New opportunities open up for young people to make their mark in movies

One of a few new prestigious film schools for teenagers is to open in Bradford this autumn. The BFI Film Academy Bradford has been created under the latest round of funding from the Department of Education, and teenagers in the area with a passion for film are being offered the chance to sign up.

The academy, which runs throughout October and November, aims to train and inspire the next generation of British filmmakers, supporting talented and committed young people to develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a film career a reality.

The academy will be run by Yorkshire cultural consultancy and film specialists Reel Solutions with the National Media Museum, Bradford City of Film and the University of Bradford. The course includes sessions with top industry names and gives those taking part the unique opportunity to gain an NCFE qualification in Preparing to Work in the Film Industry.

Those taking part will work alongside industry professionals to make a short film which will then have a world premier at the National Media Museum and also be screened on Big Screen, the large public screen in City Park, Bradford. Key film organisations such as BAFTA will also give one-to-one mentoring opportunities with experienced film professionals as well as internship opportunities in film and TV, career surgeries and film festivals such as the Leeds Film Festival and Bradford’s Widescreen Weekend.

Zoe Naylor from Reel Solutions said: ‘We’re thrilled to be delivering a BFI Film Academy in Bradford for the first time after establishing and delivering one in Leeds for the last three years. Reel Solutions has special ties to Bradford –many of our team have worked at the National Media Museum in the past and were also instrumental in the initial bid to achieve Bradford’s UNESCO status as City of Film.

‘Bradford deserves a superb film academy and that’s what we’re offering. The BFI courses really are the gold standard in film training for this age group. It’s a great opportunity for young people in this area. There are already great existing film networks in the city – we’re adding access to experienced film professionals and opportunities that will inspire and support young people in their future careers within the film industry.’ w

BFI Film Academy Bradford is one of 40 film academies for 16-to-19-year-olds nationwide. The cost of taking part is £25 however the fee will be waived for those who struggle to pay the course fee. Bursaries will also be made available for assistance with travel, childcare or other costs. Applications close on November 28th. Find out more and to apply to for a place go to www.reelsolutions.co.uk