Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin

BFI film academy short course

Questions? email richard@mediaactive.org

APPLICATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 24th September 2025

The BFI FILM Academy SHORT COURSE EXPERIENCE

Through BFI Film Academy with MediaActive, My eyes were opened to what the film industry is like and how anything is possible if you put your mind to it...
...It all began in Wem with MediaActive. Thankyou!
— G - BFI Short Course Alumni

MediaActive BFI Short Course Trailer

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, to train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers and production crew. We are also supporting 16 to 19-year-olds to develop new skills and gain commercial and cultural knowledge to help build a career in the screen industries. No experience is necessary.

Considered the Gold standard, The BFI Film Academy Short Courses delivered by MediaActive in Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin. This FREE course is funded by the UK government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and National Lottery, and travel bursaries are available.

Working on a ‘real life’ film commission, collaborating with award-winning animators and filmmakers. Learning about all aspects of film and animation production as well as idea and script development, practical animation and filmmaking techniques, editing, sound design, music, and how to get your work screened.

​If you are thinking about a career in the creative or film industries, as a writer, filmmaker, animator, designer or producer, this opportunity will really help to broaden your portfolio and will allow you to stand out from the crowd.

Bring your drive, passion and commitment, have your creative voice heard & own the creative process. This course is the first step in joining a national network and journey into film as a career.

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WHY BFI?

  • Join a UK wide network of young filmmakers

  • Expand your creative horizons

  • Work on a “real life” film commission

  • Develop practical film knowledge and skills

  • Work alongside award-winning film industry professionals

  • Explore your creativity in a fun and friendly environment

  • Try different roles: script writing, directing, cinematography, sound, animating, editing

  • Use industry standard kit

  • Earn a filmmaking qualification

  • Become part of the BFI Film Academy Alumni and access ongoing opportunities, like BAFTA career talks

  • Travel bursaries available.

  • No previous experience is necessary!

Film Academy DATES*

*Occasionally, dates may need to change.

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

  • All daytime sessions are 10.30am to 5pm:

  • Saturday 11th October 2025  - Opening Weekend; Soundtrack the art of sound & image; Idea & Script springboards

  • Sunday 12th October 2025 - Overview of Film and Animation; Animation taster sessions

  • Sunday 19th October 2025  - Cinematography and Sound masterclasses, Ideas and Script development

  • Monday 27th October 2025 - Script reviews & production planning, 

  • Tuesday 28th October 2025  -  Filming & Animation production 

  • Wednesday 29th October 2025  - Filming and Animation and Soundtrack production

  • Thursday 30th October 2025  -  Filming, Animation and Soundtrack production & Editing

  • Friday 31st October 2025 - Editing Sound and Image; Marketing, Exhibition & Distribution

  • Friday 28th November 2025 19:00 – 21:00 Final Celebratory Screening of films

  • Additional alumni opportunities:

  • Thursday 18th December 2025 18:30 – 20:00: Next Steps industry Webinar

  • Tuesday 6th January 2026 18:30 – 20:00 Alison Grade Film Careers (Online)

  • Monday 11th May 2026 18:00 – 19:00: Flatpack Screening Event (TBC)

ABOUT

MediaActive works with local people, organisations and creative practitioners to co-design and produce an innovative programme of special projects, commissions, events and exhibitions.  Our programme seeks to embrace contemporary practice and the creative use of technology, to inspire and enrich the lives of both our audiences and project participants.
Our work is supported through an associates scheme, and we host a thriving volunteer and work experience programme.
Based in Shropshire, community routed whilst connected to national initiatives, MediaActive is a social enterprise, delivering a range of initiatives including: film and digital media production, digital arts training, mentoring, and arts consultancy. We have extensive experience and expertise in working to commission and in working with people and agencies on ambitious creative projects and strategic cultural developments. 

LOCATION:
THE HIVE
Performing arts theatre in Shrewsbury

The Hive

5 Belmont,

Shrewsbury

SY1 1TE

Home - The Hive (hiveonline.org.uk)

What 3 Words:

https://w3w.co/pillow.solar.pitch

 

MediaActive ACADEMies MADE THESE FILMS: