We are incredibly proud of four of our high-achieving students, Arlo McCarthy, Lauren Dykes, Sienna Truelove, and Cameron Hill, who recently took part in this year’s prestigious BFI Film Academy programme.

The BFI Film Academy supports young filmmakers through industry masterclasses, hands-on production experience, and professional mentoring. As part of the Liverpool cohort, the students worked alongside industry professionals, explored studio spaces, and collaborated to create original short films which were showcased at FACT Liverpool and HOME Manchester.

Reflecting on the experience, Arlo described the programme as “invaluable, not only as a credential for my portfolio but also through the connections made with other young filmmakers.”

Taking on the role of cinematographer, Arlo also spoke about the challenges and rewards of collaboration:

“Working with multiple different directors was challenging, but learning to adapt to each style allowed for a smoother shoot.”

Speaking about the final films, Arlo added:

“The result is something I’m, and the whole group, proud of, especially as many of our first credit.”

Beyond the filmmaking experience, the programme also helped students build confidence, develop industry skills, and form lasting connections with other young creatives.

We are extremely proud of Arlo, Lauren, Sienna, and Cameron for representing the college so brilliantly throughout the programme. A huge thank you to Arlo for sharing their images and insights from this fantastic opportunity.

Find out more about studying A Level Film Studies here.