BFI film academy short course

SANDWELL, Walsall & Birmingham

APPLY NOW!

Questions? email dans@ruralmedia.co.uk

APPLICATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY 28th September 2025

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 Sandwell, Walsall, or Birmingham and love creativity and filmmaking — this course is for you!

FITS AROUND YOUR LIFE: We know you're busy! Sessions run on Tuesday 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)

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

Academy DATES*

*Occasionally, dates may need to change…

Download Schedule PDF

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

Tuesday 14th October 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Introduction & Film Activity
Tuesday 21st October 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Screenwriting & Story Masterclass
Thursday 30th October 2025 10:00 – 16:00: Visual Story Masterclass & Workshop
Friday 31st October 2025 10:00 – 16:00: Camera, Lighting & Audio Workshop
Tuesday 4th November 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Production Masterclass
Tuesday 11th November 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Production Workshop
Tuesday 18th November 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Directing for Camera Masterclass
Tuesday 25th November 2025 17:30 – 20:00: On Set Production Process
Tuesday 2nd December 2025 17:30 – 20:00: Production & Camera Review
Wednesday 3rd December 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Intro to Editing Masterclass
Tuesday 9th December 2025 17:30 – 20:00: Production Review
Saturday 13th December 2025 09:00 – 17:00: Production Day (GP1)
Sunday 14th December 2025 09:00 – 17:00: Production Day (GP2)
Tuesday 16th December 2025 17:30 – 20:30: Intro to edit (Online)
Thursday 18th December 2025 18:30 – 20:00: Next Steps industry Webinar
Winter Break:
Tuesday 6th January 2026 18:30 – 20:00 Alison Grade Film Careers (Online)
Tuesday 13th January 2026 17:30 – 19:30: Edit Review 1
Tuesday 20th January 2026 17:30 – 19:30: Edit Review 2
Tuesday 27th January 2026 17:30 – 19:30: Flatpack Film distribution Session
Friday 30th January 2026 13:00–14:00: Screening
Monday 11th May 2026 18:00 – 19:00: Flatpack Screening Event