Delivered by the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Screen Education Edinburgh, BFI Film Academy Craft Skills courses are intensive courses allowing participants to focus on a specific craft skill: producing, production design, directing, cinematography, sound, editing and scriptwriting.
Eligibility
In order to apply you must:
- be aged 16 to 19-years-old on the first day of the academy programme
- not be attending university at the time of the course
- be a UK resident
- be able to commit to the programme for its duration
- have a passion or talent for filmmaking and evidence of this talent (either in scripts/treatments or online material, such as videos you’ve made or contributed to)
- be committed to a career in the film industry
- have a teacher, regional film officer or industry professional who knows your work and is prepared to write a supporting reference
- not have previously enrolled on a BFI Film Academy Specialist course
If you have already attended one of the BFI Film Academy Network courses, you are still eligible to apply.
Disability
If you are disabled and are concerned how this might affect you taking part, please contact the partner organisation delivering the course (for partner details see the Craft Skills course page) to see what help might be available regarding accessibility.
How to apply
Each Craft Skills course has its own application process, and you will need to apply directly to the partner organisation running the course (for partner details see the Craft Skills course page). Please contact them for further information on how to apply.
Costs
We welcome applications from talented young filmmakers from all backgrounds. The course fee ranges from zero to £420.
Please don’t let the cost of the courses deter you from applying. If a young person is offered a place on the Craft Skills course and can’t afford the fee or other associated costs, our bursary scheme can help – if you have the talent we will make sure you can attend.
Bursary scheme
Once you are offered a place on the course you will be asked to declare your total household income (proof may be requested at a later date), as the subsidy offered will be determined on this basis.
The maximum assistance available would cover the whole cost of the course (£420).
The bursary is subject to accepting your place on the course and committing to all the dates.
Email filmacademy@bfi.org.uk to contact us for further information or if you would like to discuss your individual circumstances.