BFI FILM ACADEMY INTRODUCTORY COURSE

Get your first step into the film and TV industry.

A free hands-on filmmaking course for 16–19 year olds in London.

Are you passionate about film? Curious about what it takes to make a film? Or wondering what jobs actually exist behind the camera?

The BFI Film Academy Introductory Course at CTVC is a practical programme designed to give young people an insight into the screen industries, develop real filmmaking skills and connect with professional filmmakers and industry practitioners.

You don’t need to have everything figured out – and you don’t need lots of previous experience. You just need an interest in film, a willingness to get involved and a story you want to tell.

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What is the BFI Film Academy?

The BFI Film Academy is a national programme supporting young people aged 16–19 to develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the film and television industry.

As part of the BFI Film Academy London Hub, CTVC is delivering a practical Introductory Course where you’ll learn about the industry, meet people working in film and make your own short film as part of a team.

The course is free to attend.

What will you do?

You’ll get a chance to explore different parts of the filmmaking process – from coming up with an idea and planning a production, through to filming, editing and screening your finished work.

Across the course, you’ll explore:

• How films are made – from development and pre-production through to production and post-production
• Camera and lighting – get hands-on experience with professional filmmaking equipment
• Sound and post-production – discover how sound, editing and other technical processes bring a film together
• Storytelling and film development – develop ideas and work collaboratively to create a short film
• Practical filmmaking – take on roles within a production team and experience what it is like to make a film together
• The film and TV industry – understand the different roles and career pathways available across the sector
• Industry careers and masterclasses – hear directly from people working in the industry
• Sustainability in filmmaking – explore how productions can work more sustainably
• Your next steps – build your confidence, identify opportunities and think about where you could go next

You’ll finish the course with a short film you’ve helped create and a better understanding of where your skills and interests could take you.

Make a film from start to finish

The heart of the course is making a film together.

You’ll work in a production team, develop an idea, take on different roles and put your new skills into practice.

You’ll experience different stages of the filmmaking process, including:

Idea → Development → Pre-production → Filming → Editing → Screening

You’ll be supported by experienced filmmakers and practitioners throughout the process.

Meet people working in the industry

Film isn’t just directors, actors and writers.

The screen industry needs people working across hundreds of different roles – from camera, lighting and sound to production management, editing, art department, post-production, distribution and more.

You’ll meet industry professionals, explore different career pathways and hear about what it’s really like to work in the industry.

You’ll also have opportunities to ask questions, build your confidence and start developing your own professional network.

Who is the course for?

The course is for young people who:

• Are 16–19 years old
• Live, work or study in London
• Have a genuine interest in film, television or the wider screen industries
• Want to develop practical skills and learn more about careers in the industry
• Are able to commit to the full course

You don’t need previous filmmaking experience to apply.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from young people who may not have had many opportunities to access the screen industries before.

Travel support may be available for eligible participants

When is the course?

Course dates: Select dates from Saturday 14^th November – 13^th December

Sessions will include a mixture of practical workshops, industry sessions, filmmaking activity and production time.

Total course time: 35.5 hours of in-person training.

Location: Barking & Dagenham and Farringdon.

Some activities may take place at other locations in London.

What will I get from the course?

By the end of the course, you’ll have:

• Practical experience of making a short film
• Experience working as part of a production team
• An introduction to a range of film and TV careers
• Hands-on experience with filmmaking equipment and techniques
• Experience working with industry professionals
• A better understanding of the different stages of film production
• Increased confidence in communicating and collaborating with others
• A short film to add to your portfolio or showcase
• A clearer idea of your next steps into film, television and the creative industries

You’ll also become part of the wider BFI Film Academy London Hub, giving you access to further opportunities, events and activity beyond the Introductory Course.

What happens after the course?

Completing the Introductory Course is just the beginning.

As a BFI Film Academy participant, you’ll be connected to the wider BFI Film Academy London Hub, where you can continue to develop your skills, meet other young people interested in the screen industries and access further opportunities.

This can include:

• Industry events and talks
• Screenings and film activities
• Workshops and masterclasses
• Networking opportunities
• Careers and progression support
• Further opportunities through the Hub’s membership and alumni programme

Ready to get started?

If you’re 16–19, passionate about film and want to find out what it takes to work in the screen industries, we’d love to hear from you.

The course is free, but places are limited.

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Application deadline: Monday 19^th October 2026

Delivered by CTVC as part of the BFI Film Academy London Hub

The CTVC BFI Film Academy Introductory Course is delivered as part of the BFI Film Academy London Hub, a London-wide talent development programme for young people aged 16–19.

The London Hub is delivered in partnership with CTVC and other London-based screen organisations, providing opportunities for young people across London to develop their skills, build industry connections and progress towards careers in film and television.

Funded by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the National Lottery.