Introductory Courses
Four free courses. Four different ways to explore film, TV and media. One shared starting point: your creativity
FOUR PLACES TO START. ONE BFI FILM ACADEMY EXPERIENCE.
We've partnered with four experienced organisations to deliver introductory BFI Film Academy courses across London.
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Explore different careers in film and TV
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Learn practical filmmaking skills
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Work with professional equipment
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Meet people working in the industry
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Take part in masterclasses and career sessions
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Work collaboratively to make a short film
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Develop your confidence and creative skills
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Find out what opportunities could come next
Each partner brings its own experience, people and creative environment, but all four courses follow the same introductory BFI Film Academy programme.
CHOOSE YOUR COURSE
CTVC
London BFI Film Academy at CTVC
Location: Farringdon/Barking & Dagenham
Course dates: Starts November 2026
CTVC is delivering one of the four introductory BFI Film Academy courses as part of the London Hub.
You'll learn about the different roles involved in making film and TV, develop practical filmmaking skills and work collaboratively with other young people to create a short film.
The course will give you the chance to meet industry professionals, explore different career pathways and find out what you could do next.
EASTSIDE
London BFI Film Academy at Eastside
Location: Enfield / Newham / Shoreditch
Course dates: Starts November 2026
Eastside is delivering one of the four introductory BFI Film Academy courses from its London base.
You'll explore how film and TV is made, develop practical skills, meet industry professionals and work with other young people to create your own work.
FILM & VIDEO WORKSHOP
London BFI Film Academy at Film & Video Workshop
Location: Croydon
Course dates: Starts February 2027
Film & Video Workshop is delivering one of the four introductory BFI Film Academy courses in Croydon.
You'll get hands-on experience, explore different roles in film and TV, develop your filmmaking skills and work as part of a creative team.
SILVER KNIGHT
London BFI Film Academy at Silver Knight
Location: Brent
Course dates: Starts February 2027
Silver Knight is delivering one of the four introductory BFI Film Academy courses in Brent.
You'll learn by doing, develop practical filmmaking skills, meet people working in the industry and work with other young people to create a short film.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Get hands-on with filmmaking and develop practical skills alongside experienced practitioners.
LEARN BY DOING
EXPLORE CAREERS
Discover the huge range of creative, technical and production roles that help bring film and TV to life.
MEET THE INDUSTRY
Hear from people working in film and TV, ask questions and find out about their experiences and career journeys.
Work together with other young people to plan, film and edit a short film, supported by working professionals.
MAKE SOMETHING
THINK ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT
You'll explore future opportunities and create a personal development plan to help you take your next step.
SEE YOUR WORK ON THE BIG SCREEN
At the end of the programme, introductory course participants will have the opportunity to screen their work at a London cinema in front of invited guests.
WHICH COURSE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
The programme is the same, so you can choose the course that's right for you based on location, dates and the organisation you'd like to learn with.
You don't need previous filmmaking experience.
You don't need to know which job you want to do.
And you don't need to have made a film before.
Just bring your interest in film and TV, your ideas and your enthusiasm to learn.
APPLICATIONS OPEN SOON
Applications for the 2026–27 introductory courses will open in late August / early September 2026.
Courses are free to attend and will take place between November 2026 and February 2027.
Places are limited, so make sure you check the four courses and choose the one that's right for you.