Writers' Block North East

BFI FILM ACADEMY

2025-26

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

We'll be back Autumn 2026

Are you aged 16-19? Do you love film? Do you want to make films and follow in the footsteps of giants like Teesside's own Ridley Scott? Are you interested in a career in the film industry?

Do you fancy getting involved in writing, directing, cinematography, producing, editing, acting, set/prop design, costume, visual effects, sound design, etc

Writers' Block North East are delighted to be running another BFI Film Academy Short Course on Teesside!

This is your chance to get involved with the UK’s most prestigious filmmaking programme for young people.

WHAT IS IT?

The BFI Film Academy helps train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers, supporting young people aged 16 to 19 to develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a career in film. Over 10 weekly sessions (mostly on Sundays) you will:

Produce a short film in a team.
Learn about film theory.
Explore production skills.
Meet film professionals.

"I have made so many connections with those I have worked with throughout the course, which will lead to future opportunities"

- 2025 Participant

WHAT DOES IT COST?

It's FREE.

WHERE AND WHEN?

All sessions will be in person, on Sundays, at The Dorman Musuem in Middlesbrough.

November 23rd 10am-4pm
November 30th 10am-4pm
December 7th, 10am-4pm
December 14th, 10am-4pm
January 4th 10am-4pm
January 11th 10am-4pm
January 18th 10am-4pm
January 25th 10am-4pm
February 1st 10am-4pm
February 8th 10am-4pm
February 15th 10am-4pm

MEET THE TEAM, SEE THE FILMS

If you'd like to meet Laura and James of Writers' Block, and see the six films made so far as part of the Teesside BFI Academy, come and join us at The Arc in Stockton on Saturday 8th November, 11am, for a special BFI Academy Short Film programme, as part of the Tees Valley International Film Festival 2025. Details here.

COURSE OUTLINE

This programme will give you the chance to be a part of writing, producing, directing and editing three short films, developing film theory and specialist production skills, fully supported by industry professionals from the North East.

On this course you will...

Meet film professionals, such as Directors, Writers & Producers.
Link in with organisations such as BAFTA and the BFI.
Develop your filmmaking skills by making a short film with the support of industry professionals.
Gain the opportunity to apply for National Residential Academies in Documentary, Animation, Visual Effects & BAFTA mentoring, which have 50% reserved places for BFI short course alumni.

"I learned skills I previously thought I wouldn’t be interested in. I got hands on experience with everything from the camera to audio equipment and the clapper board."

- 2025 Participant

WHO CAN APPLY?

In order to apply you must:

be aged 16 to 19-years-old on the first day of the course
be a UK resident
have a passion or talent for filmmaking and an ambition to work in the film industry
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

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. No academic education or degree is necessary.

COURSE ACCESSIBILITY

The BFI Film Academy encourages young people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Please email wbne2020@gmail.com to discuss any learning support or access requirements that you may have.

(IF THIS SOUNDS GREAT, BUT YOU'RE NOT BASED IN TEESSIDE, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER NORTH EAST COURSES AVAILABLE HERE)