Clapperboard Director Maureen Sinclair is delighted to announce a new partnership with the BFI (British Film Institute) Film Academy. Aspiring young filmmakers and cultural creatives from Merseyside will have the opportunity to kick-start their career in the film industry by applying for a place on the course which starts in October 2018. The course will be supported by a number of high profile industry professionals who will guide and advise the participants how to produce a short film from “script to screen”.

This exciting new partnership with BFI enables Clapperboard UK to formalise it’s successful model in progressing young people in to the creative industries by offering the NCFE (National Certificate of Further Education). Places are open to young people between the age of 16-19 with an ambition to work in the film industry in behind the scenes roles such as make-up, set design, costume, script writing, camera, sound, producing, directing, editing, etc.

Clapperboard UK is passionate about creating training and employment opportunities for young people and their communities, some with complex needs, learning disabilities or mental health issues, who may not have had opportunities due to being isolated from main stream education.

Liverpool actor Keiron Bimpson said … “I was introduced to Clapperboard UK when they worked with my school, The Academy of St Francis of Assisi. I was cast as a lead in one of their short educational films. I worked both in front and behind the camera, which taught me the fundamentals of film-making. I then won Best Actor award for my efforts, presented to me at the high profile Clapperboard Awards Ceremony. I then went on to work as a volunteer for them. On careers advice from Maureen Sinclair, I secured an Agent and went on to work in television and film productions such as ‘Vera’, War of the Worlds, Hunter Killer with award winning actor, Gary Oldman which is about to be released in UK.”

Hollyoaks Camera Operator Mari Jones said “I began my time at Clapperboard working on the short film ‘Keep It Out’ about illegal tobacco sellers. They gave me the opportunity to be main camera operator and encouraged me to assist with editing, a role that is often difficult to learn. They gave me the support and career advice I needed which enabled me to build the confidence to continue down my career path. Clapperboard then organised work experience at Lime Pictures on TV drama Hollyoaks, who then offered me freelance roles before a permanent role as trainee Camera Operator, my ambition.”

Over the past 14 years ClapperboardUK has won many awards for its inclusive innovative educational approach and its educational short films and takes pride in its outstanding track record for helping many of its volunteers and participants progress into the creative industries.

Acclaimed Actor Ricky Tomlinson said “I’m a big fan of Clapperboard and full of admiration for what Maureen Sinclair and her small team achieves. It’s a wonderful charity that helps to give people a voice. I’m delighted that it’s work has now been recognised by the BFI and look forward to seeing them nurture more of the creative talent that’s here in our city in the new BFI Clapperboard Academy.”

Liverpool Deputy Mayor, Councillor Wendy Simon said “What great news both for ClapperboardUK and our city. ClapperboardUK has consistently delivered award winning projects and progressed our city’s talent into the film and creative industries. The BFI Academy will enable them to continue and formalise their excellent work and help give more opportunities to our city’s youth by way of a practical qualification. I look forward to seeing what they produce over the next 6 months.”

Ewan Hughes BFI Academy student year 2016-17 said “Academy Creative Producer James Shaw is a top guy who mentored me and help develop my love of cinema. It’s not hyperbole when I say that the Academy course has the potential to change lives and lead to finding genuine work in the industry. I want to pass this information on because it’s such a good opportunity. I am now working for Lucas Films in the Props Department working on the production of the new Star Wars Film! If anyone has friends or younger siblings who you think would be interested, please apply!

For further information, please contact bfiacademy2018@clapperboarduk.com or follow the link to Clapperboard UK website and BFI Academy application form here: http://s862496669.websitehome.co.uk/news/applications-now-open-for-the-bfi-film-academy-uk-network-programme-in-partnership-with-clapperboard-uk.

Other Clapperboard UK 2018-19 partners and funders include PH Holt, Awards4All, Creative Skillset, Liverpool Film Studios, Lime Pictures, Liverpool Film Office, Bill Elms Associates, Hope Street Hotel.