BFI Film Academy Introductory Courses, as part of BFI Film Academy South West, are a free UK-wide training programme for 16-19-year-olds (or up to age 25 if you have an EHCP) looking to get started in the film and TV industry.  

They offer a hands-on, collaborative experience focused on developing technical and transferable skills to learn about roles and progression pathways in the industry.  

The courses are designed for young people with little or no experience in film or TV production looking to explore creative or technical roles in the industry, developing their confidence and transferable skills. It also opens the opportunity to consider apprenticeships, placements, or entry-level work as progression opportunities (rather than more traditional academic routes like university).  

To stay up to date with BFI Film Academy South West opportunities, including being emailed when our short course applications are open – sign up to our Mailing List.

Somerset Film – Minehead

• Course dates: Online welcome on Friday 23rd October followed by six sessions from Saturday 24th October – Friday 30th October.
• Applications are open and close on Sunday 11th October.

Screen Cornwall – Truro & Falmouth

• Course dates: Seven sessions across Saturday 17th October – Saturday 14th November 2026
• Applications are open and close on Monday 28th September

City Eye – Southampton & Portsmouth

• Southampton Course Dates – October Half Term 2026 (Monday 26 October – Saturday 31 October). Applications are open and close on Friday 2nd October.
• Portsmouth Course Dates – February Half Term 2027

Watershed – Bristol

• Course Dates: February 2027
• Applications Open: November 2026

BFI Film Academy offer a travel bursary, so if there isn’t a course running in your town, you can still apply to one closest to you. 

The key components of the course cover: 

• Roles in TV/film production – interactive masterclasses covering departments and processes from development to distribution 
• Introductions to technical skills, like camera, sound & lighting hands-on training with industry specialists 
• On-set protocol & being ‘set ready‘– learn set etiquette, communication and try out different crew roles 
• Production roles masterclass – hear from industry guests in specialist roles (e.g. Locations Manager, Script Supervisor, Line Producer) 
• Health & safety training  
• Pre-production & production planning – call sheets, schedules, risk assessments and sustainable filmmaking practices 
• Shoot day – try out your new skills with mentor support 
• Editing basics – introduction to editing software and reviewing footage 
• CV & portfolio development – building a personal portfolio and development plan 
• Progression signposting – guidance on next steps into film and TV training and placements  
• Final sharing of work and celebration for friends and family