Funding success with British Film Institute
We are celebrating securing £89,932 in funding from the British Film Institute. This grant allows Jack Drum Arts to lead a new consortium of film education organisations, delivering the annual BFI Academy Short Course filmmaking programme for young people aged 16-19 across the North East.
Since 2013, Jack Drum Arts has delivered the BFI Film Academy Short Course in County Durham, expanding last year to Teesside in partnership with Writers’ Block North East. Our new consortium includes Beacon Films CIC (Newcastle), Writers' Block North East (Teesside), and ACT 2 CAM (North Tyneside).
This collaborative approach will focus on engaging under-represented groups and supporting disabled and neurodivergent filmmakers with hands-on film production training from industry professionals. Each course is designed to help young people develop practical skills, preparing them for university, apprenticeships, or direct employment in the screen sector.
With up to 8,000 new jobs expected in the North East’s film industry and significant investments from the BBC and local authorities, our BFI Short Courses aim to bridge the skills gap. These courses equip young people with the expertise needed for careers in the growing screen sector. Jack Drum Arts and their partners aim to establish a strong network in the North East, connecting young people to the local film industry and laying the foundations for the region’s next generation of filmmakers.
Helen Ward, Managing Director of Jack Drum Arts, stated, "We are thrilled to lead this new consortium and further develop our relationships with our new partners. This initiative will significantly contribute to the growth of the region's film industry, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers."
For more information, please contact: Helen Ward, Managing Director Email: helen@jackdrum.co.uk
Beacon Films is an award-winning production company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, which supports the talents and creativity of disabled and/or neurodivergent filmmakers and exhibitors.
Writers Block North East is a creative writing development service based in Middlesbrough. Since 2010 WBNE has facilitated the production of over 400 new pieces of work by emerging talents, including short films, screenplays, radio dramas, short stories, plays and novels.
ACT 2 CAM is a is youth film company where young people plan, perform and produce their own films. With a strongly person-centred approach, they use drama and filmmaking to improve young people’s social and emotional wellbeing, teaching life skills alongside technical skills.
The British Film Institute BFI Film Academy programme offers hands-on technical film experience, fostering collaboration and creativity among participants. Nearly 90% of participants report that the Film Academy has influenced their career aspirations, with the majority going on to pursue careers in the film industry.
Website: - https://www.bfi.org.uk/bfi-film-academy-opportunities...