Catching Up with Alumni - Ynez Myers

Did you have experience of making films before applying to Broadway's BFI Film Academy Short Course in 2015?

“Before taking part in Broadway’s BFI Film Academy Short Course in 2015, I had a keen interest in filmmaking and watched them all of the time. I wanted to know how they were made. I was particularly interested in British drama and social realism. I was making short amateur films on my phone of the life around me. I made some of my nan and they were quite DIY but it was enough to get me started.” 

What was the experience of joining and participating in Broadway’s Short Course like for you?

“Going into the course I didn’t know what to expect, I was a bit nervous. I loved films and was excited to be on board working towards my dreams. At the time I didn't know anyone else who was interested or who had started making their own films. 

When you start the course, it emulates working on a film set but on a smaller scale, so that helped with choosing the role which fits me best as you can see what each one requires.

I’ve always wanted to be a director, so when on the course I pitched for that role amongst others as preferred options such as; assistant director or cinematographer, and successfully got my first choice - I was really happy that I could give directing a go.

I now work for a production company called - Agile Films where I production manage music videos and short films for highly recognisable names including - Lewis Capaldi, Maisie Peters and Bombay Bicycle Club! 

I’m producing now, however, directing is still my goal for my future and I’m learning along the way by observing others in action, and on shoots, I get to see first-hand the methods they use, their approaches to communication, and management of the cast and all members of the crew.”

How did participating in the BFI Film Academy Short Course impact you and your journey into the film industry?

“The course introduced me to an industry I didn’t know how to be a part of or where to start. It showed me that it was penetrable and that I could have a genuine career in the sector.

Ella is a fantastic Course Lead and she makes the industry feel more approachable. If I could sum it up, the short course opened doors for me I didn’t even know were there.

Taking part in the course surpassed the expectations I originally envisioned before I applied, it led me onto a clear path to filmmaking and inspired me to take the route I’m on now. Although during the course, Ella (Course Lead) made it clear that there are other options outside of university, taking part in the course cemented that university was the route I wanted to go down.

When you progress onto opportunities like university or working on sets as a producer or production manager, you carry the BFI Film Academy badge with you, which industry professionals and crew recognise and respect. It also helped to instil a bit of confidence in what I was doing when I first started in the industry after completing the course.”

What are the highlights of your career so far and what is next for you?

“I am currently working on my friend's short film called High Beams. I’m on board as first assistant director. We hope to shoot before the end of the year. I do also have a short documentary idea I’d like to start developing before early 2024. 

I still very much feel like a newbie to producing but fulfilling that role on my first music video was a real highlight for me. I felt quite a lot of imposter syndrome going into it, which I know is a theme and feeling amongst fellow filmmakers of all levels and skills, but by doing it - I felt a lot of growth and it helped me gain confidence to get out there.

My short film, Moth was selected and is to be shown on the big screen at Broadway for Short Stack in September! I made it two years ago and it is a very personal piece to me. I can’t wait to see it in a place that kick-started my career in the screen industry and watch the other selected filmmakers' content from across the Midlands.

I’m going to continue working where I am at Agile Films as a production manager, but I want to carry on creating, Writing and Directing my own projects on the side working with regional and national filmmaking talent.

I want to try lots of different styles, genres and mediums to find my voice. Find what feels right for me.”  

You can stay up-to-date with what Ynez is doing via their Instagram @nezzle_ and wish her all the best in her future endeavours!

BFI Film Academy Short Courses are supported by the Department for Education in England, The National Lottery, Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen