BFI Skills Cluster Training
OVERVIEW
Train to fill skills gaps in the UK film and TV industry.
The BFI is awarding £9.6 million from The National Lottery, over three years, to support screen production, workforce development and training across six ‘clusters’ in the UK. As part of the Metro London Skills Cluster (London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire), in partnership with Film London, the NFTS will be running a variety of free sessions to inspire you and develop your creativity!
We offer a variety of Bootcamps and Taster Days – dates for which you can find below.
BOOTCAMPS
Places Available: 30 | Age range: 18+ | Experience: Entry Level | Duration: Two days (Fri-Sat)
Aimed at new entrants, the 2-day Bootcamps will run bi-monthly and are delivered by Joseph A. Adesunloye, an award winning British-Nigerian screenwriter and director, who will offer up a unique insight into the fundamentals of the film and TV industries.
Discover the thrilling possibilities that await in the film and television industry. Our Bootcamp workshops are designed to spark your passion and ignite your creativity. Whether you dream of directing, designing, or captivating audiences through your work, these workshops are your first step toward making cinematic dreams a reality, with sessions including:
Director's Cut: Ready to command the set?
Cinematic Wonders: Are you the visionary behind the lens?
Design Dreams: Does world-building fascinate you?
Soundscapes Unleashed: Love the magic of sound?
Editing Enchantment: Are you a puzzle master?
Lights, Camera, Production! Are you the next whizz producer?
July Bootcamp
Friday 10th - Saturday 11th July
Apply by: .Thursday 25th June (midnight)
APPLY NOW
NEW ONLINE STEP UP PROGRAMME
Production Co-ordinators (Returning 2027) delivered online on a Tuesday evening 18:30-20:30
Offering a deep dive into the role of the Production Co-ordinator covering responsibilities and how they work in conjunction with other departments, by providing an overview of the whole process from pre-production, through production to post-production and their associated protocols. Aimed at new entrants, participants will develop and build their skills, resilience and employability.
Line Producing (12th January – 23rd March 2027) delivered online on a Tuesday evening 18:30-20:30
Offering a deep dive into the role of the Line Producer covering responsibilities and how they work in conjunction with other departments, by providing an overview of the whole process from pre-production, through production to post-production and their associated protocols. Aimed at upskilling those already working in the industry, participants will develop and build their skills, resilience and employability.
Apply by: Thursday 3rd December (midnight)
TASTER DAYS
Places Available: 20 | Age range: 18+ | Experience: Entry Level | Duration: 1 day (Saturday)
Taster Days will be dedicated to a different area, from CV Clinics to Camera Trainees with a focus on industry skills gaps and shortages
Overall there are six nationwide BFI Skills Clusters and our programme is strictly limited to residents of London, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Buckinghamshire only.
Content Tabs
Camera Trainees
The Camera Trainee role is the first step on the ladder within the Camera Department; it’s a crucial role which helps to support the camera team as a whole.
During this session, you will learn the information you need to apply for a role as a Camera Trainee. You will also learn about the equipment a Camera Trainee is expected to manage and gain a full understanding of the responsibilities of a Trainee and the camera team as a whole.
Apply by: Thursday 25th June (midnight).
Script Supervisors/Continuity
Continuity is a Director’s lifeline. With the added challenges of the increased use of visual effects and digital technology, the Script Supervisors role has become even more in demand
Over the course of the day we’ll cover timing, shooting out of order, eyelines, camera moves and why it’s imperative to study the details
Apply by: Thursday 25th June (midnight).
Assistant Directing
Very few people outside the film and TV industry understand the critical role of the Assistant Director. Working closely with the top creative talent, being an AD is one of the great undiscovered and rewarding careers of the industry. We will equip you with the knowledge and skills to help you start pursuing a successful future career in the AD department.
Apply by: Thursday 15th October (midnight).
Editing
Ever wondered what goes on in the edit suite? Using both drama and documentary examples we’ll introduce you to the concepts of editing from grammar to storytelling and outline the different routes into this area that has been identified as a skills shortage
Apply by: Thursday 15th October (midnight).
Terms and conditions:
Bootcamps/Taster days: please note that places are limited and an application does not guarantee your place.
Funded by National Lottery funding this training addresses industry skills shortages and supports skills development and training across London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire, and priority will be given to those from underrepresented areas.
If you have any questions or need to contact us regarding your application please email shortcourses@nfts.co.uk
Provided with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery and in partnership with Film London.