be able to help support and play a role in enabling their dreams and expanding their horizons and experience. Our introductory hands-on filmmaking course in Bradford for talented and committed young people aged 16-19 will help build knowledge and skills and show the different pathways into the industry whether to test the water or improve existing skills. BFI Film Academy Bradford provides the very highest quality film skills training and supports every participant to have fun with filmmaking processes, gain confidence, new skills and learn more about careers and make connections in our thriving Yorkshire film network.

Everyone who completes our course becomes 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 their learning and film experience both with the BFI and other organisations such as Lucas Films. They can apply to have the opportunity to work in a range of entry level career and further learning opportunities such as one of the BFI Film Academy’s intensive specialist courses in animation, documentary, craft skills, scriptwriting, film programming and visual effects which last between one and two weeks and are designed to develop more specialist filmmaking skills. On all courses, you will work closely with leading industry professionals who will give you a unique insight into the filmmaking business and guide you along the way.

what will i do on the course?

• 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

• Be required to plan your work, create and maintain your own online portfolio

• Attend course sessions, either face to face or online if necessary

• Work towards achieving the NCFE Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification. Find out more here

when and where?

The BFI Film Academy Bradford will run November 2022 - January 2023. Most of the course will be face to face at the University of Bradford's Film and Media department giving participants access to industry standard equipment and facilities. Those sessions that have worked particularly well online in the past three years will continue to be delivered online again this year. There will also be a Premiere Showcase of your films towards the end of January. We don't anticipate that these dates will change but we may need to make adaptations if guidance from the Government and other partners changes. The course will run on the following dates:

Saturday 26 November; Saturdays 3 & Sunday 4 December; 10 & 17 December 2022; Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 January 2023, Tuesday evenings 10, 17 & 24 January plus a Premiere Showcase in the New Year.

who are we looking for?

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, neurodiverse and disabled young people including those with non-visible disabilities and mental health conditions and young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds and those who may experience racism.

how much does it cost?

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.

how do i apply?

There's a simple online form to complete if you would like to apply to the BFI Film Academy Bradford. Applications are now open. 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. The application form link is https://form.jotform.com/222134532108343

or complete the form below to apply directly:

what participants SAY ABOUT THE COURSE

‘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.’

‘BFI Film Academy just let me as a young British Muslim woman come and take part and welcomed me.’

‘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.’