BFI Film Academy short course returns for the 14th Year!
Somerset Film’s BFI Film Academy short course is returning to Minehead!
Are you aged 16-19? Are you interested in pursuing your passion for film and seeing where it can take you? The BFI Film Academy short course is a fantastic opportunity for you and it’s coming to Minehead!
The comprehensive filmmaking course will take place over seven days starting in October. The BFI is once again partnering with Somerset Film to deliver an exciting, action-packed filmmaking experience for young creatives in Somerset!
This is an excellent first step on the ladder for young, aspiring filmmakers looking to work in the film and media industry. The cohort will make films, receive masterclasses from industry professionals and receive career support, with the option to work towards a nationally recognised Arts Award qualification. It’s also a great opportunity to find out about the many and varied roles in the film industry; from set design to electrical, from finance to casting.
Previous guest speakers include 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, Producer and Director for adverts, music videos and documentaries and as a Sustainability Coordinator for Warner Brothers and Apple TV.
Other guest speakers have included James Holcombe, a 16mm filmmaker, Catherine Goldschmidt BSC, Cinematographer who has worked on House of Dragon, Dr Who and Renegade Nell plus Harry Potter Editor Mick Audsley, award-winning filmmaker Sophie Littman and filmmaker Stephanie Castelete-Tyrrell.
“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 several exciting projects, including an advert for Save the Children and the Oscar-shortlisted short filmGood Boy.”
- Max Chorley, BFI Film Academy Alumni
“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 in this course about all sorts of different roles and topics in the industry, which has helped guide me to where I am today.” Grace Morgan, BFI Film Academy Alumni and Somerset Film Trustee.
Somerset Film also have equipment to support those with disabilities. The course dates are: Saturday 18th, Saturday 25th, Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th, Friday 31st October and Saturday 8th November, from 10am to 5pm daily. You do not need to be studying media to apply. The application deadline is 11pm on Monday 6th October 2025: https://www.somersetfilm.com/bfi
BFI Film Academy courses are supported by the Department for Education in England and the National Lottery.