BUDDING filmmakers in Somerset are being offered the chance to pursue their passion on a new short course.

The BFI Film Academy short course will run in Bridgwater in January, in partnership with Somerset Film, offering aspiring movie makers aged between 16 and 19 the chance to take their first step into film.

“The cohort will make films, receive masterclasses from industry professionals and receive career support, with the option to work towards a nationally recognised Arts Award qualification,” a spokesperson said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to find out about the many and varied roles in the film industry; from set design to electrical, from finance to casting.”

At the 2025 course, speakers included Jeremy DeCoursey, locations manager for TV series Lockwood & Co and who has worked on feature films such as The Batman, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Paddington and Fast & Furious 6.

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Fellow guest speaker Lily Limmer was a sustainability coordinator for Warner Brothers and Apple TV, with responsibilities to assess film productions and devise a plan to reduce their environmental impact. Lily currently works in the industry as a producer and director for adverts, music videos and documentaries.

Max Chorley, a BFI Film Academy alumni, said: “Taking part in the BFI Film Academy with Somerset Film was one of the most important steps I took early in my filmmaking journey.

“Since then, I’ve worked on several exciting projects, including an advert for Save the Children and the Oscar-shortlisted short film Good Boy.”

Grace Morgan, a writer, director, script supervisor and Somerset Film Trustee, added: “The BFI Film Academy short course helped me connect with other local young filmmakers. It also helped me to confirm what roles I was interested in pursuing.

“I learned a lot in this course about all sorts of different roles and topics in the industry, which has helped guide me to where I am today.”

The BFI Film Academy Short Course is free to participate in. The course dates are: January 17, 24, 25, 31, and February 1, 7, 8, from 10am to 5pm daily.

The application deadline is noon on Monday, January 5, via www.somersetfilm.com/bfi.

For more information and to ask questions, email info@somersetfilm.com or call 01278 433187.

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