The BFI Film Academy Short Course for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), and SEE Young Filmmakers Hub, are both projects designed to help aspiring young filmmakers gain practical knowledge and experience, while highlighting the various pathways into the screen industries
Supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, the SEE Young Filmmakers Hub offers young people the opportunity to learn more about the art of filmmaking, regardless of their circumstances. Aimed at those aged 12-18 living in Edinburgh, learners will gain experience of working in a variety of filmmaking roles. From sound and lighting design to cinematography and directing, this practical course provides valuable hands-on training in all aspects of filmmaking, allowing young people the chance to discover new interests and strengths.
The BFI Film Academy Short Courses offer opportunities for ambitious 16 to 19-year-olds to get to know more about film and how to forge a career in the screen industries. Delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh and supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, and Screen Scotland, this introductory, hands-on course builds knowledge and skills, showing the different pathways into the industry. BFI Film Academy Short Courses, that take place across the UK for talented and committed young people, have proven to have an excellent track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew.
Participants of the Course will make short films, learn from top talent working in the industry through masterclasses, and acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to build a career within the screen industries. This course provides practical filmmaking experience, as well as instilling confidence, developing teamwork skills and creating a sense of being a part of a community of aspiring screen industry professionals – soft skills that are crucial in finding success within the industry.
Subject to successful completion of required assessments, this course can award learners the Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification, which is an NCFE Level 2 award. This qualification will benefit their professional development, whether through further film education courses or entering the industry.
This course is open to young people aged 16-19 years old, living in the Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Stirling and West Lothian areas. No prior experience is required.
The deadline for applications is the 24th of September 2023, at 5pm. More information and the application form can be found at https://www.screen-ed.org/bfifilmacademy.
The course fee is £25 but bursaries will be available for those who require assistance with fees or travel costs.
Understanding that people have different accessibility needs, and that some communicate better through different mediums, there is an option to submit a video application, rather than a written online form.
SEE is dedicated to making filmmaking accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. The Hub is free, and no previous filmmaking experience is necessary; the only requirement is a love for films, and a desire to make your own.
Upon completion of this course, learners will be invited to enrol in more year-round filmmaking activities here at SEE where ongoing support and development will be provided.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 