BFI Film Academy students premiere their work
24th April 2013
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Over the course of two weeks, 54 16-19 year olds attended the BFI Film Academy Intensive Residential Programme with the National Film and Television School (NFTS). Last week, TNS headed down to the BFI Southbank for the premiere of their six short films.
Learning from professionals who have worked on such films Trainspotting, Hot Fuzz andThe Wind That Shakes the Barley, the students got to grips with all aspects of filmmaking whilst working together to create the short films.
With the choice to specialise in Directing, Producing, Editing, Cinematography or Sound Recording, the programme emphasised the collaborative nature of filmmaking whilst still being suited to the individual participant.
What is unique about the programme is that apart from travel costs and an admin fee, it is free with bursaries available to cover those cots.
Two-thirds of the students were chosen through regional workshops and the other third from open applications.
Nik Powell, director of the NFTS, said that the regional workshops were great preparation for the residential as it meant the students were already engaged and familiar with some of the tutors and each other. In regards to the residential programme, he felt that the students, who had come from all across the country, really learnt that filmmaking is a craft which it takes time to get good at even for talented people.
The NFTS building was formerly a film studio, with state of the art equipment. But the NFTS’ involvement with the students isn’t just for the two weeks; Nik stated that "a very important part of the programme we’re delivering is aftercare. We have an alumni officer who together with the school will look to advance them, find them mentors, internships and job placements, some might be able to work on our graduation films to keep them engaged, of course some of them are going to uni."
The final result of the students’ hard work was remarkable to say the least. All of the films were of an extremely high and professional standard which is even more impressive considering they were filmed in only two days and then edited in two.
The six films were:
Cha, Cha, Cha
A housewife plans to escape her mundane life by going to India on a spiritual retreat, bringing into focus the strained relationship with her husband.
Been A Riot
During riots a young looter finds himself stuck in a basement with the police officer who has arrested him. The two of them realise that they must put differences aside to help one another.
The Other Side of the Wall
Every day without fail a grieving mother visits the wall where her teenage son was tragically killed in a car accident. The fed up owner of the home outside helps her come to terms with her loss.


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