Applications now open!

BFI Film Academy Short Course returning to QUAD in October 2025 – Applications now open!  

Starting in October, QUAD will be a delivering another year of our ambitious BFI Film Academy short course for young filmmakers aged 16-19* to meet fellow creatives, build their portfolio and make a short film! Applications are now open!  

What you’ll get up to:  

• Learn all about filmmaking through masterclasses, guest talks and tutorials 

• Gain hands-on, practical experience of filmmaking from script writing to screening your short film at festivals 

• Gain insight into how the industry works and all the different roles available  

• Meet and network with filmmakers working in the industry right now  

• Watch films, attend screenings at QUAD and have discounted access to regional film festivals 

• Collaborate with other course participants to produce a short film to be screened in QUAD’s largest cinema (and other venues!) 

• Develop your filmmaking portfolio documenting your learning journey and experience 

• On completion of the course, join the national BFI alumni and gain access to lots of exciting opportunities with filmmaking  

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.   

What you need to know about the BFI Film Academy Short Course at Derby QUAD:  

• Application deadline to apply is midnight on 14th September 2025. 

• We’ll start with our Welcome Evening on Friday 3rd October 2025 from 6pm-8pm.  

• The course runs weekly at QUAD on Saturdays (12pm to 5pm) starting 4th October 2025 until 7th February 2026 (with Xmas break) 

• 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!   

• Our team can provide support for you to participate in the course if you have additional learning needs and/or physical disabilities. 

• The course is entirely free and there are bursaries available to cover access support, travel and childcare fees if you need them.  Please get in touch for more details.  

• Students studying at university are not eligible for 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 Sunday 14th September 2025: https://bit.ly/Apply-to-BFI-at-DerbyQUAD  

We will be in touch by 6pm on Friday 19th September to let you know if you have been successful with your application.    

To download an information pack on BFI Film Academy and how to apply please click this link.

You can also watch all the incredible short films produced on the course so far on our YouTube channel

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