Aunty Social is on the hunt for the town’s future filmmakers – recruiting 16-19 year olds from the for a fully-funded course from the BFI that takes a film from script to screen, with mentors who’ve worked on Doctor Who, Star Wars and Alien.
This autumn, community arts organisation Aunty Social is helping to train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers and production crew, as it launches its third BFI Film Academy North West Introductory Course.
The British Film Institute’s flagship skills programme is designed to support participants to develop the skills and industry knowledge needed to begin a successful career in the screen industries — and Aunty Social is one of just five delivery partners across the North West, alongside HOME in Manchester (the lead partner), FACT in Liverpool, Signal Film and Media in Barrow-in-Furness, and Touchstones in Rochdale.
This filmmaking opportunity helps young people take a film from script to screen. From practical and theoretical workshops to shooting on location using industry-level equipment, the course helps build knowledge and experience, so participants leave with a stronger CV, a growing portfolio of film work and greater confidence in their creative and teamworking skills.
Last year’s alumni learned a variety of practical filmmaking skills, including camera work, lighting, directing, sound recording and editing, before putting them to use on location to produce a short film called The Hollow Light, developed from a script written by Blackpool-based writer Lindsay Bennett-Thompson. The film made its big screen debut at HOME in Manchester alongside work from the four other North West hubs, before a dedicated local screening at The Arc Cinema, where participants and staff joined a lively panel discussion about the programme and their work.
Watch the short film produced by talented young Blackpool filmmakers below
This year’s cohort can expect the same opportunities to develop their skills and film knowledge as they create a short film from a script. The course will be delivered by a team of industry professionals — all with a Blackpool connection — including director and educator Brad James, writer and costume artist Gillian Wood, and Director of Photography James McAllister. A number of additional industry experts with credits including Doctor Who, Star Wars and Alien will host individual masterclasses, sharing advice, tips and tricks from their own careers. Young people will also be supported by a dedicated youth worker and careers advisor throughout.
“We’re really looking forward to starting this year’s BFI Film Academy North West Introductory Course and meeting the next cohort of future filmmakers,” says Aunty Social director Louise Ashcroft.
“This is one of my favourite projects to work on and I can’t wait to see the young people develop their skills and confidence, as they progress through the course. We have some inspirational industry experts lined up, who are eager to meet and train the next generation of filmmakers. It’s a great opportunity for anyone wanting to start a film career, learn practical skills and make industry connections.”
The course is one strand of BFI Film Academy’s wider UK-wide offer, backed by increased UK Government funding from DCMS and ongoing BFI National Lottery Good Cause funding, providing a free, flexible ladder of progression into the screen industries for 16-25 year olds across every nation and region of the UK.
Aunty Social are looking for 13 young people aged 16-19 to join the Blackpool course, starting this October. It’s fully subsidised so nobody is excluded due to cost, with travel and meal support available for those who need it. No experience is required — just a love of film and a passion for filmmaking.
Applications are open until Friday 25 September. Apply here.
