Skip to content

Take part in BFI Film Academy

The Academy offers the chance to make your own films, learn from filmmaking professionals and grow your creative network.

At Watershed, you will work as part of a small crew to create a short documentary film. You will meet on Saturdays in October and over the half term break 2022.

Apply to Watershed

Watch films made at Watershed


Hear from people who have been on the Film Academy

Further details

At the film academy you will work in a  professional environment on industry-standard equipment to create your films, from initial idea to seeing them on the big screen.

Can I apply for BFI Film Academy Bristol?

You can, if:

  • You are aged between 16-19
  • You are not at University
  • You are able to attend all the course dates
  • You are able to travel weekly to central Bristol (travel bursaries are available)

You must apply by Monday 19th September at 5pm.


Questions

Are there any fees or bursaries?

If you are accepted on the Academy there is a fee of £25. Don’t worry if you can’t cover this, just indicate when asked on the application form if you need this waived. We also have bursaries for help with travel, childcare, access or other costs.

Can you help with access needs?

Yes. We aim to be as inclusive as possible and work to accommodate all access requirements. We will openly discuss and tailor how we do things to support you as best we can.

Is there a qualification?

Yes. You will be supported to get the NCFE Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification through your work on the Academy.

Are there further opportunities after the Academy has finished?

Yes. You can get involved with BFI Film Academy South West and discover more about film and how to make a career in the screen industries. The BFI Film Academy South West offers a range of accessible courses, events, workshops, talks and networking available for those wanting to break into film. Visit BFI Film Academy South West for more info.

You will be supported to apply to the British Film Institute’s specialist course programme. Specialist courses are a great, one-off opportunity to help you into the film industry. See Specialist courses from BFI Film Academy for more details.

After the Academy you will become part of the growing alumni network that connects you with young filmmakers across the whole of the UK. You will hear about great opportunities in the film industry and continue your learning through online masterclasses and ace events such as the BAFTA career talks.

I have some more questions. Who can I get in touch with?

If you have any questions about the BFI Film Academy get in touch with Bex at Watershed on bex.r@watershed.co.uk


More about the UK-wide BFI Film Academy Programme

Open to young people from anywhere in the UK and from any background, the BFI Film Academy offers a real chance for talented 16-19-year-olds to be part of our future film industry. Take a look at the UK Network page for more information and films.

Film Academy funding partners include the Department for Education in England, the National Lottery, Creative Scotland and Northern Ireland. Strategic partners include BAFTA, Pinewood Studios and ScreenSkills, helping to ensure the Academy is a gold standard film industry-focused educational programme.