BFI Film Academy Leeds returns for its 5th year to develop the next generation of Yorkshire’s film industry talent

Press Release issued on bahalf of Leeds Film

The BFI Film Academy Leeds delivered by Leeds Young Film, Beta Filmworks and Access Moving Image is a fantastic opportunity for young people aged 16-19 from West Yorkshire to develop the knowledge and skills to make a career in film a reality. The programme is open to anyone not studying at university.

The course aims to help train and inspire the next generation of British filmmakers, supporting committed young people to develop the commercial, cultural knowledge and skills to help make a career in film a reality. The BFI Film Academy offers training for every film industry role, from writing and directing through to production, sound design, editing and camera, and provides learning around film history and cinematic storytelling to inspire an appreciation of all aspects of film culture.

The accredited course runs from October to December 2016 including a week-long filmmaking project in October half-term and includes a premiere screening at Hyde Park Picture House. Participants will get to work alongside professional directors, writers, producers and actors from films such Wedding Belles, Four Lions and We Are Poets and hear from others involved in TV shows such as Humans, Outlander, Game of Thrones and Emmerdale. The most committed participants will be recommended to attend the residential BFI Talent Campus at the National Film & Television School at Easter 2017, offering an opportunity to work with top filmmakers such as Edgar Wright (director of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End, etc) to further develop their skills and progress their career.

Gage Oxley, 2014 BFI Film Academy participant said:

“The BFI Film Academy was a life-changing experience; I learned so much about filmmaking, from scriptwriting to exhibition as well as making a film that I am incredibly proud of. I made so many useful contacts, and met an entire team of like-minded people, some of whom I am already working with on my first feature film. Anyone who is serious about working in the film industry should sign up to the BFI Film Academy immediately!”

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for employment, enterprise and opportunity said: 

“Leeds has a long and storied history in film, in particular nurturing talented young film makers and supporting them as they take their first steps into the industry.

“The BFI Film Academy is a brilliant opportunity for creative young people to get some expert advice and unique experience, which could offer some crucial inspiration and guidance for those wanting to forge a career as a film maker."

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To apply go to http://www.betafilmworks.org/filmacademy/ where you can also find more information about the course

Applications open Monday 4 July 2016. Deadline is 5pm, Friday 30 September 2016

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For enquiries please contact:

Nick Jones, Communications Manager

Nick.Jones@leeds.gov.uk / 0113 247 8489

www.leedsyoungfilm.com / www.twitter.com/leedsyoungfilm / www.facebook.com/leedsyoungfilm

Notes to Editors:

• The BFI is the UK’s lead film organisation, with the ambition to create a flourishing film environment in which innovation, opportunity and creativity can thrive by; Connecting audiences to the widest choice of British and World cinema, Preserving and restoring the most significant film collection in the world for today and future generations, Investing in creative, distinctive and entertaining work, Promoting British film and talent to the world, Growing the next generation of filmmakers and audiences.

The BFI Film Academy forms a key part of the BFI’s ambitious plans to revolutionise film education for 5-19 year olds, a core aim of the BFI’s Film Forever five year plan to support the future success of UK film. Film Academy funding partners include the Department for Education in England and The National Lottery. Strategic partners include BAFTA, Creative Skillset and Pinewood Studios, helping to ensure the Academy is a gold standard film industry-focused educational programme. More information can be found here: www.bfi.org.uk/filmacademy.

• Leeds Young Film is part of Leeds City Council and runs the annual Leeds Young Film Festival every Easter for young people aged 25. Now in its 18^th year the festival includes Animation Central, the UK's only dedicated event for young people and their families to create animation and digital projects using the latest technology, The Film House live cinema experience, and the best new and classic films from around the world. Year-round LYF creates opportunities for young people to develop their creativity and education through exploration of the moving image and interactive arts, from greater access to international film culture to experience of filmmaking, school curriculum support, career development and showcasing.

• Beta Filmworks aims to engage with people and enhance their cultural experience by developing opportunities to watch, make and understand film.

• Access Moving Image (AMI) is an award winning production company based in Leeds that makes films for cinema, business and the internet. AMI is also a social enterprise set up to do exactly what the name suggests; to allow people from all walks of life – including young people, the marginalised and the ignored – access to opportunities to improve their media literacy and make films about issues that are important to them.