BFI Film Academy Plymouth
Pre-Degree & Sixth Form

BFI Film Academy Plymouth

Applications now open!

Are you 16-19? Passionate about film? Want a career in the film industry? Then the BFI Film Academy — UK Network Programme is for you.

This exciting programme offers a hands-on filmmaking course, aimed at developing your knowledge and skills and encouraging your special interests.

On a cobble stoned street in Plymouth, two students look through the lens of a professional camera aimed at a girl with a black film clapper ready to shoot the scene.

Behind the scenes of BFI Film Academy Plymouth

There are 40 different BFI Film Academy courses across the UK, each providing at least 40 hours of industry-standard training through regular weekend classes. These are a combination of workshops, practical skills lessons and lectures.

The programme includes masterclasses by key industry figures, and you can receive personalised career advice whilst working towards making a final film as part of a crew. As a graduate of the BFI Film Academy, you will become part of the growing alumni network and have access to year-round events such as BAFTA career surgeries.

Watch some of the superb short films made by previous participants at the BFI Film Academy on YouTube.

The BFI Film Academy is a fantastic way for young people to gain practical filmmaking skills in a professional environment. We help our students to develop their confidence, focusing on communication and teamwork, as well as creative thinking and problem-solving. We have such a lot of fun on this course, and students make lasting friendships. By gaining hands-on experience working on set, taught by professional filmmakers through practical workshops, our students feel ready to take on some of the exclusive work opportunities, open only to BFI Film Academy alumni. This is such an incredible opportunity to make real lasting connections in the film industry, right across the UK.
Lucy Leake - BFI Project Manager

Hear from some of the BFI Film Academy participants as it celebrates its 10 year anniversary

“The best parts were the industry talks by guest speakers and the hands-on opportunities to learn through making a short film...Ultimately it was the BFI Film Academy Plymouth that gave me the connections and resources to work on an upcoming blockbuster film [Marvel's Black Widow]. In fact, since becoming a graduate of the BFI I’ve been inundated with options for ways to break into the film industry.”
Joshua Hard, BFI Film Academy Student

The success of the BFI Film Academy Plymouth for young people across the South West has been overwhelming, with 100% of participating students graduating from the programme with their NCFE Level 2 Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification. All BFI graduates gain access to a national network of support, designed to help them work towards, and transition into, roles within the film industry.

Sound good? At a course cost of just £25, we think so too!

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If you are unable to pay the full course fee, don’t let this discourage you from applying. Contact BFI Academy Project Manager, Lucy Leake lleake@aup.ac.uk. Bursaries for travel and childcare may be available if you require assistance with these costs.

Please note that if you have previously been on a BFI Film Academy residential course or are enrolled in University during the 2022/23 academic year, you are not eligible to apply.

The NCFE ‘Preparing to Work in the Film Industry’ accreditation for participants will be offered by course providers as part of the UK Network Programme courses.

Have a question about the course? Contact Lucy Leake at lleake@aup.ac.uk

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday 21 September, 11.59pm