FAQs

What happens on the camp – The days will vary but basically you will be working in groups on your team’s chosen film. If selected we’ll be in touch to ask you to think about an idea and each team will pick one to work on. A variety of industry professionals will come and talk about aspects of the film industry giving you a better overview of the sector and what job roles exist. There will be visits to the facilities at the University of the West of England’s animation studio and to the Cube Cinema for our showcase screening.

During the course you will:

  • Be part of a production team to create a short animated film
  • Be offered careers advice and help to think about your own next steps to enter the industry
  • Work with industry specialists to develop your skills
  • Understand how to find work and training in this sector
  • Develop your understanding of film-making language
  • Attend film screenings and networking events

What is the accommodation like? – Barton Camp is a purpose built youth residential facility just outside Bristol. We’ll organize you into single-sex groups of 4 or 5 to a room. Everyone will be on-site for the whole week, with all food provided.

What rules will there be? – We want everyone to feel safe and to know their ideas and contributions will be listened to. As a significant proportion of participants will be under 18, everyone on site will be expected to agree to our no-alcohol rule and students of the opposite sex will not be allowed into each other rooms. Needless to say we have a zero tolerance to bullying, anti-social behaviour, sexism, racism or drugs.

What is the cost and what financial assistance is available?

We welcome applications from talented young filmmakers from all backgrounds. The fee ranges from £0 to £210, including accommodation and food, but a generous bursary scheme ensures that costs will not prevent any filmmaker from taking part - if you have the talent we will make sure you can attend.

Who is the financial assistance available to?

Financial assistance is available to any young person who requires support to ensure no one will be deterred from applying for or taking up their place on a residential course. It is subject to you accepting your place on the course and committing to attending all the dates.

How will my application be assessed?

Once you are offered a place on the course you will be asked to declare your total household income using the framework below. You will not be required to submit any additional information at this stage but you may be asked to show proof at a later date.

How much will the bursary be?

The full fee per course is £210, the maximum assistance available would cover the whole of this cost meaning you would pay nothing. There are also bursaries available for those who may need help with travel, child care, access (such as a signer) or other costs related to their participation.

Please note: Film Academy course fees are already highly subsidised and do not cover actual costs. The bursaries offered will be determined based on household income. You will not have to make any contribution if your total taxable family income before tax is £29,927 or less (after deducting £1,865 for each dependent child in the family, including the Film Academy participant) in the tax year ending 6 April 2017. If your family income is more than £29,927 you will have to make a contribution, as shown below.

Please contact us for further information on any of the above or if you would like to discuss your individual circumstances:

Total household income / £ of bursary you qualify for / £ of parent contribution
Under £29,927 / £210 / £0
£29,928 - £47,883 / £160 / £50
£47,884 - £65,839 / £70 / £140
£65,840 or more / £0 / £210

Why is there a charge and how is it set?

In order to support more participants with bursaries who would otherwise be unable to attend, the Department for Education (DfE) has asked that we introduce a modest charge for those who are able to contribute. Due to generous support from the DfE, Creative Scotland, Lottery funding and Northern Ireland Screen we are able to heavily subsidise the cost of fees. The true cost of providing these courses is £1,500, but the maximum you will be asked to pay is £210.