BRADFORD teenagers with a passion for film can take advantage of a prestigious new school running this autumn.

The British Film Institute's (BFI) Film Academy Bradford is one of 40 created under the latest round of £1 million funding from the Department of Education.

It will be delivered by film specialists Reel Solutions, the National Media Museum, Bradford City of Film and the University of Bradford and include sessions with top industry names, as well as offering an NCFE qualification in Preparing to Work in the Film Industry.

The Academy, which runs throughout October and November 2015, aims to train and inspire the next generation of British filmmakers, helping them develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a film career a reality.

Those taking part will work alongside industry professionals to make a short film which will be premiered at the National Media Museum and also be shown on the big screen in City Park.

Zoe Naylor from Reel Solutions said: "We’re thrilled to be delivering a BFI Film Academy in Bradford for the first time after establishing and delivering one in Leeds for the last three years.

"Reel Solutions has special ties to Bradford - many of our team have worked at the National Media Museum in the past and were also instrumental in the initial bid to achieve Bradford’s UNESCO status as City of Film.

"Bradford deserves a superb film academy and that's what we’re offering. The BFI courses really are the gold standard in film training for this age group."

Industry professionals who will be holding masterclasses include the executive producer for CBBC’s in-house drama team Connal Orton; visual effects producer Dan Barrow - who worked on blockbusters including the Harry Potter movies; storyboard illustrator Richard Smith; director and writer Clio Barnard and casting director Nicci Topping.

BFI Film Academy Bradford is one of 40 film academies for 16-to-19-year-olds nationwide.

David Wilson from Bradford City of Film said: "We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Reel Solutions to help delivery of the BFI Film Academy in Bradford. The academies are crucial in helping to develop the next generation of creative film making talent.

"I think there will be a lot of demand from 16-to-19-year-olds from right across the Bradford district, many of whom are already very proud to come from this film-loving city."

BFI Head of Education and Skills Nikki Christie added: "At the BFI we believe that while talent is everywhere, opportunity isn’t - the BFI Film Academy is designed to address that."

The cost of participating in the Academy is £25, however the fee can be dropped in some circumstances and bursaries are available for assistance with travel, childcare or other costs.

Applications open on Monday at www.reelsolutions.co.uk and close on November 28.