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 (Nottingham) and Rural Media (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

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Corby - delivered by The Core at Corby Cube x Northampton Film Festival

Core course dates: 13/09/2025 - 22/11/2025
Location: The Core at Corby Cube, Corby
Ages: 16-25
Places: 20
Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: 13th August 2025

Check Out + Apply here
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Derby - delivered by Derby QUAD

Core course dates: 03/10/2025 - 06/03/2026
Location: QUAD, Derby
Ages: 16-25
Places: 20
Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: 20th September 2025

Check Out + Apply here
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Nottingham - delivered by Broadway Cinema

Core course dates: 11/10/2025 to 20/11/2025
Location: Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
Ages: 16-19
Places: 20
Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: TBC

Check Out + Apply here
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Lincoln - delivered by Paradigm Arts

Core course dates: 18/10/2025 to 31/01/2026
Location: Gibney Building (Lincoln College), Lincoln
Ages: 16-19
Places: 20
Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: 29th September 2025

Check Out + Apply here

West Midlands Short Courses

Sandwell Walsall Birmingham

Sandwell, Walsall & Birmingham - delivered by Rural Media

Course dates: - 14/10/2025 - 31/01/2026
Location: Sandwell College, West Bromich
Ages: 16-19
Places: 20
Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: 29th September 2025

Check Out + Apply here
Hereford Worcester & South Shropshire

Hereford, Worcester, & South Shropshire - delivered by Rural Media

Course dates: - 15/10/2025 - 31/01/2026
Location: Rural Media, Hereford
Ages: 16-19
Places: 20
Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: 29th September 2025

Check Out + Apply here
Shropshire Telford Wrekin

Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin - delivered by Media Active

Course dates: 18/10/2025 - 27/11/2025
Location: The Hive, Shrewsbury
Ages: 16-25
Places: 20
Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: 24th September 2025

Check Out + Apply here
BFI Stoke & Staffordshire

Stoke & Staffordshire - delivered by, Rural Media

Course dates: - 18/10/2025 - 31/01/2026
Location: Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent
Ages: 16-19
Places: 20
Applications open: 1st August 2025
Applications close: 29th September 2025

Check Out + Apply here

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.

Mia Campbell at Broadway

Read our Alumni Case Studies

Want to hear firsthand from those who have taken part on a regional BFI Film Academy Short or Specialist Course, we have caught up with our inspiring alumni to hear what they've been up to next since finishing our courses!

Check Them Out here

BFI Film Academy Short Courses are available across the UK.

BFI Film Academy Short Courses are supported by the Department for Education in England, the National Lottery, Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen