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 this year 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.

Can I apply?

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.

How do I apply?

After you read the opportunity description and click the ‘APPLY’ button, you will need to fill in your contact details and complete an anonymous equality monitoring form. Then you will be asked the following questions (each 200 words max):

Tell us why you are applying for this opportunity
Tell us about your previous experience
Why does this role in particular interest you?

You can submit a video application instead. Both options are available on the application form.

Selection process: All applications will be assessed by the Young Film Network South East and BFI NETWORK South East teams. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an informal meeting on Zoom. Due to the high volume of applications we receive it will not be possible to offer feedback to every applicant. We aim to let everyone know whether they have been selected for the opportunity no later than a week after each application deadline.

If there are any barriers to you completing your application or if you think we can make it more accessible, please get in touch with us at: [email protected]

The application deadlines are labelled clearly on each opportunity.

ROLE 1: COSTUME DEPARTMENT, SHOOT DATES 15-17 May 2024
APPLY BY 1 MAY 2024

SHADOW ROLE: Costume
FILM NAME: CHARITY!
LOCATION: Kennington Film Studios, 373 Kennington Rd, London SE11 4PT
DATES: 15-17 May 2024
TIMES: TBC, likely starting at 10am 15 May, 7am 16 May, 7am 17 May

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3pm 1 May 2024

ABOUT THE FILM: CHARITY! is a short musical comedy, with elements of body horror, about a closeted pop princess, Charity, at the turn of the millennium. Charity’s record label control every aspect of her life and force her to be someone she’s not, until she finds a way to break free. It’s a film about being true to yourself, no matter the cost.
ABOUT THE ROLE: You will be helping the Costume department with both bespoke, custom costumes and more regular costumes. You will work with both the Costume Designer and Costume Head of Department (HOD) to learn both aspects of costume.
ABOUT YOU: This role is perfect if you are interested in costume, fittings and design. No prior experience necessary.

ROLE 2: HAIR AND MAKE UP DEPARTMENT, SHOOT DATES 15-17 MAY 2024
APPLY BY 1 MAY 2024

SHADOW ROLE: Hair and Make Up Artist
FILM NAME: CHARITY!
LOCATION: Kennington Film Studios, 373 Kennington Rd, London SE11 4PT
DATES: 15-17 May 2024
TIMES: TBC, likely starting at 10am 15 May, 7am 16 May, 7am 17 May

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3pm 1 May 2024

ABOUT THE FILM: CHARITY! is a short musical comedy, with elements of body horror, about a closeted pop princess, Charity, at the turn of the millennium. Charity’s record label control every aspect of her life and force her to be someone she’s not, until she finds a way to break free. It’s a film about being true to yourself, no matter the cost.
ABOUT THE ROLE: You will be helping the hair and make up artist prepare the actors for shooting and help with touch-ups over the day.
ABOUT YOU: With both beauty and SFX make-up in this film, the team is looking for someone with an interest in both and ideally with some basic experience to get more involved with prep.

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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