[B]ARROW-based charity Signal Film and Media is looking for 16-19 year olds who love film to take part in an exciting project, as part of a national BFI scheme to train up a new generation of filmmaking talent.
Signal Film and Media is partnering with them to offer this exciting three-month filmmaking course, open to young people living in Cumbria or North Lancashire who are not in university. It includes workshops with visiting industry professionals in screenwriting, cinematography, directing, sound recording, editing, art department, hair and makeup and producing, and culminates in two-day film shoot where participants are mentored by professional film crew in the discipline of their choice. Participants also gain an accredited Skillset qualification in ‘Preparing to Work in the Film Industry.’
The BFI Academy takes place in evenings, weekends and during the October half-term. Bursaries are available for those who have far to travel. Participants also get the chance to advance onto a residential at one of the world’s top film schools, the National Film and Television School near London.
DEADLINE for applications is Midnight on 28th September, 2017, with an early bird deadline of Midnight, 11th September, 2017 for extra screenwriting workshops. Places are limited and competitive. Please note that those shortlisted may be invited to an informal interview. Applications are only open to young people aged 16-19 living in Cumbria and North Lancashire. You cannot apply to take part if you have been a participant on any previous academy or currently attend university.
Signal Film and Media Co-Director Kerry Kolbe said: “This is the fifth year we’ve been selected to deliver this exciting project – many participants use the experience and references from mentors they gain to secure university places and to get jobs in the film industry. Film is one of the big success stories in the British economy at present, and we want to make sure young people from our neck of the woods have a chance to see how it can be a viable and exciting career opportunity.”
The UK’s film industry is rapidly growing and desperately needs new workers. The BFI expects 30,000 new jobs to be created over the next five years and wants to encourage people from outside of cities to take their first steps towards a career in an exciting and creative sector.
A participant from last year’s cohort said: “I did not realise the amount of people from the industry we would get to talk to. This course has decided for me what I want to study at uni. It has given me a solid grounding to be able to apply to unis.”
Miss Kolbe said: “Young people have gone on to train with top filmmakers such as Edgar Wright at the NFTS, and their films have been showcased at the BFI Southbank and won prizes at festivals across the UK and abroad.”
To find out more or to apply contact Jameela on: [email protected] or 01229 838592.
