BFI Film Academy: Shadow a Filmmaker

Delivered by Young Film Network South East

Want to know what it’s like to work on a film set?
Young Film Network South East is delighted to be working with the region’s BFI NETWORK Talent Executives to offer aspiring young filmmakers the chance to experience a real working environment.

Thanks to BFI Film Academy awarding funding from National Lottery, this programme provides four young filmmakers the opportunity to work on a local production, shadowing writers, directors or producers who have recently received funding through the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund.

Further information about the roles and how to apply can be found below.

About the scheme

Shadow a Filmmaker is open for 18-25 year olds based in the South East. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn about working on a professional film set whilst giving you an insight into the filmmaking processes on a BFI NETWORK funded film.

This is also a fantastic networking opportunity to build connections and contacts for your future career. We are therefore looking for a level of professionalism in your application that shows your continued interest in and dedication to your filmmaking career.

Films will go into production at different times over the year. Each will be offering a unique opportunity so please take the time to carefully read about the film, what the role available to shadow is, where it’s filming and when you will be needed. Only apply if you can do all the dates stated on that production’s details. This is a professional opportunity and it is important that you can commit to the times presented.

There are four opportunities available in 2024/25 and we will post below when we have details of their production. You are welcome to apply for multiple opportunities but you can only be awarded one.

Am I eligible?

If the following apply to you, make sure you apply by the deadlines prescribed on each opportunity.

I am 18-25 years old and currently living in the South East region  (as defined by the BFI – see map, this excludes London)
I do not have any professional filmmaking credits as a writer, director or producer. This includes IMDB credits.
I am not represented by an agent as a writer, director or producer.
I am not currently enrolled in higher education (degree level or above).
I am not currently studying a filmmaking course (you can still apply if you have participated in BFI Film Academy short courses).
I live within one and a half hours on public transport of the filming locations specified for my chosen film and can get there for the times specified.

We encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. If you face barriers to opportunities due to mental health issues, physical health/disability, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, substance misuse, survivors, people from working-class backgrounds, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from Black, Asian, traveller, mixed heritage or other global majority backgrounds, we encourage you to apply.

Upcoming roles

Green Grass - August/September 2024

ROLE 1: Shadowing First AD
ROLE 2: Production Design

We’re looking for x2 deaf filmmakers to shadow on a new BFI NETWORK-funded short Green Grass, which will be filming around the Chichester/Portsmouth area at the end of August/beginning of September. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please email us: [email protected]

Past roles

CHARITY! - May 2024

ROLE 1: COSTUME DEPARTMENT

This role has now been filled.

ROLE 2: HAIR AND MAKE UP DEPARTMENT

This role has now been filled. Find out about our HMU Trainee, Patrick Hogg, who is based in Essex.

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ROLE 3 - APPLY BY x

SHADOW ROLE
FILM NAME
LOCATION
DATES
TIMES
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Details about the film and role

ROLE 4 - APPLY BY x