Following the overwhelming success of Plymouth College of Art’s partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) to deliver the BFI Film Academy programme for budding filmmakers across Plymouth and the South West last year, the provision is being extended and expanded for a second year. A new wave of young people across the South West will now be offered the opportunity to learn from industry-leading figures in an intensive short course designed to provide young artists with practical skills and confidence in creating moving image.
The BFI Film Academy Programme offers hands-on filmmaking courses, aimed at developing knowledge and skills for those passionate about film or looking for a career in the film industry. Filmmaker and Plymouth College of Art Extended Diploma in Film, Animation & Media Production lecturer Billy Abbott will again act as Project Manager for the course.
Aspiring filmmakers aged 16 to 19 are encouraged to apply for one of the limited spaces available on the program, which will take place between October 2018 and January 2019. The cost of the intensive course is just £25 per person, covering over 70 hours of teaching time, as well as use of industry-standard equipment and essential materials. The organisers encourage students who are unable to pay the full course fee to still apply, and advise that bursaries for travel and childcare may also be available if needed to allow participation.
The BFI Film Academy
The BFI Film Academy aims to help train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers, supporting talented and committed young people aged 16-19 to develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a career in film a reality.
The BFI Film Academy offers training for every film industry role, from writing and directing through to production, sound design, editing and camera, and provides learning around film history and cinematic storytelling to inspire an appreciation of film culture in the round.
The BFI Film Academy contributes to a core aim of the BFI’s 2022 strategy which aims to provide everyone with the opportunity to build a lifelong relationship with film; to create a clear progression paths for talented young people and to ensure that film is celebrated and explored in formal education.
The BFI Film Academy is supported by the Department for Education in England, the National Lottery, Creative Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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“A vote of confidence for filmmaking in Plymouth”
Project Manager Billy Abbott said “We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to expand our BFI 16-19 Film Academy for its second year, which is a big vote of confidence for filmmaking in Plymouth. Last year’s sessions were a resounding success, with 100% of students completing their NCFE Level 2 Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification, in addition to the extensive range of practical skills and experience that they received on the course.
“Expanding our teaching hours from 57 last year to 78 hours in 2018/19 will allow for more production days, an increased array of fantastic industry speakers and an even greater focus on practical skills. We’ve already seen the impact that the BFI Film Academy Plymouth has had on our alumni; with unique employment opportunities and work experience. One student even landed a job with a former curator for the biggest film festivals in the world!
“It’s great to be able to create unique moments and bring a bit of glitz to South West students. Last year, a day of professional lighting workshops with producer/director/
Ceri Prowse, who completed the first BFI Film Academy, said: “‘The BFI Film Academy was one of the most informative yet enjoyable experiences of my life. It was fantastic to be surrounded by others who were just as passionate about filmmaking as I am and if I could do it again, I would without a doubt. Being able to work with actors, professional equipment, spending a day with Oliver Stapleton and being featured on BBC Spotlight, were remarkable and exhilarating. The BFI Film Academy really was the opportunity of a lifetime.”
BFI CEO Amanda Nevill comments: “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing the BFI able to make a contribution to opening doors and offering opportunities for the next talented generation. We know how important it is for us to do this, to nurture and support the gifted and talented, wherever in they are in the UK, because the future of our industry depends on them.
“Now in its seventh year, the Academy has established itself as a gold standard training and development programme providing a spectacular springboard to careers in film and allied industries. This would not be possible without the backing of the Department for Education and all our partners, and the many individuals from the industry who enthusiastically share their experience and offer guidance to students. We thank them all for their continuing support and wish all participants in the BFI Film Academy a happy, creative and successful future career.”
What’s on in Plymouth
BFI Film Academy Plymouth students will be given in crews a short piece written by a local scriptwriter and be tasked with the creation of a short film, working with local actors. Three short films will be produced during the academy by the 20 students involved, and these shorts will be screened not only as part of a final Plymouth-based showcase, but also as part of a regional South West BFI talent event. At every step of the way all students will be given guidance, resources and practical skills training in order to be able to achieve a high quality outcome.
Guest speakers for the coming year include acclaimed cinematographers, producers, directors, camera operators and scriptwriters. All students will have the chance to not only learn from some of the best in the industry, but they will also be actively involved in these workshops. Students will be taught practical filmmaking skills from the ground up, including but not limited to camera, sound, lighting, editing, crew roles, pre and post production and managing actors.
In addition to developing an accomplished array of practical skills, students will also work to individually attain the NCFE Level 2 Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification, understand the best progression options for making their career in the film industry, and network with other creative talent from Plymouth and the South West.
A link to the application form can be found on the Plymouth College of Art website here https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/
