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DramaThe Brighton Film School
One-Year ABFS Diploma Course in Motion Picture Production
After many successful years running our very popular short-term courses, and as a response to demand, we continue our ONE-YEAR Course with the approval of The Moving Image Society.
These courses start every September (Course Dates and Costs) and span 3 terms over an academic year. Because we wish to provide tuition at a very personal level, only the best applicants will be accepted onto this very exclusive course.
The selection process will be highly competitive, so if you are determined to work in films, do complete the Application Form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. You will have to be very good to be one of the chosen.
This is a highly technical course designed for those who want to work in professional film production. Thus all aspects of production are included, from Screenwriting, Film Analysis and Directing through to Cinematography and Editing. Both essential technical theory and practical tuition given by a variety of lecturers in all disciplines is combined with the all-important film company visits, providing a unique route to opportunities within the film industry.
Lectures are held on Fridays so as to allow practical work on other days and often spilling over the weekends if necessary, but there are also events on other days too, especially Wednesday evenings, so the course involves work of at least 21 hours a week and the keen student will put in as much as 30 hours or more. The opportunities are there if you are willing to work hard. Set-building can take many hours... and can even be fun!
Entry is strictly by personal interview only after initial application, and will be restricted to only the finest applicants so that they can receive personal attention. A track record in film is NOT required. We look instead for personal qualities and potential. A "team" attitude is sought, so prima donnas will not fit in. Special arrangements will be made for overseas applicants, and telephone interviews - at our expense - will be held.
The lucky applicants are divided into small film crews which then work side by side throughout this intensive course and, following intensive tuition, will, over the year, script, plan, shoot and edit several productions using S35mm, S16mm and HDV. Some students like to work with S8mm as well, as this gauge is now very popular for music videos.
The Total Fee for the entire One Year Course, including all materials, is only £3,500, and includes:
- Tuition for all three terms. See below or Application Form for dates.
- A textbook on Cinematography. This may vary with availability.
- Use of all 16mm and 35mm equipment, stock and processing.
- Attendance at Monthly Film Industry Lunches. These are normally held at the famous London restaurant "Hush" on the 3rd Friday of each month. Guest speakers have included Gerry Anderson, our patron Jack Cardiff, Victor Spinetti and Roger Moore. Lunch is included, but not drinks. Smart dress will be expected for these events, which are intended to introduce you to the top end of the film industry, so you will be meeting with producers, directors and writers' agents etc.
- We sometimes walk back to BAFTA for more drinks...
- An opportunity to meet with former and successful students. This has often lead to valuable networking, resulting in helping out with local professional filming.
- Attendance at any Special Effects and Digital Conferences.
- Pinewood Visits. The British Society of Cinematographers regularly invite us to screenings there and to meet the DPs. Past screenings have included "Nicholas Nickleby" where we met DP Dick Pope and "The Hours" with Seamus McGarvey whom we had previously met at a screening of "High Fidelity", and his latest film was "Atonement". Phil Méheux and Alex Mills are usually there too, and "The Illusionist" was really excellent...
- The Broadcast Video Forum Show. This is an annual event, usually held at Earl's Court, and entry is free for students. Major suppliers of equipment have trade stands enabling you to meet and chat with all the leading players.
- The BSC Film Equipment Show is now a regular feature at Elstree Studios, and this is where you meet many film people and where leading manufacturers such as Arriflex and Panavision demonstrate all their latest equipment. A real must!
- 1st year's Student Membership of The Moving Image Society (BKSTS) after Graduation. (future years renewable by you)
- 1st year's Student Membership of The Directors' Guild of Great Britain after Graduation. (future years renewable by you)
Your Graduation Diploma and the entitlement to use the post nominals "ABFS" after your name. (Associate of the Brighton Film School). (After satisfactory progress and regular attendance*). As a Graduate you will also be entitled to enter the prestigious Annual Kodak Commercials Competition and belong to our yahoo.com networking system.
PLEASE NOTE
Accommodation and Travel expenses for outings are NOT included in the course fees. You should normally allow £5 - £15 for typical visits, and you are advised to purchase a student rail card (currently £20) which will then give you a third off rail ticket prices when travelling after 10am) You will be expected to arrange your own travel and accommodation, but we may provide travel for studio visits, although some students have their own cars, in which case we will pay mileage.
(Photograph by Carey Hamblett, one of our Screenplay Tutors)
(Photograph by Carey Hamblett)
