BFI Film Academy North West Hub
BFI Film Academy North West is delivered by HOME supported by the UK Government and National Lottery Funding
What is the BFI Film Academy?
BFI Film Academy is a free, UK-wide training programme for 16-25 year olds looking to get started in the film and TV industry. It offers a hands-on, collaborative filmmaking experience, with a strong focus on developing technical and transferable skills.
What is the BFI Film Academy North West Hub?
BFI Film Academy Hubs provide a welcoming local space for young people aged 16 to 25 to develop skills, meet industry professionals and access career support.
Delivered across the UK, hubs offer hands-on introductory film courses, networking opportunities and personalised support, helping young people build skills, confidence and connections in the industry. Through year-round activities and dedicated support, local hubs provide an ongoing pathway into film, TV and the wider screen industries.
There's plenty of BFI Hubs across the North West
HOME
BFI Film Academy HOME
BFI Film Academy is a flagship film project at HOME for 16 – 19 year olds who are passionate about film. Participants will work with a range of film industry professionals learning everything about film from commissioning, production, post-production, distribution and more. Applications for the Film Academy open soon. Find Out More
Aunty Social
Touchstones
Touchstones is Rochdale’s premier arts and heritage venue situated in a Grade 2 listed building in the heart of Rochdale. Currently undergoing a refurbishment, the new revitalised space will reflect and celebrate creativity in Rochdale.
We are passionate about working with local people, coming together with new and diverse communities as equal creative partners on the creation of new artwork, the curation of public programmes and the research, interpretation and growth of our collections.
Our aim to be more relevant in the lives of local people, harnessing art to strengthen our communities, improve our health and wellbeing and bring us all joy.
FACT
FACT is the UK’s leading centre for art, film and the creative use of technology. Located in the heart of Liverpool city centre, FACT creates transformative experiences that spark the imagination and enrich lives. Home to three art galleries, four cinema screens and a Studio/Lab for artists, the centre provides platforms and opportunities for people to create, learn, experience and make sense of the world today. Find Out More
SIGNAL FILM & MEDIA
Signal Film & Media is an award-winning charity providing creative film and digital media activities from our venue, Cooke’s Studios, based in Barrow-in-Furness.
Since 2001 we have provided a unique resource for 1000’s of people of all ages and backgrounds to access free facilities, professional tutoring and hands-on experience in film and creative digital media.
Want to know more about the BFI Film Academy Offer? Take a look at the BFI Website
BFI Alumni Programme
Being part of BFI Film Academy doesn’t end when your course finishes.
Our Alumni Programme is here to help you keep building your skills, make new connections and take your next steps into the film and TV industry. Whether you’re looking for practical experience, advice from people already working in the industry or simply the chance to meet other emerging filmmakers, there will be opportunities throughout the year to get involved.
Monthly online sessions
Join us online each month for masterclasses, workshops and conversations with people working across film and TV.
Sessions will cover the things that can make a real difference when you’re starting out – from finding your first opportunities and building a strong CV to networking, freelancing, managing your finances and understanding how the industry works.
They’re also a chance to ask questions, hear directly from industry professionals and stay connected with the wider BFI Film Academy community.
Get hands-on industry experience
We want to help alumni experience what working in film and TV is really like.
Through our partners, there will be opportunities to shadow people working behind the scenes on productions and projects, giving you the chance to see different roles in action, learn from professionals and discover where your interests might take you.
Some opportunities may involve travel, and support with travel and accommodation will be available where needed. We can also provide additional support to help make opportunities as accessible as possible.
Meet people and build your network
Throughout the programme, alumni from across the North West will have opportunities to come together in person.
These events will include industry talks, practical workshops and opportunities to meet filmmakers, crew and other BFI Film Academy alumni.
Events will take place in different locations across the North West, helping you build connections and access opportunities closer to home – not just in London.
Shaped by our alumni
We’ve spoken to BFI Film Academy alumni about what would help them most as they take their next steps.
They told us they wanted practical career advice, opportunities to meet other people in the industry, a mix of online and in-person activities, support for freelance careers and – most importantly – more chances to gain hands-on experience.
That feedback is helping us shape a programme designed around what emerging filmmakers actually need.
Upcoming Masterclasses
| Date | Time | Session |
| 11/11/2026 | 18:00-20:00 | The range of roles available in the screen industries |
| 09/12/2026 | 18:00-20:00 | Environmental sustainability on set |
| 13/01/2027 | 18:00-20:00 | Mental health & wellbeing |
| 10/02/2027 | 18:00-20:00 | CV workshops and portfolio building |
| 10/03/2027 | 18:00-20:00 | The skills and capabilities needed to be a successful freelancer |
To join the programme you'll need to apply. Complete the application* form below and we'll be in touch soon.
*Applications open shortly.
