We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in Bristol's cultural and creative life.

We identify, support and network the talent of tomorrow, encouraging their creativity, ability and curiosity as artists and audiences.

Our inclusive programmes reach out to young people in the spaces where they are (on and offline), developing their profile, skills, confidence and networks and providing stepping stones into the creative and cultural sector.

 

Image of three young filmmakers using camera equipment
Our work

If you’re 16 – 25, live in the South West and want to learn about or work in film, we can support you. BFI Film Academy offers opportunities for 16 – 25 year olds, anywhere in the UK, to get to know more about film and how to make a career in the screen industries.

Rife journalists promo image
Rife identifies and cultivates young talent in Bristol

Developing young people’s digital skills, voice, confidence, experience and networks so they go into the creative sector and thrive. Rife focussed on young people’s voices and creativity to set the agenda in the sector, driving it forward so it continues to innovate and inspire.

Photo of people working together around a table making things with string and lollipop sticks and more
Our work

A place for early stage creatives curious about film and/or creative technology practice.

Photo of a group of adults with their hands on top of each other in the middle of a circle
A global talent development programme led by Watershed

Creative Producers International gathered together a dynamic network of creative producers from across the world. It aimed to enhance individual practices, raise ambitions and make real change across the world on a city scale.

Young people as part of camera crew
An inclusive industry led talent development initiative

The film and television industry in the UK is thriving but a skills shortage and lack of diversity within the sector threaten to undermine it's future. The BFI Film Academy identifies and nurtures young talent to help the sector continue to thrive.

Film Hub South West logo
Developing a thriving and inclusive film sector

Watershed is the regional Hub Lead Organisation for the BFI’s Film Audience Network initiative to develop audiences for a broader range of film. We work with cinemas, film exhibitors and distributors across the South West to promote great British and international independent cinema.

A black-and-white photo of a man on the right side of a coral background. Yellow text reads "Make Shift, A Special Event with Krust, 'Exploring R+D,' Tue 3 March, 18:00–20:00, The Sheds – UoB."
Tue 3 March 18:00
Talk

Join us for a very special Make Shift Meet Up with Krust, pioneer of the bristol sound exploring his creative practice and his experiments at The Sheds.

Tony is a smiling man in a black hoodie on a red background with the words "Make Shift" in yellow at the top left, conveying a cheerful tone.
Please note: This event took place in Feb 2026
Workshop

Make Shift Fundamentals are masterclasses for early career creatives (18-30s -ish) to come together in the Pervasive Media Studio and get their creative ideas moving. This session will be hosted by Tony Bhajam, Inclusion Producer.

Make Shift: Growing Audiences

Make Shift Fundamentals
Kat is a Black mixed race woman with curly hair and a soft expression, wearing a patterned sweater. Set against a red background with yellow text "Make Shift" and a partial yellow circle.
Tue 24 Feb 18:00
Workshop

Make Shift Fundamentals are masterclasses for early career creatives (18-30s -ish) to come together in the Pervasive Media Studio and get their creative ideas moving. This session will be hosted by Kat Garoës-Hill, Comms Manager.

Make Shift: Getting Paid

Make Shift Fundamentals
Make Shift: Getting Paid
Please note: This event took place in Feb 2026
Workshop

Make Shift Fundamentals are masterclasses for early career creatives (18-30s -ish) to come together in the Pervasive Media Studio and get their creative ideas moving. This session will be hosted by Jon Aitken Pervasive Media Studio resident and filmmaker who has freelanced for over a decade.

Make Shift: Finding Funding

Make Shift Fundamentals
Bella is a white woman in a black outfit with a confident expression against a red background with "Make Shift" text and a partial yellow circle design.
Please note: This event took place in Feb 2026
Workshop

Make Shift Fundamentals are masterclasses for early career creatives (18-30s -ish) to come together in the Pervasive Media Studio and get their creative ideas moving. This session will be hosted by Bella Whatley, Head of Development and Ella McDonald Talent Comms & Outreach Coordinator.

A simple word based logo that simply says Creative Workforce for the Future
Project Ended in March 2021

A pilot project creating and fostering inclusive work environments to support our brightest and best young creative talent in the cultural and creative industries. 

Am I A Bad Kid?
Length: 4m 30s
BFI Film Academy Bristol

Jay explores the lack of support that the school system provides for excluded kids and young people with diverse needs, and how being labelled as a 'bad kid' has damaging effects for a young person's development.

My Sister and ADHD
Length: 5m 46s
BFI Film Academy Bristol

Sisters Emily and Isabel were close growing up, then Isabel got diagnosed with ADHD. This short documentary takes a look at how ADHD affects their relationship, as they navigate the changes of growing up together.

Photo of your people at Bristol Talent Lab
Project Ended in March 2018

A collaboration between Watershed and Bristol City Council to create a platform for young voices in Bristol.

Photo of Future Producers 2015
Project Ended in April 2015

Future Producers was a Watershed development scheme for 18-25 year olds, teaching them the skills needed to programme a cross art-form venue like Watershed.

Bristol Talent Lab
Length: 3m 55s

We assembled a diverse, innovative team of young Bristol people to devise a new online platform for youth.

Gromit's Movie Marvels: Animation Workshops
Length: 3m 35s

A month-long stop-motion animation summer school as part of Cinékids, programmed by Gromit!