BFI Film Academy East Midlands
Delivered by Broadway Cinema and supported by UK Government and National Lottery funding
BFI Film Academy is a free, UK-wide training programme for young people looking to get started in the film and TV industry.
BFI Film Academy East Midlands is your local Hub, bringing together opportunities for young people aged 16–25 across the region. The Hub is led by Broadway Cinema, working with partners including QUAD in Derby, Paradigm Arts in Lincolnshire and The Core at Corby Cube in Northamptonshire.
Throughout the year, there will be opportunities to:
- Develop practical filmmaking and creative skills.
- Meet and learn from professionals working in film and TV.
- Take part in workshops, events and networking.
- Find out about different careers and routes into the industry.
- Receive support to develop your skills and career.
- Connect with other young people interested in film and TV.
- Hear about BFI Film Academy opportunities locally and nationally.
You don't need to already know what job you want to do. The Hub is here to help you explore what's possible.
Free Year-Round Membership – ages 16–25
If you're interested in finding out more about careers in film and TV, join BFI Film Academy East Midlands for free access workshops, masterclasses, networking opportunities, industry events and career support throughout the year.
Register with the Hub for free to hear about upcoming opportunities, events and activities across the East Midlands.
We want the Hub to be welcoming and accessible to young people from all backgrounds, and we particularly encourage young people who are currently underrepresented in the film and TV industry to get involved. You don't need previous filmmaking experience or qualifications to register.
Joining the Hub does not mean applying for a course. Once you're registered, we'll keep you informed about activities and opportunities happening throughout the year.
Introductory Course | ages 16–19
See yourself in the credits.
Love film and TV but not sure where you could fit in?
There’s a whole world of careers behind what you see on screen. Camera. Sound. Editing. Costume. Production. Art departments. And so much more!
The BFI Film Academy Introductory Course at Broadway Cinema gives young people aged 16–19 the chance to get hands-on, try different roles and discover what working behind the scenes in film and TV could really be like.
No previous experience needed.
What will you do?
Over 10 weeks sessions you’ll:
- explore different creative, technical and production roles
- get hands-on with camera, sound, editing and more
- meet and learn from people working in the industry
- work as part of a crew to create a short film
- discover opportunities and routes into the film and TV industry
Most importantly, you’ll get the chance to find out where you might find a place in the film industry!
When?
7 Jan 2027, 5.30PM - 7.30PM*
9 Jan 2027, 10.00AM - 1.00PM
16 Jan 2027, 10.00AM - 1.00PM
23 Jan 2027, 10.00AM - 1.00PM
30 Jan 2027, 10.00AM - 1.00PM
6 Feb 2027, 10.00AM - 1.00PM
13 Feb 2027, 10.00AM - 1.00PM
20 Feb 2027, 10.00AM - 1.00PM
27 Feb 2027, 10.00AM - 4.00PM
6 Mar 2027, 10.00AM - 4.00PM
13 Mar 2027, 10.00AM - 1.00PM
*Online session
All other sessions take place at Broadway Cinema
Who can apply?
If you're 16-19, curious about some of the more behind the scenes roles in film or TV and want to explore where it could take you, we want to hear from you. To apply, you need to:
- Be aged 16–19 on the first day of the course
- Live in the UK
- Not be at university
- Not have done a BFI Film Academy course before
- Be able to attend all the sessions
- Be registered with BFI Film Academy East Midlands HUB’s free Membership
It's completely FREE but there are only 20 places available.
Applications close Friday 20 November at 10am.
Introductory Course Timeline
- Recruitment period: Fri 25 Sept 2026 until 10am, Fri 20 Nov 2026
- Applicant notification: Mon 30 Nov 2026 (remember to check your email!)
- Deadline to confirm place: Thur 3 Dec 2026
- First session (online): Thur 7 Jan 2027
- First session (in person): Sat 9 Jan 2027
BFI Film Academy Alumni Programme
Continue developing your career through mentoring, professional development and opportunities available through the wider BFI Film Academy network.
We'll update this page with details of courses, events, workshops and other opportunities as they are announced.
