Applications now open!

The BFI Film Academy Short Course is returning to QUAD this October and applications are now open for young people aged 16-19* who are passionate about a career in the film industry to apply.

The BFI Film Academy provides a practical short course which has been designed to give young people an opportunity to gain invaluable experience to pursue a career in film. In addition to learning from industry professionals and networking with guest speakers, the BFI Film Academy Short Course includes hands-on filmmaking experience to develop practical knowledge and skills.

Working as part of the BFI Film Academy accreditation, students will complete a portfolio to achieve a Level 2 Award in the Arts, a nationally recognised qualification (equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4), in addition to producing their very own short film which will be screened to an audience on QUAD’s largest cinema screen. The short course also provides lots of exciting opportunities to meet and network with filmmakers, watch independent films and attend film festivals.

A key element of the BFI Film Academy is working in collaboration with a group of peers to produce a short film. For this reason, attendance during the course is very important, and we do ask that you consider the time commitment when completing your application. If this is something that concerns you, please get in touch to arrange a chat with us.

• Application deadline midnight on 12th September 2024.
• Welcome Evening on Friday 4th October 2024 from 5.30pm-7.30pm.
• Weekly sessions take place at QUAD on Saturdays (10.30am to 4:30pm) starting 5th October 2023 until 7th February 2024.
• You don’t need any qualifications or previous experience to take part in this course – just a passion for filmmaking and a willingness to learn!
• At QUAD, we can provide support for you to participate in the course if you have additional learning needs and/or physical disabilities.
• The BFI Film Academy Short Course is entirely free and there are bursaries available to cover travel and childcare fees. Please get in touch for more information.
• Students studying at university are not eligible to apply to this course, however, students on Further Education courses or Sixth Form courses can apply.
• *Young people aged up to 25 with an EHCP are eligible to apply.

Please complete the following application form by midnight on 15th September 2024: https://bit.ly/Apply-To-BFI-2024

We will be in touch by Friday 20th September to let you know if you have been successful with your application.

If you are unsure that the BFI Film Academy is for you, you can find the short films produced on the BFI Film Academy Short Course at QUAD, as well as interviews of previous participants about their experiences of the course on our YouTube channel: BFI Film Academy

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact filmacademy@derbyquad.co.uk.