These short courses help train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers, supporting young people aged 16 – 19 to develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a career in film.
You don’t need any previous experience in filmmaking. Courses are delivered across the UK with five hosted in the South West region.
The starting date for each course varies and there are different deadlines for applications. Please ensure that you can make all the dates for your chosen course before applying.
Short Courses in the South West Region
Each course has its own application process and you will need to apply directly to the organisation running it, they are:
Watershed, Bristol
Course dates: Saturdays from 12th Oct , plus Mon-Fri during Oct half term
Take part in masterclasses, practical workshops, meet and work with film professionals, and work in crews to create a documentary short film. The training is delivered by Watershed and Black Bark Films.
Applications open on Wed 20th Aug at midday and close on Mon 15th Sept at midnight.
You can preview all of the application questions and application info to prepare your application in advance here (LINK to / embed PDF)
Sign up here to be emailed when applications open https://forms.office.com/e/7L6z9X77BX
Somerset Film
Somerset Film are offering two seven-day Short Courses with hands-on filmmaking experience, working alongside industry professionals. You’ll get to make two short films, watch films, receive masterclasses and career signposting, and achieve a Bronze Arts award.
For more information visit Somerset Film’s website.
City Eye
Based in Southampton but serving the wider Solent and south-central region, the City Eye Short Course provides sessions to support skills development and creativity, connections and experience in the film industry and opportunity to engage with the annual film festival – Southampton Film Week.
For more information visit City Eye’s website
Screen Cornwall
Screen Cornwall’s Short Course offers aspiring filmmakers a chance to make their own short film through hands-on workshops led by industry professionals and experts from Falmouth University’s School of Film & Television.
For more information visit Screen Cornwall.
Specialist Courses
The BFI Film Academy Specialist courses are designed to develop your filmmaking skills in a particular specialism. Participants work closely with leading industry professionals who offer a unique insight into the filmmaking business and guide you along the way.
Specialist courses are a great, one-off opportunity to help you into the film industry. There are courses in animation, documentary, scriptwriting and film programming and audience development. You can also apply for one of the craft skills courses where you learn a specific craft skill, these include: producing, production design, directing, cinematography, sound, editing and scriptwriting. You can find out more from the national BFI Film Academy website.
