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).   

Planning for our 2026-27 courses is underway, with dates and details TBC, so watch this space for updates and when applications are open. 

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.

BFI Film Academy South West are running courses in five locations across the region: 

• Minehead in Somerset
• Truro in Cornwall
• Southampton
• Portsmouth
• Bristol

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