BFI
Short Film Commission 2026
Somerset Film, supported by BFI Film Academy Network South West, is delighted to be able to offer a filmmaking commission for a young person living in Somerset, now in its fifth year!
Applications are now closed for the 2026 Short Film Commission
If you are aged under 25 and live in Somerset, then you are invited to pitch your idea to be made into a short film. This must be a short narrative fiction piece i.e. comedy or drama story (not documentary - we aim to offer this later in the year). By ‘short’ we mean a maximum five minutes*. It is free to submit your ideas, and you can submit more than one.
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You must live in the county of Somerset and be aged under 25 years by the entry deadline date. You don’t need to have any previous experience in filmmaking or scriptwriting to apply, but you must be committed to seeing your idea through to completion.
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We are looking for ideas that are achievable on the budget and timescale available. We are particularly interested in ideas that explore the current climate crisis or that reflect life in Somerset in some way. These can be serious, comedic, absurd, challenging or provocative, but they must be your original idea. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback on work that is not selected.
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If your idea is successful, you will be provided with a producer mentor, access to Somerset Film equipment and a cash budget of £400. The budget can be used for costs relating to the production of the film e.g. travel, crew, actor or location fees, costume hire, music etc
The film must be completed by 30th September 2026. The film will be showcased at a Somerset Film short film night in December. The film will be required to credit both Somerset Film and the BFI Film Academy South West Network, including Watershed, Bristol. Other conditions, such as the use of copyright-free music or licensed music only, will apply. Full guidelines will be given to the successful filmmaker.
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Complete an online application form and attach either a script or an outline of your idea (sometimes called a treatment**) by midnight on June 12th 2026.
If the script idea is properly formatted then one page of scripted dialogue is typically one minute of screen time.
** this should include a summary of the story and key characters. It should be no longer than two pages.
Please label your file with the script title and nothing else. Don’t include your name on the script as these will be sent to the judges for them to read and they will not be told who has written it.
Only the idea is judged and on the following criteria:
The originality of the idea.
The strength of the idea.
How achievable is it, based on the timeframe and budget available.
Does it meet one of our preferred themes: Life in Somerset / Climate crisis.
Applications are now closed for the BFI Film Academy short courses 25/26. We hope to have more news about this years‘ offer soon. In the meantime, the information below outlines what has been delivered to date.
BFI Film Academy offers opportunities to get to know more about film and how to forge a career in the screen industries. As a student on the BFI Film Academy short course, you’ll gain hands-on filmmaking experience, receive masterclasses from industry professionals, and work alongside professional filmmakers to develop practical knowledge and skills. You’ll get to make two short films, watch films, receive career signposting, with the option to work towards a nationally recognised Arts Award qualification!
We welcome and encourage applications from people; with disabilities, who are LGBTQIA+, from lower socio-economic backgrounds, from ethnically diverse communities, and from other disadvantaged groups. We want to prioritise people under-represented in our workforce and in the industry. Bursaries are available for travel and other expenses such as care or support costs.
Eligibility for short courses, in order to apply you must:
be aged 16 to 19-years-old on the first day of the course (applicants who are in receipt of an EHC plan (an education, health and care plan) may be recruited up to 25 years old)
be a UK resident
have a passion or talent for filmmaking and an ambition to work in the screen industries
be able to commit to the duration of the course
not currently be at university or enrolled at university when the course starts
not have previously enrolled on a BFI Film Academy course
BFI Film Academy offers opportunities for ambitious 16-25 year olds, anywhere in the UK, to get to know more about film and how to forge a career in the screen industries.As each course is likely to have more people apply than available places, any evidence you have of your passion or talent will help your application. Every course is open to young people from anywhere in the UK and from any background. No academic education or degree is necessary. We are unable to give feedback on submitted applications.
Previous masterclass speakers include Harry Potter Editor Mick Audsley, Award winning Filmmaker Sophie Littman and Filmmaker and Company Founder Stephanie Castelete-Tyrrell. James Holcombe, a 16mm filmmaker and photochemical film production. Catherine Goldschmidt BSC, Cinematographer who has worked on House of Dragon, Dr Who and Renegade Nell. Jeremy DeCoursey, who was the Locations Manager for the recent TV series Lockwood & Co and has worked on feature films such as The Batman, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Paddington and Fast & Furious 6. Lily Limmer, who was a Sustainability Coordinator for Warner Brothers and Apple TV.
Funded by the UK government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and National Lottery. This programme is part of the BFI Film Academy Short Course, South West Consortium. A BFI funded programme led by Watershed in partnership with Somerset Film, City Eye and Screen Cornwall.
“When my friends in film ask for advice on where to start in the industry, I always refer them to the BFI Film Academy.”
- Sam
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The BFI Film Academy course I went on, for me at least, was a turning point in my career, as college was an environment where I learnt a lot of theory and contextual side of film. The BFI gave me an opportunity to learn about the practical side of the industry works and how I can thrive in it.
I was introduced to new roles in the industry I have not learnt about before and I’m now pursuing to this day. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who have similar goals to you is one of the most benefiting environment I’ve encountered in my career.
Through the BFI I’ve had amazing opportunities, some of have been freelancing jobs, and I am now employed under Warner Brothers because of the BFI Alumni signposting and support. When some of my friends in film ask for advice on where to start in the industry, I always refer them to the BFI as it is The smoothest transition into the industry that I have encountered.
I have worked for Warner Brothers starting off as a Covid Marshall on a major motion picture in London, this means I’ll be taken care of 40 SA’s to provide a safe and calming environment. This should hopefully help me get to know a lot of people on set very well and climb the ladder of the industry. One day I wish to become a First Assistant Director, a role I only became aware of because of the BFI.
I've achieved my first film credit on the feature film ‘Mickey 17’!
“I have hugely benefited from attending the BFI Film Academy, not only from the skills I was taught, but the confidence and
motivation they passed on to me.”
- Rosie
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My experience with the BFI Film Academy was amazing and will forever be some of my fondest memories. I attended the academy in October 2016 at Somerset Film, because I was studying photography, drama and creative media production for A Levels and I wanted to explore the world of filmmaking. The academy brought all these interests together and ignited my passion for filmmaking. Over the course, we worked through every stage of creating a film from writing, producing, filming, editing, and releasing the final product. The team at Somerset Film made the process entertaining and fascinating. Because of that course, I fell in love with the industry and the career I wanted to pursue.
With a lot of support from the BFI Film academy, I went on to attend the BFI craft residential academy held at the National Film and Television school (NFTS) in London. On that residential, I was able to apply all the skills I learnt from the academy as I worked with my group to create a short film which was premiered at BFI Southbank.
I then went on to be a production intern at a film company in London and working as a bursary student at Somerset Film where I had opportunity to assist on the 2018 BFI Film Academy.
I also have studied for a degree in Creative Writing with The Open University part time so to help me enhance my scriptwriting skills while also having the time to work on my career. Furthermore, I have constantly made films and videos from professional successful ones to silly personal ones I kept making people laugh.
This is all led to my current position of Learning Advisor at NHS Somerset Foundation Trust. Now, this may not sound like a filmmaking role, but it is! I work in the Learning and Development department of the trust and my role is creating learning resources. This is mainly making videos and films such as training videos, role plays, promotional films. These films range from professional and educational to inspiring and emotional, so I am constantly using my creativity. I have work with NHS staff to a create an engaging video from their prompt/idea and for every project, I use the nearly the exact same process I learnt at the BFI Film Academy in 2016.
So, I have hugely benefited from attending the BFI Film Academy, not only from the skills I was taught, but the confidence and motivation they passed on to me. There are millions of opportunities in filmmaking so you can pursue it as a career. I have had so many wonderful opportunities and I have lots of more in future, all because of the BFI Film Academy.
“I had such an amazing time during the BFI Film Academy. I wanted to learn more about the process of filmmaking and writing for my college media course, and ended up with my own film, plus more to work on after the course had ended!”
- Jasmine
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Although we were online due to the COVID pandemic, I had such an amazing time during the BFI Film Academy. I wanted to learn more about the process of filmmaking and writing for my college media course, and ended up with my own film, plus more to work on after the course had ended! I made amazing connections, including Deb and Laura from Somerset Film, who have helped me with several film projects I have written since.
Almost 5 years later, I am in my final year at MetFilm School, London, and still loving the film experience! I have developed my skills as a director and producer, but I hope to continue my career path as a screenwriter for TV!
I have just finished directing a proof of concept for a sitcom, and am writing a pilot for another!
“Since completing the BFI Film Academy short course delivered by Somerset Film in 2023, I have found a real passion for both directing and producing, as I thrive and enjoy the problem-solving involved in the roles. Somerset Film has been a massive part of my life for 2 years. They have helped me develop as a filmmaker.”
- Toby
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Before I attended BFI Film Academy, I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker as I always had an interest in the creative industry from a young age. At age 10, I wanted to be a Theatre Director. After undergoing multiple operations and recovering in the hospital, my love for stop-motion grew, at age 12 I wanted to be an Animator, after watching the Laika stop-motion movie ‘Missing Link’, then aged 14 I wanted to be a Film Director.
During the BFI Film Academy short course, I created two short films while working with new people, which was an amazing opportunity to both make new friends and develop my skills as a filmmaker.
My biggest highlight was properly meeting the aspiring Director of Photography (DoP), James Eastaugh, on the course. Following the course, we both went on to the National Film and Television School for their NFTS Academy residential course, where we worked on a short film, which I was the Producer and Jame the Editor. James is my preferred DoP to work with for film projects where I am the Director or Producer, as we have a great working relationship, often in sync.
I was awarded the Somerset Film 2024 Young Person Short Film Commission to produce my short film ’Expectations’, which I wrote and directed.
For the project, James was the DoP, and Tai Pitman was Editor, who is my preferred editor after working on several films together over the last couple of years. I found part of my crew through returning to the BFI Film Academy short course, where I documented the behind-the-scenes as part of my college project. I met Lois, who undertook the role of 1st Assistant Director, and Samia, who undertook the role of 1st Assistant Camera.
It was an absolutely amazing experience, ‘Expectations’ wrapped in July. The short film had a very nice review from TV Showrunner David Weil. I am currently entering ‘Expectations’ into Film Festivals.
Since completing the BFI Film Academy short course delivered by Somerset Film in 2023, I have found a real passion for both directing and producing, as I thrive and enjoy the problem-solving involved in the roles.
Somerset Film has been a massive part of my life for 2 years. They have helped me develop as a filmmaker with access to professional film equipment, awarding me the 2024 Short Film Commission, and always welcoming when I just come in to say “Hi”.
They also supported me when I was selected for the camera crew on the Project Paradiso Young Film Academy. I received one-to-one technical support to develop my camera knowledge and practical skills further.
Over the last year, I have been a Gaffer (Lighting) on two short films, one of which was ‘Mimic’, by Director Nils Megret-Leader. The other short film was ’Coercion’, which was directed by Project Paradiso Co-Star Oli Flinn, who also starred in my ‘Jurassic Somerset’ short film.
I am now studying Television & Film Production at Falmouth University to pursue my interest in directing, producing and editing. My aim for the future is to be a High-end Television Director and Producer.
For what’s next for me, I am in the development phase for producing a detective thriller short film for one of my two NFTS Academy residential. Along with producing another short film, ‘Bargain with a Bullet’ with Director Zack Fisher. I am in the early pre-production phase for the short film ‘Dyplasia’, shooting in April 2026, for which I will take the role of Director.
Summer 2026 will be heading back to Italy with James as DoP to produce a film from Director Emilio Gritti Morlacchi. Then film the second instalment of ‘Dead on Air’, a short film trilogy. Alongside writing scripts and editing my personal projects in my free time.
Short Film Credits:
‘The Studio’ - role Producer
‘No Evil’ - role Producer
‘Bargain with a Bullet’ - role Producer
‘G.L.A.D.I.S’ - role Camera Crew
‘Silent Love’ - roleProducer and 1st Assistant Director
‘Jurassic Somerset’ role Director
Part One ‘Dead on Air’ - Producer & 1st Assistant Director
‘Six Seconds’ - role Producer
‘Expectations’ - role Writer, Director and Producer
“BFI Film Academy helped me with my application to Weymouth College to study a diploma in Film and Television. More importantly, it reinvigorated and refuelled my dreams of turning filmmaking into a career.” - Lily
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I attended the BFI Film Academy in 2016, at The Engine Room. I was fervently seeking any film-related opportunities I could get my hands on at the time, and I was over the moon when I received an email informing me I had been accepted onto the programme. From start to finish it was both an incredibly fun and valuable experience. It was also where I made my first ever group project! After years of making my little sister play dead bodies in horror movies set on my Dad's building sites, it was thrilling to carry out a role as part of a bigger team.
Practically speaking the programme helped me with my application to Weymouth College to study a diploma in Film and Television. More importantly, it reinvigorated and refuelled my dreams of turning filmmaking into a career. The programme was one of the first times I had met anyone who was paid to make movies. I thought, okay cool, if they can do it, why not me?
After university, I worked as a Sustainability Officer at Apple TV, and then a Sustainability Coordinator at Warner Brothers on a TV series and feature film respectively. These were production based roles (the team responsible for keeping the money moving and making everything happen) where I was responsible for assessing the most destructive production processes (generators, travel, fabric and paints, waste, food and all of that fun stuff), devising a plan to reduce their impact and then carrying them out (sometimes successfully!). I worked with various shooting departments and other more boring people like legal teams, accountants and BAFTA. Any plans I concocted, I would have to fight to get approved and funded by producers and studio execs. I now work at a small production company as a producer/ director of adverts, music videos and documentaries.
“It opened my eyes to the impact of editing and how each individual will make something different from yourself. Skip to the present day and I'm now editing Factual TV shows. I think the BFI Film Academy left its impression on me.” - Max
“Through networking on this course, I had the opportunity to gain work experience as a Location Marshall for a production called ‘Black Cake’ which was being filmed in Wales. It was truly an amazing experience, which solidified for me that I definitely want to get in the film industry.” - Morgan
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I was lucky enough to be accepted into the BFI Film Academy with Somerset Film in October 2022. I learnt so much from it and met some lovely, like-minded people, some of who I’m still in contact with. This course has helped me grow as an individual and fuelled my passion and motivation further.
Through networking on this course, I had the opportunity to gain work experience as a Location Marshal for a production called ‘Black Cake’ which was being filmed in Wales. It was truly an amazing experience, which solidified for me that I definitely want to work in this industry.
After BFI Film Academy, they signpost you opportunities specifically for BFI Alumni. Through this, I applied for the National Film and Television School (NFTS) Craft Residential in Production Design, which I attended in April 2023. This course helped me discover what areas of the film industry I’m interested in pursuing a career in.
Since then, I have been working on many Film and High-End TV productions as a Locations Marshal such as Young Sherlock, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, The Other Bennet Sister and Masters of The Universe to name a few.
I intend to pursue a career in the Locations department, none of which would have been possible if it weren’t for attending the BFI Short Course back in 2022!
I cannot recommend Somerset Film enough. Laura and Deb have been absolutely fantastic and extremely supportive over the years!
“The first day was a invaluable, learning how to use the equipment, sharing ideas, then creating a short film in a small group to screening it just few hours after.”
- Ben
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My first interaction with Somerset Film was through BFI Film Academy which they ran on the weekends in Bridgwater. The academy worked well with college and work commitments. The first day was a invaluable, learning how to use the equipment, sharing ideas, then creating a short film in a small group to screening it just few hours after.
I am currently studying Creative Digital and Graphic Design degree at the University Centre Somerset, part of the course requires 60 hours work experience which was completed with Somerset Film at The Engine Room. I always knew I could contact Somerset Film in the future after completing the BFI Film Academy. I didn’t know what to expect, but there’s been so much to get involved with during my work experience placement; running a live green screen activity, analogue filmmaking, cameraless filmmaking, writing film reviews and digitising 8mm film. I also submitted a script idea for a short film commission callout. I developed my knowledge of editing with Final Cut Pro, along with my photography skills through a photoshoot with Daniel, Somerset Film Creative Technologist and Kate, Somerset Film Board of Trustee.
Being in a workplace rather than a university environment has been really beneficial for me. I feel more connected to Somerset Film, and it’s given me more opportunities for the future, it was nice to come back.
“I learned a lot on this course about all sorts of different roles and topics in the industry, which has helped guide me to where I am today.
I really couldn’t recommend this course enough!”
- Grace
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The BFI Film Academy short course helped me connect with other local young filmmakers. It also helped me to confirm what roles I was interested in pursuing. I learned a lot on this course about all sorts of different roles and topics in the industry, which has helped guide me to where I am
today.
I had such a positive, welcoming and inspiring experience on the BFI Film Academy short course. All the tutors were so informative and professional, helping me to navigate and understand what was a very new side of the industry to me at the time.
Although it was all online due to COVID-19, I still feel like I had so many learning opportunities available to me. I feel this situation actually helped me to think more creatively and outside the box, as we were quite restricted in terms of locations and actors when making our films.
I really enjoyed all the workshops, film screenings and script meetings too. Everything was so in-depth and well taught. I really couldn’t recommend this course enough!
After completing the BFI Film Academy short course, Somerset Film gave me valuable and honest feedback on my short film scripts and edits, which greatly helped me going forward.
During the Summer of 2021, I shot my first short film ‘On My Level.’ Somerset Film really helped and supported me throughout the whole process and were always happy to offer me some help and advice. They even let me screen my finished film to the cast, crew, family and friends at The Engine Room.
Most recently I have wrapped on directing another short film ‘She Will Play On’ and am currently in pre-production on my next short ‘DNR’. Somerset Film has continued to support and mentor me throughout the last few years on all my projects so far, which I am so grateful for.
I continued to pursue writing and directing, and am now also beginning to take on script supervising.
“The BFI Film Academy course was very beneficial for me, I gained experience in every element of production in a non-judgemental environment. I learnt everything from how to storyboard, to how to operate a camera, and then how to colour grading the footage!”
- Imogen
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Hi, my name is Imogen and I did the BFI Film Academy course with Somerset Film in 2019.
I’m currently in my 3rd year at Falmouth University studying Television, where I am producing a short film called ‘Bell Tolls’, along with producing and directing a series of short adverts for independent businesses in Falmouth.
Taking part in the BFI Film Academy course with Somerset Film helped me hugely when applying to university as I had experience that I wasn’t able to get from college.
When I graduate I hope to eventually become a Production Manager, as I love to organise things and be apart of the pre-production process.
The BFI Film Academy course was very beneficial for me, I gained experience in every element of production in a non-judgemental environment. I learnt everything from how to storyboard, to how to operate a camera, and then how to colour grading the footage! Not only did I gain lots of knowledge from this course, but I got to meet so many inspiration people who were already in the industry, while working and make connections with people who had the same interests and creative passion as me!
“Taking part in the BFI Film Academy with Somerset Film was one of the most important steps I took early in my filmmaking journey.
Since then, I’ve worked on a number of exciting projects, including an advert for Save the Children and the Oscar-shortlisted short film Good Boy.”
- Max
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Taking part in the BFI Film Academy with Somerset Film was one of the most important steps I took early in my filmmaking journey. The course gave me hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and the chance to collaborate with others just as passionate about film as I was. It gave me real insight into the industry, from writing, shooting, editing, and final screening, and it opened my eyes to the wide range of careers available in film and TV. The course was hands-on and involved using industry-standard equipment and software, which at the time was a first for me.
The team at Somerset Film were incredibly supportive and inspiring. They created a space where creativity was encouraged, and every idea felt valued. Their mentorship and the mentorship from the industry professionals involved in the course helped me grow in confidence, refine my skills, and understand what professional standards looked like in real productions.
After BFI Academy, I chose to pursue a degree in Film Production and Cinematography at Bournemouth University while also working freelance on the side as an events videographer.
Since then, I’ve worked on a number of exciting projects, including an advert for Save the Children and the Oscar-shortlisted short film Good Boy. Each experience continues to teach me more about the industry, and I always find myself drawing back on what I learned during my time at BFI Film Academy.
Previous Short Films Commissioned
Thanks to the support from BFI Film Academy South West and Watershed, for helping us to commission another young filmmaker to produce an original short film!
We are proud to announce that Glastonbury-based filmmaker Melissa McCusker has been selected for a 2025 Short Film Commission. Melissa’s original script, titled ‘False Premises’, stood out among strong competition and is now entering pre-production, with the completed short film set to premiere in December 2025.
As part of the commission, Melissa receives a £500 production budget, mentoring from an experienced filmmaker, and access to professional filmmaking equipment provided by Somerset Film. Her finished film will be premiered at The Engine Room in Bridgwater, Somerset Film’s flagship community media centre.
Previously, we have commissioned Bridgwater-based young filmmaker Toby Lee to produce his original script ‘Expectations’ for the 2024 Short Film Commission. It was nominated for the Best Short Film in the South West at the Dirigo International student Film Festival
Jasmine Otley was the successful 2023 Short Film Commission for her short film ‘65p’, a live action and animated short inspired by climate change. The film premiered at The Engine Room and screened at the Watershed in Bristol. Jasmine is definitely one to watch for the future.
The successful Short Film Commissions for 2022 were, filmmakers James Gardner and Ralph Hutchins - had their work screened at Scott Cinema before going on to be screened at the Watershed, Bristol and entered into film festivals around the world.
Ralph’s short film “Bonfires” has been nominated for several film awards. Along with winning the INTO FILM 2023 Winner Film of the Month
IMDB listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27393662/
If you are a young creative, we have other opportunities for you to get involved with! Twice a year, we run a Young Creatives Networking Event to help expand your network, along with our Short Film Night, where you can share and premiere your films.
