Six Screenwriters selected for the second BFI Film Academy have just completed an exciting Writers Weekend Retreat at the NFTS.
They were given support from NFTS Screenwriting tutor Brian Ward and six NFTS screenwriting MA graduates to develop their selected treatment into full short film scripts.
The weekend also included a master class with Writer Bola Agbaje and Director Destiny Ekaragha whose feature film ‘Gone Too Far’ premiered at the London Film Festival this year.
The six scripts will now be used as the basis for the films made by participants selected for the Craft Skills Residential held at the NFTS next Easter 2014. The two-week Easter residential will take place from 6-17 April 2014 at the NFTS and at Lane End Conference centre nearby in High Wycombe, with a pre-weekend residential of activities on 15 and 16 March at the same venues.
Click here to apply for the two week Easter residential in 2014.
Participants aged 16-19 on last year’s course enjoyed entertaining Masterclasses with directors such as Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) who made his first films at the age of 13 and Director Eran Creevey (Shifty, Welcome to the Punch)– and had tutorials with Cinematographer Brian Tufano (Billy Elliot, Trainspotting) among many others.
They were also given training in production management, working with actors, cinematography, sound, film business as well as workshops with Producer Rebecca O’Brien (The Angels' Share, Spirit of 45), Production Design with Max Berman (Tinker Tailor..., Game of Thrones), Composition with Nathan Johnson (Brick, Looper). Participants also visited BAFTA, the BFI National Film Archive, the National Gallery and Pinewood Studios.
Their films were shown at the British Film Institute on London’s Southbank followed by a networking opportunity with talent spotters from the film and television industry.
Here’s what some of the last year’s participants on the NFTS Craft Residential said about their experience:
Charley Packham: "Following my experience of the BFI/NFTS Residential, 'Cha Cha Cha' the film I co-produced as part of this, was selected for screening at The British Urban Film Festival and Portobello Film Festival, which were both incredible to attend. This Summer the BFI alumni officer secured me a work placement with 'September Films' where I was involved in developing programmes for BBC and ITV and was asked back after my placement ended in a paid position staging a run-through for the ITV daytime commissioner at ITV studios in London. I am currently working with production company White Lantern to launch a BFI regional academy in Bournemouth where I study Television Production at University and am in early pre-production stages as producer for a short film based on a Michael Morpurgo short story. I now also work freelance for The Smalls after an internship this summer.
“The NFTS residential course did not just help to get my 'foot in the door' of the film industry, but kicked it right open, and it is so true. Ever since the residential finished, I have been working non-stop on a number of projects with a number of fellow BFI/NFTS alumni, with a new-found confidence and determination to succeed. I could not recommend the experience highly enough, I have learnt so much and made contacts and friends for life."
Suzanne Pearson: “The NFTS Craft Residential changed my entire perspective of what I want to do in life, it showed me that the film industry is something possible to go into, you just need to constantly push yourself. It made me more confident and taught me that no matter which background you come from, as long as you try hard enough and are truly determined to work in film, it is possible.”
Caitlin Pinner:“There was something electric about having so many determined, like-minded and inspiring people in one place for two weeks. I've just finished marketing a Polish/Australian film here in Melbourne where I'm completing my final year of University. When I return to London in June I will be working with the creative team at 'The Connected Set 'on their new, online news platform, 'MASHED' for Channel 4.”
Alfie Barker: “The NFTS campus has taught me so much, about both life and film. It's given me confidence, enabling me to approach people in the industry as well as expanding my contacts. Since graduating from the NFTS, I have been able to get work experience shadowing the director on the BBC Drama THE ARC and shadow departments on Thomas Vinterberg's next feature film. I've been able to get funding for my next short film, working with the same people from the Residential - I want to go on it again!”
Mdhamiri a Nkemi:“The NFTS residential filmmaking course …took my love of filmmaking, my ambition in getting a career in the film industry (specifically film-editing), and gave me the practical experience, industry contacts, and self-confidence I needed to take a big step in the right direction. Since the course, I've become a Ravensbourne university student studying Editing and Post-production, a paid freelance editor, as well as getting post-production experience on quite high profile projects.”
Jack Newton:“NFTS BFI film academy was unique and incredible experience. It provided me the opportunity to meet other like minded film makers from across the country and learn skills, techniques and helpful tips from leading industry professionals. “Since completing the film academy at NFTS, I have been working freelance as an editor on corporate and short film projects and have recently been logging footage for a new 6 part TV documentary series. “I hope one day to become an editor and work on both feature films and TV and the film academy gave me the platform to progress in the industry.”
