BFI FILM ACADEMY HARTLEPOOL
2027
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Deadline: Monday 4th January 2027
Are you aged 16-19, or 19-25 with an EHCP? 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 a BFI Film Academy Short Course in Hartlepool.
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 11 weekly sessions (mostly on Saturdays) you will:
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Produce a short film in a team.
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Learn about film theory.
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Explore production skills.
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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.
WHAT WILL YOU MAKE?
Films like this, from the 2025 BFI Academy, filmed on location at Ku Bar in Stockton
WHO WILL YOU BE WORKING WITH?
Working North East film professionals like DOPs Scott Coulter and Pete Allinson, sound recordist Phil Quinton, gaffer Kiri Nicholetts, editor John Kirkbride and production designer John Noble
WHERE AND WHEN?
All sessions will be in person, mostly on Saturdays, at The Hartlepool Art Gallery in Hartlepool. They will run from 10am to 4pm.
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January 23rd 10am-4pm
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January 30th 10am-4pm
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February 6th 10am-4pm
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February 7th 10am-4pm (Sunday)
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February 13th 10am-4pm
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February 20th 10am-4pm
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February 27th 10am-4pm
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March 6th 10am-4pm
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March 13th 10am-4pm
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March 20th 10am-4pm
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March 27th 10am-4pm
Address: Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ
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...
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Meet film professionals, such as Directors, Writers & Producers.
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Link in with organisations such as BAFTA and the BFI.
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Develop your filmmaking skills by making a short film with the support of industry professionals.
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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:
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be aged 16 to 19-years-old or 19-25 with an EHCP on the first day of the course
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be a UK resident
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have a passion or talent for filmmaking and an ambition to work in the film industry
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be able to commit to the duration of the course
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not currently be at university or enrolled at university when the course starts
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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 OR NEAR HARTLEPOOL, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER NORTH EAST COURSES AVAILABLE HERE)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Deadline: Monday 4th January 2027
