Bradford: Skills for Screen

4 Skills / Channel 4 and National Film & Television School have once again joined forces to deliver a fantastic programme of two-day training courses and masterclasses as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. 

Covering a range of topics from Camera to Directing Drama to Intimacy Coordination, these courses, which will be free for attendees, will give access to gold standard training with working professionals in their field. You can also join us at several free in-person sessions at Pictureville Cinema with established filmmakers, including Ameenah Ayub Allen, Ashok Prasad and Sam Masud.

If you are a freelancer, an independent filmmaker, or are interested in a career in film and TV, and live in the Bradford region (BD Postcode), please apply below. All courses and discussions are taking place in person and within central Bradford. 

Details of the individual courses and links to application forms are below.  Deadlines for each course are outlined in the course details. Please note that due to limited capacity, an application does not guarantee a place on the programme. 

Full Schedule & Links To Book Your Place:

Screenwriting for Film & TV: Paul Fraser |Monday 6th & Tuesday 7th Oct | Bradford Arts Centre |

Could your next project be an award-winning film or TV drama? Join us for a two day workshop on Screenwriting for Film & TV. This course will give you the tools and knowledge you need to bring your next project to the screen.

Paul is a multi-award winning writer and director with a career spanning nearly three decades. He’s written numerous films for Shane Meadows and other directors as well as making his own features and shorts. 

The deadline for applications has now closed. 

Introduction to Camera Skills: Jenni Suitiala |Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st Oct | Bradford Arts Centre |

This two day Camera course will cover all of the essentials for budding camera operators, giving you the skills and hands on experience to start filming with confidence.  Many of the techniques learnt on this course can be applied to any camera or shooting format.  With a mix of theory and practical exercises the course will provide a solid grounding in the skills you need to get shooting.

Jenni Suitiala is a Finnish director of photography based in the UK shooting narrative film as well as documentary. Her films have screened on Oscar and Bafta qualifying festivals (Aesthetica, Iris Prize, Leeds International Festival) as well as Channel 4. She's a member of illuminatrix rising and Bafta Connect.

To apply for this free opportunity, please click here. Deadline for applications is Tuesday 30th September, 1PM.

 

Introduction to Intimacy Coordination: Haley Muraleedharan |Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th Nov | Bradford Arts Centre |

The role of the Intimacy Coordinator has become and continues to be an integral and most in demand role on film and television productions. This introductory course will allow you to understand the roles and responsibilities of the Intimacy Coordinator.

This course is delivered by Haley Muraleedharan. Haley is a Leeds and London based Intimacy Coordinator working across the sector, she has collaborated with prominent clients including the BFI, BBC, Paramount+, ITV, Warner Brothers, Amazon MGM Studios, Sky and Film 4 across film, television, music videos, and commercials.

To apply for this free opportunity, please click here. Deadline for applications is Friday 24th October, 1PM.

In Conversation with Ameenah Ayub Allen | Monday 3rd November | Pictureville Cinema | Bradford National Science and Media Museum | 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Head over to the Bradford Science and Media Museum and join us for an in person discussion with established Film & TV Producer Ameenah Ayub Allen, with Head of NFTS Leeds Meabh O'Donovan. Join us and find out more about the role of the producer, her path into the industry and much more.

Ameenah is a BAFTA Nominated and BFIA-winning producer having worked on a slate of award winnign films including Clio Barnard’s Films, including as co-producer on Ali and Ava (2021). She produced Sarah Gavron’s BIFA and BAFTA award winning Feature Rocks (2019). As an independent producer she works across features, shorts and television series, most recently on Virdee (BBC 2025).

To book your free place, please click here.

Documentary Storytelling: Ashok Prasad |Thursday 13th & Friday 14th Nov | Bradford Arts Centre |

In this course we identify the key elements of a good documentary story, how they work and why they matter – from the moment you start production to the final day of the edit.

The course will be led by experienced documentary director Ashok Prasad - who's been twice shortlisted for an RTS Best Documentary award and won an International Emmy for his work. He is a former Head of the Directing Documentary MA at the NFTS.

To apply for this free opportunity, please click here. Deadline for applications is Monday 3rd November, 1PM.

In Conversation with Ashok Prasad | Thursday 13th November | Pictureville Cinema | Bradford National Science and Media Museum | 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Head over to the Bradford Science and Media Museum and join us for an in person discussion with Director Ashok Prasad, with Sam Barnett from NFTS Leeds. Join us and find out about his career, the role of the director and much more.

Ashok Prasad has directed documentaries for more than twenty five years for major UK and US channels. His credits include The Sun Says Sorry - And Other Tales of Forgiveness (BBC One), Has Political Correctness Gone Mad? (C4) and Rhythms of India (BBC Four).

To book your free place, please click here. 

Directing Drama: Sam Masud |Thursday 20th & Friday 21st Nov | Bradford Arts Centre |

This two day course is a step by step guide to help support you on set as a director, building your confidence for your next project. You will look at pre-production, working with actors on set and blocking techniques through a series of hands on exercises.   

You will be taught by working scripted director Sam Masud and will learn the theory and practical craft of this challenging, but rewarding role.

To apply for this free opportunity, please click here. Deadline for applications is Monday 10th November, 1PM.

In Conversation with Sam Masud | Thursday 20th November | Pictureville Cinema | Bradford National Science and Media Museum | 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Head over to the Bradford Science and Media Museum and join us for an in person discussion with Film & TV director Sam Masud, with Head of NFTS Leeds Meabh O'Donovan. Join us and find out about his career, the role of the director and much more.

Sam is an experienced director who previously directed the three part Bulletproof Special for Vertigo and Sky set in Cape Town, having also directed the Season 2 finale. His credits also include Ackley Bridge for The Forge and Channel 4, Boarders, You Don't Know Me and much more. 

To book your free place, please click here. 

Lighting for Film & TV: Jenni Suitiala & Terry Maskell |Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th Nov | Bradford Arts Centre |

During this intensive two day course, , you will learn how to rig a range of film and television lights, understand the various power requirements for on set and location lighting and gain an understanding of how to set up lights to capture a range of scenarios.

This course will be delivered by Terry Maskell and Jenni Suitiala. Terry has been a lighting gaffer for a number of years and has worked on a huge variety of film and television productions. 

To apply for this free opportunity, please click here. Deadline for applications is Friday 14th November, 1PM.

Editing & Post Production: Jason Allen |Monday 8th & Tuesday 9th Dec | University of Bradford |

This two day course is aimed at those who want to learn about editing on Adobe Premiere Pro.  

By the end of the two day course you will be able to create a project by cutting together some footage, prepare for the edit, laying soundtracks and much more. This programme is suitable for entry level creatives or directors wanting to understand the editing process.

To apply for this free opportunity, please click here. Deadline for applications is Friday 24th November, 1PM.