{"id":3295,"date":"2026-08-17T13:13:03","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T12:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.watershed.co.uk\/film-academy\/?page_id=3295"},"modified":"2026-08-19T17:24:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T16:24:47","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.watershed.co.uk\/film-academy\/bfi-film-academy-south-west\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Group<\/span>
\n

ABOUT<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Want to work in film and TV, but not sure where to start? Watershed is proud to run your local BFI Film Academy Hub<\/strong> in the South West, bringing free training, industry connections and career support to young people aged 16-25 who are ready to explore a future in the film and TV industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watershed has been part of BFI Film Academy for over 12 years<\/strong>, helping thousands of young people take their first steps into screen careers, and we are proud to keep that work going as we head into this exciting new chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

We believe a career in film and TV should be open to anyone, whatever their background and wherever they\u2019re from. I\u2019ve seen first-hand the incredible journey that young people go on when taking part in BFI Film Academy, whether that\u2019s just in terms of gaining confidence or actually going on to work in the industry.\u201d Claire Simmons, Lead for BFI Film Academy South West.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re drawn to the creative, technical or business side of the industry, our hub connects you with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7 Hands-on introductory film courses for 16- 19-year-olds<\/strong> to build real skills<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7 Industry connections<\/strong> with people already working in the sector<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7 Year-round activities and events<\/strong> to keep you inspired and involved<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re also thrilled to be delivering BFI Film Academy South West Introductory Courses<\/strong> launching this autumn with Somerset Film, Screen Cornwall and City Eye<\/strong> – three brilliant regional organisations working with us to widen access to training and give even more young people a route into the industry, closer to home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re looking forward to continuing our collaborations with more regional partners, including All Set West<\/strong>, to help young people navigate their entry into film and TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

BFI Film Academy South West\u2019s networking session at Inside Screen was so inclusive and it was the first networking session I actually felt relaxed going up to talk to people who work in film and TV.\u201d Attendee, \u2018How to Network\u2019 session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFirst I came to a talk, then I signed up and did the short course, and now I\u2019m getting a chance to see how film festivals run\u201d. Activities attendee and short course alumni.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be developing our programme of courses, talks and events<\/strong> -including our annual Inside Screen event in the spring – so keep an eye on this page; follow @takepart_ws on Instagram<\/a>, and sign up to our monthly newsletter<\/a> for details on how to get involved, and to be notified when our introductory courses are open for applications. Find other BFI Film Academy Hubs across the UK here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BFI Film Academy South West is delivered by Watershed and supported by the UK Government and National Lottery funding.<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n

We’re here to help!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Watershed runs BFI Film Academy in the South West, open to those across the region from Cornwall to Gloucestershire to Hampshire. BFI Film Academy South West is delivered by Watershed and supported by the UK Government and National Lottery funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Get in touch<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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