Aunty Social is looking for 10 young people aged 16-19 from the Blackpool area to take part in the BFI Film Academy programme and kickstart their film careers.
This autumn community arts organisation Aunty Social is helping to train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers and production crew. The British Film Institute’s Film Academy programme will start in October and is designed to support participants to develop the skills and industry knowledge needed to kickstart a successful career in the screen industries.
This filmmaking opportunity helps young people to take a film from ‘script to screen’. From taking part in practical and theoretical workshops, to shooting on location using industry level equipment, the course helps to build knowledge and experience so participants can leave with a stronger CV, a growing portfolio of film work and greater confidence in their creative and teamworking skills.
A number of additional industry experts with film and TV credits such as Doctor Who, House of the Dragon and Alien will host individual masterclasses to share advice, tips and tricks from their own film careers
This will be the second time that Aunty Social has hosted BFI Film Academy. Last year’s alumni learned a variety of practical filmmaking skills, including camera work, lighting, directing, sound recording and editing. They then put them to use by working on location to produce a unique short film called Christmas.DV. The final film made its big screen debut at HOME in Manchester, alongside the work produced by four other North West BFI Film Academy groups based in Liverpool, Manchester, Rochdale and Barrow. Friends and family were also invited to a dedicated local screening at the Backlot Cinema, with participants and staff taking part in a lively panel discussion surrounding the programme and their work.
This year’s participants can expect the same exciting opportunities to develop their skills and film knowledge as they develop a short film from a script written by Blackpool-based writer Lindsey Bennet-Thompson. The course will be delivered by a team of industry professionals – all with a Blackpool connection. Course staff include director and educator Brad James, writer and costume artist Gillian Wood and director of photography James McAllister, who will all share their experience and expertise through a range of practical and theory based sessions. A number of additional industry experts with film and TV credits such as Doctor Who, House of the Dragon and Alien will host individual masterclasses to share advice, tips and tricks from their own film careers with the young people, helping them to expand their knowledge and develop their own work. Young people will also be supported by a dedicated youth worker and careers advisor.
Catherine Mugonyi, Director at Aunty Social, said ”We can’t wait to start this year’s BFI Film Academy and meet the next cohort of future filmmakers. We have some inspirational industry experts lined up, who can’t wait to support our young people into a career in film. It’s a great opportunity for anyone wanting to start a film career, learn practical skills and make industry connections.”
Aunty Social are looking for 10 young people aged 16-19 to join Blackpool BFI Film Academy, starting this October. The course is fully subsidised so that nobody is excluded due to cost. There’s also travel and meal support for those who need it. The course is designed for all levels, so no experience is required – just a love of film and a passion for filmmaking.
Applications are open until Tuesday 30th September and young people can apply at www.auntysocial.co.uk
