HEREFORDSHIRE, WORCESTERSHIRE &
SOUTH Shropshire

BFI film academy short course

APPLICATIONS CLOSED
WE’RE CURRENTLY PROCESSING APPLICATIONS
APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2025

Questions: dans@ruralmedia.co.uk

The BFI FILM Academy SHORT COURSE EXPERIENCE

“It’s absolutely perfect a 10/10 experience that has changed my life for the better allowing me to creatively explore and create media, and I am truly happy with the direction this course has taken me. It’s taken me to LIPA and a career I will be proud of.”
- OD BFI Short Course Alumni

The BFI was the most incredible experience and 100% wouldn’t be where I am today without it!! I owe everything to the BFI and what they taught me
- ET BFI Short Course Alumni

THE BFI FILM ACADEMY SHORT COURSE

WANT TO MAKE FILMS? THIS IS FOR YOU!

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! The BFI Film Academy Courses train the next generation of UK filmmakers. We support 16-19 year olds to develop new skills and build careers in the screen industries.

WHO CAN APPLY? If you live in or near to Hereford, in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or South Shropshire (or the surrounding areas) and love creativity and filmmaking — this course is for you!

FITS AROUND YOUR LIFE: We know you're busy! Sessions run on Wednesday evenings, half-term and a film production weekend. This works around your college and work commitments.

WHAT YOU'LL DO: Take on a real film role and develop a high-quality short film from start to finish. You'll learn professional film skills using Industry standard equipment, get masterclasses from industry professionals, and discover how to break into film. Work with like-minded creative people, have your voice heard, make the big decisions and own the creative process.

This isn't just learning about film, you’re actually making your best film yet!

IT'S COMPLETELY FREE: No cost to you, and Travel bursaries are available too.

Rural Media Charity are excited to be delivering this Film Academy Short Course with support from Flatpack Film Festival. Funded by the UK government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and National Lottery.

WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU: Just your drive, passion and commitment!

APPLY NOW to start your journey in film. (20 spaces for 2025-6)

FILM Academy DATES*

*Occasionally, dates may need to change…

Download The Schedule Here

You’ll need to be available for these dates and times:

Wednesday 15th October 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Introduction & Film Activity
Wednesday 22nd October 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Screenwriting & Story Masterclass & Workshop, BFI Project Briefing
Monday 27th October 2025 10:00 – 16:00: Visual Story for Shorts Development Masterclass & Workshop (& Writers Room)
Tuesday 28th October 2025 10:00 – 16:00: Camera, Lighting & Audio Workshop & Film Roles
Wednesday 29th October 2025 10:00 – 16:00: Production Masterclass & Workshop (Inc sustainability)
Wednesday 5th November 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Directing for Camera Masterclass
Wednesday 12th November 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Production & Camera Review Session
Wednesday 19th November 2025 17:30 – 20:00: On Set Production Process Rehearsal Workshop
Wednesday 26th November 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Production Review #1
Saturday 29th November 2025 09:00 – 17:00: Production Day (GP1)
Sunday 30th November 2025 09:00 – 17:00: Production Day (GP2)
Wednesday 3rd December 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Intro to Editing Masterclass
Wednesday 3rd December 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Production Review #2
Wednesday 10th December 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Editing Review 01
Wednesday 17th December 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Editing Review 02
Thursday 18th December 2025 18:30 – 20:00: Next Steps industry Webinar with East Midlands
Wednesday 8th January 2026 17:30 – 220:00: Alison Grade, Film Careers Webinar with East Midlands (tbc)
Wednesday 15th January 2026 18:30 – 20:30: Edit Review Session
Wednesday 21st January 2026 17:30 – 19:30: Flatpack Film distribution Session
Wednesday 28th January 2026 14:00 – 16:00: Screening Event
Monday 11th May 2026 18:00 – 19:00: Flatpack Screening Event