BFI Film Academy announces Ipswich course for young film makers

The BFI Film Academy have released details of their latest course – to be based at the Ipswich Waterfront Innovation Centre, University of Suffolk campus, for the first time. The course will offer training for every film industry role, from writing and directing through to production, sound design, editing and camera. The Academy aims to help train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers by supporting talented and committed 16-19 year old’s to develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a career in film a reality.

The course syllabus provides learning around film history and cinematic storytelling to inspire an appreciation of film culture in the round. Professor Mohamed Abdel-Maguid, Dean of East, University of Suffolk comments “‘We are very pleased to be the home for this year’s BFI Film Academy, Suffolk. Film and visual media have become part of our way of life and offering Suffolk young people an opportunity to develop their skills and demonstrate their talents is a big part of our mission. We have just completed a million-pound project to modernise our film and media studios and have begun development of the DigiTech Centre”

The course is delivered in conjunction with local production company Creative Nation. Director Alice Whitney explains “We are really excited to be delivering this course at University of Suffolk in Ipswich in the new year. They are providing us with outstanding facilities and a really inspiring environment; we are also excited to explore a new course structure for Ipswich in that we will be getting together at weekends, rather than during half term. We hope that this helps more young people benefit from the course” Alice continues, “the participants produced incredible films last year and we had a truly inspirational time together. We cannot wait to see what we make together this year!”

Courses with Creative Nation are also currently available in Norfolk and the Ipswich course will also be available to young people across both counties, “If you run a youth group or work in a school, we are also available to come in and present film academy and help with applications over the upcoming weeks. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a session” Alice continues.

The course takes a hands-on approach to film-making through a combination of workshops and practical skills development. Finally, after action-packed weekends, the cast and crew, friends and family are invited to enjoy a premiere of the completed films. Participants also have the opportunity to gain their Bronze Arts Award.
The Ipswich course has been especially designed for young people who want to explore their interest in film. A high mentor: young film maker ratio means there are very limited places available for this fast – paced, fun and practical film challenge. Working with our award- winning industry professionals, at our film school you will embark on a whistle-stop tour of film – writing, editing, camerawork and even special effects!

Dates: Spring term 3 x weekend course, 18th-19th, 25th-26th January and 1st-2nd February 2020
Course hours: 10am to 6pm.
Location: Central Ipswich location.
Applications close: Midnight Friday 3rd January 2020.
Cost: £25 only. Bursaries and financial assistance are available.

Further information and the simple application process can be found at  www.creative-nation.co.uk/filmacademy/
More information about Bfi Film Academy is available here: https://www.bfi.org.uk/education-research
More information about Arts Award here: www.artsaward.org.uk