BFIxBFS Directors Lab 24
& Micro Short Commissions
Section Title
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)’s Bournemouth Film School (BFS) hosted a new Director Lab in partnership with BFI NETWORK south west providing an in-person day of tutor-led masterclasses, workshops with professional actors, and the chance for attendees to be offered £2,000 from BFS to make a micro-short.
​​Led by writer-director Dee Meaden, the workshop was held at Bournemouth Film School Studios. The packed day was made up of workshops on directing skills, guidance on working with actors and insightful discussion before focusing on workshopping scripts, and one-to-one meetings with the BFI NETWORK Talent Executives.
​
The micro-short commission, produced by BFS, will be for a film of up to four minutes, based on scripts supplied as part of the application, and the same script that will have been workshopped with the actors.
After the one-day Director Lab, participants were asked to submit their final script to BFS selected two filmmakers to make their film on the bespoke film set created especially for the Director Lab with BFS supplying all crew and equipment. The two writer-directors were given £2,000 each towards post-production and promotional costs.
William Shutt, Fund Manager at BFS, comments, "This partnership and collaboration with a BFI regional talent hub is the first of its kind, igniting excitement internally within BFI and, we’re sure will be eagerly received and equally celebrated with filmmakers.
"This is an important step for AUB and for BFS as it continues to solidify its glowing relationship with BFI and we explore further projects, initiatives and opportunities that will mutually benefit both organisations."
​
​
The BFI south west Directors Lab in partnership with BFS will return next year. Details on the scheme and how to apply will be released in spring 2025.