THE British Film Institute (BFI) is seeking young people aged 16-19 to gain film-making skills and make a short film. A BFI Film Academy Bradford course, funded the Department for Education and the National Lottery, runs from January 30 on Saturdays, and daily from February 15-19.

The course prepares for career roles in screen industries such as directors, producers and storyboard artists, covering all the film-making process, from coming up with a short film idea to remotely working with a crew and editing in post-production. Guest speakers include industry professionals.

Once students have completed the Academy Short Course, they will join the growing BFI Film Academy alumni, giving opportunities to access more courses and training opportunities throughout the UK helping to boost their chances of breaking into the screen industries.

Zoe Naylor, from Reel Solutions who deliver the Academy in Bradford says: "We're delighted to be delivering this BFI Film Academy course again this year. More than ever, those additional opportunities for talented young people to develop their knowledge and skills in the screen industries can really help give them an advantage when starting new careers and enables us to continue to support local talent.

Film and TV production is still happening within Covid secure guidelines and Yorkshire continues to be a key player in producing a raft of high quality screen content. Safety is our top priority and the Bradford Academy will be delivered solely online for participants this year owing to the pandemic. Some of the UK’s top industry professionals have been very generous with their time and have offered to support participants online. It’s an amazing opportunity for any young person interested in film and TV to put a positive spin on lockdown and learn key filmmaking skills from the best in the business including how to work with a professional film crew remotely – a new skill which even professionals are learning right now."

* Applications are open until Monday January 18. Visit reelsolutions.co.uk/index.php/bfi-film-academy/bfi-film-academy-bradford