IN ASSOCIATION WITH
B I G B R E A K F I L M
Deborah Chu looks at some of the ways students can get involved with the growing fi lm industry in Scotland
In one guise or another, Edinburgh and Glasgow have both seen their fair share of the silver screen in recent years. From World War Z’s zombie hordes to the superhero tussles of Avengers: Ini nity War, heavyweight production companies are increasingly taking their business to Scotland. With that in mind, there are plenty of opportunities designed for students and young people looking to break into the i lmmaking world.
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL’S STUDENT CRITICS
BFI FILM ACADEMY NETWORK SCOTTISH DOCUMENTARY INSTITUTE
PROGRAMME From September to March, the British Film Institute runs a programme of hands-on i lmmaking courses for young people aged 16-19. These courses take place throughout the UK, with opportunities at Screen Education Edinburgh and GMAC Film in Glasgow, and allow their students to work alongside industry professionals across a range of different projects. The deadline to apply for courses this year is 5 October.
The SDI hosts free masterclasses on the art of documentary i lmmaking led by established directors from around the world (many of which have been recorded and are currently free to watch on their website). In addition to running the postgraduate programme in Directing Documentary in conjunction with Edinburgh College of Art, the SDI also manages the new talent initiative Bridging the Gap, which helps i lmmakers develop ten minute documentary projects alongside industry professionals.
COMPETITION
NATIONAL FILM AND TELEVISION SCOTTISH FILM TALENT NETWORK’S
In addition to a plethora of internship opportunities across all their departments, the EIFF hosts an annual cohort of aspiring critics drawn from across the UK. Not only do these chosen few get to write reviews and attend press screenings, but they are also closely mentored by an established industry professional, who will offer advice on how to develop their work and build a career within i lm journalism.
SCHOOL COURSES SCOTTISH SHORTS PROGRAMME
The NTFS offer a variety of courses related to the creative industry, from Masters degrees to shorter programmes. Led by experienced tutors working in the i eld, these courses are ideal for bolstering the specii c creative and technical know-how required to succeed in the i lm industry, whether it be using certain i lm editing software or writing the pilot to your own television show. Designed to help foster new Scottish i lmmaking talent, Scottish Shorts is a short i lm and production programme for those with a few student i lms under their belt, but who have yet to i nd actual work in the industry. Open to i lmmakers of all stripes, theatre practitioners or writers looking to make the transition onto the screen, the chosen projects will be commissioned and given a budget to turn their ideas into reality.
1 Sep–31 Oct 2018 THE LIST 125