BFI Film Academy – Animation and VFX Specialist Programme – online

This project is now closed until the next round opens in Nov 2021

This is a high-level national talent development project for 16-19 year olds. It’s organised by the BFI and is for Animation & Video Effects.

Back for the 8th year now and building on the impressive success of past graduates. We are delighted to be offering this unique opportunity to help talented young people make a real difference to their skills and industry experience. We are especially pleased to be partnering with; Munky, City & Islington College and the London International Animation Festival: all leaders in their field.

Forty young people from around the UK will be invited to join the specialist academy. This year, due to the pandemic, the course will be entirely online. There will be a number of pre academy sessions with the main week running over the spring half term.
We use an Early Bird application system – apply early and increase your chances of acceptance. Also please note students currently at University can NOT apply. The cost ranges from £0 to £50 – a generous bursary scheme ensures that costs will not prevent any filmmaker from taking part. Visit the Bursary scheme to find out more.

During the course you will:
• Make an animated film or VFX sequence
• Be offered bespoke careers and training sessions
• Build your professional on-line portfolio
• Work with BAFTA winning industry specialists to hone your skills
• Understand how to find work and training in this sector
• Develop your understanding of film-making language
• Receive 6 months follow up careers and training support
• . . . . . . . . . . have a fantastic time

Equipment – You will be sent everything you need to participate; laptops, cameras, and sound recording kits- etc

FAQ – We have put together answers to the most common questions we have been asked, go here for more information.

Dates for the project are:
Applications open now
Deadline for returned applications:  11th December 2020 – 5pm
Applicants informed of decision by:  18th December 2020

Pre-production sessions: 10-3pm
Saturday  16th Jan 2021
Saturday  23rd Jan
Saturday  30th Jan
Saturday  6th Feb

Production week: 10-5pm
Monday 15th – Friday 19th February 2021

Screening – 27th Feb – 5pm

Course promo

Films from last year
Specialist course promo

Other Specialist courses
This scheme is part of a national talent program. There are three other one week specialist courses and one two week course. All the one week courses run in the spring half term and the 2 week one runs over Easter.

Animation – Calling the shots – Bristol (1 week)
Documentary – CTVC – London (1 week)
Screenwriting – Tyneside Cinema (1 week)
Craft Skills – NFTS – Beaconsfield (2 weeks)
See main BFI page