Follows a pilot programme in England last year.

The Media Academy Wales, in partnership with Film Agency for Wales, has today launched applications for a new programme of training for young documentary filmmakers aged 16-19 as part of the British Film Institute’s UK-wide Film Academy.

Following a pilot programme in England in 2012, the BFI scheme, which provides opportunities to develop new skills and build careers in the film industry, is now being rolled out in Wales.

BFI chief executive Amanda Nevill said: “The BFI is committed to developing tomorrow’s film audiences and talent and the BFI Film Academy is at the heart of our comprehensive strategy to give young people across the UK opportunities to engage with film.”

Working with established producers and directors from Wales who are supported by the Film Agency, the three six-day programmes, which will be hosted in South, Mid and North Wales, will be an intensive intermediate-level opportunity for young people to work alongside and learn from industry professionals, university lecturers and recent graduates who are running their own production companies.

The 54 selected participants will also receive careers advice and guidance and will join a network that will receive ongoing support from the organisations hosting the programme to ensure they progress into the industry.

Hannah Raybould, Media Academy Wales manager, said the names of industry speakers and mentors will be announced over the coming weeks.

The DAWN (Documentary Academy Wales Network) is a programme which has been devised and co-ordinated by the University of South Wales (Media Academy Wales), The Film Agency for Wales and Zoom Cymru.

It will be hosted by theUniversity of South Wales and Chapter Arts Centre (South Wales programme), Aberystwyth University and Aberystwyth Arts Centre (Mid Wales programme) and Bangor University and Scala Prestatyn (North Wales programme).

The deadline for applications is Nov 15 and all information regarding the programme can be found in English and Welsh on www.mediaacademywales.org/dawn

Topics