BFI Film Academy at Derry’s Nerve Centre is now open for applications.

08th July 2019 3 Minute Read

By studying all aspects of film and having award winning professionals as mentors, successful students have gone on to study, train and work in the film industry in Northern Ireland and further afield.

BFI Film Academy offers students an opportunity to work in teams to write, produce and direct original short films in an industry focused environment. Students complete masterclasses with guest professionals during the course to enhance their learning and gain an insight into the realities of working in film.

BFI Academy students have previously attended talks with directors Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire), Cannes Film Festival winner Andrea Arnold (American Honey), Jon Baird (Filth), Damien O’Donnell (East is East, Inside I’m Dancing), Producers Greg Spence (Game of Thrones), Andrew Eaton (Rush, 24 Hour Party People), Ivanna MacKinnion (Slumdog Millionaire), Chris Martin (Good Vibrations), writers Glen Leyburn, Lisa Barros D’Sa (Good Vibrations), writer Frank Cottrel Boyce (Millions, 24 Hour Party People).

Local success stories and experience play a huge part in the BFI Film Academy at the Nerve Centre with masterclasses in directing, cinematography, sound and editing and career progression previously delivered by BAFTA winner Mark McCauley (Children of War), Oscar® nominated writer Dave Duggan (Dance Lexie Dance) , BAFTA winning Sound Designer Eddy Joseph (Casino Royale, Pink Floyd’s The Wall) and BAFTA winning and Oscar® nominated producer Brian Falconer (Boogaloo & Graham) and editor Andrew Tohill  (Road).

Students that have successfully completed the BFI Film Academy become part the growing BFI Film Academy alumni network with access to Industry events and further training opportunities such as BAFTA Careers Surgery with BAFTA winning professionals in the film industry.

Participants that have completed the BFI Film Academy have gone on to gain work experience on HBO’s Game of Thrones, at the award winning Ardmore Studios, created short films for the BBC True North programme and in short and feature film productions locally since graduating.

Students from BFI Film Academy at the Nerve Centre have also attended BFI Specialist Residentials at the National Film & Television School; London and Liverpool  in Cinematography, Documentary Production, Script Writing and Animation.

Residential courses last between one and two weeks and are designed to develop more specialist filmmaking skills. Students work closely with leading industry professionals who will give you a unique insight into the filmmaking business and guide you along the way.

The deadline to apply for 2019/20 BFI Film Academy is Friday, September 20th at 5pm. 

Email [email protected] for further information.

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