A NEW set of budding film-makers have been busy writing, producing and editing their own mini movies as part of a course run by the British Film Institute.

The BFI Film Academy Bradford, set up to train the next generation of film industry workers, started in Bradford last year after funding from the Department of Education.

As well as learning from top figures from the industry, students work together to produce a set of short films, and they are responsible for every stage - writing, filming, directing, casting and editing. This year’s cohort of 19 students, aged 16 to 19, were yesterday in the middle of the filming process, which is taking place on location and in studio facilities at Bradford College.

The three groups produced three very different films. One was about the impacts of bullying, another looked at mental health and therapy, and another was a sci-fi tale about alien abduction.

Once edited, the films will be premiered at an event at the National Media Museum next month, organised by the students.

The students come from Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire area.

Poppy Potts, 19, is a chef from Ilkley, and said: “I had a friend who did the course. She really enjoyed and it helped her get into university. After the course I’m looking to do an apprenticeship, I’m looking to work at the BBC or ITV. It’s helped me a lot, I’ve learned so much about the industry - there are so many jobs involved I didn’t consider beforehand.

“It is great because these films are our own ideas - we do pretty much everything when making the film. The week has been had work but great experience.”

Zoe Naylor from Reel Solutions, which is running the course, said: “The students who took part last year said the course really gave them focus. It has been a massive success. Nationally the course is going from strength to strength.

“About 90 per cent have carried on in their studies and are working towards a career in the industry.

“This year the films are mostly about things that are relevant to young people. They are getting out the young voice which is nice to see.”