Want to make movies? Work behind the scenes? Or just explore what it’s like to be part of the Film and TV world?
BFI Film Academy Short Courses are designed for 16–25-year-olds who are ready to dive into filmmaking with no experience needed.
What You’ll Do
Over the course of the programme, you’ll:
- Work with real industry professionals: directors, editors, producers, alumni and more
- Be part of a team as you get hands-on experience making your own short film
- Learn the ropes through practical workshops and masterclasses
- Walk away with new skills, confidence, and a film you helped create.
Why Apply?
- Build your portfolio with a real film project
- Get inspired by people working in film and TV today
- Meet other young creatives from across the Midlands
Join the BFI Film Academy alumni network
With access to:
- Paid traineeship placements on high-end film and TV sets
- Career talks and mentoring
- Training masterclasses and bootcamps
- Specialist residential courses across the UK
Who Can Apply?
To take part, you must:
- Be aged 16–19* on the first day of the course. (20-25 with an EHC Certificate).
- Live in the UK
- Not be at university
- Be new to BFI Film Academy Short Courses and not have participated before
What Happens After?
Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll:
- See your film on the big screen
- Join the BFI Film Academy alumni network
- Get access to career talks, mentoring, training, and more
When and where can I get involved?
Broadway in Nottingham and Rural Media in Hereford are leading the East and West Midlands delivery of the 2025–26 BFI Film Academy Short Course.
Working alongside key cultural and creative partners, they’re delivering this prestigious programme for the next generation of aspiring filmmakers.
Throughout the course, we invite tutors, industry guests, and BFI Film Academy alumni to share their knowledge, skills, and real-world experience.
Midlands participants in the 2025–26 programme will unlock exclusive extra-curricular sessions, training, and opportunities - designed to boost skills, expand networks, and offer valuable insights beyond the core experience.
Find courses near you!
East Midlands Short Courses
West Midlands Short Courses
Hear from past participants across the region
“Taking part in the course surpassed the expectations I originally envisioned before I applied, it led me onto a clear path to filmmaking and inspired me to take the route I’m on now”.- Ynez Myers, BFI Film Academy Short Course 2015 Alumnus.
Taking part in the BFI Film Academy Short Course has transformed the careers of previous participants and shaped their futures within the film and TV industry, but we don’t need to tell you that. They’ve joined with us to share their stories and journeys with you!
Read their case studies below to get to know them, see where they began and find out what they have gone on to since.
BFI Film Academy Short Courses are available across the UK.
BFI Film Academy Short Courses are supported by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and National Lottery.