BFI Film Academy Lab: Creating Commercial Content
Discussion on creating commercial content with filmmaker Alfie Barker

Alfie Barker is wearing a blue and maroon, hooded-raincoat. He is holding an umbrella above his head and using one hand to measure against the pole of the umbrella.Alfie Barker is wearing a blue and maroon, hooded-raincoat. He is holding an umbrella above his head and using one hand to measure against the pole of the umbrella.
Date: 25 Mar 2024
Time: 18:30
Location: Online

BFI Film Academy Labs delivered by Film Hub North, are all about helping 16- to 25-year-olds break into the screen industries. These monthly practical sessions are led by industry professionals, with a focus on explaining the specifics of working in film and television and developing your skills to become the best screen creative you can be!

Join us from 18:30 - 19:45 on Monday 25 March, for a conversation led by award-winning, BFI NETWORK-supported filmmaker Alfie Barker. Alfie will be discussing his journey into filmmaking, and sharing insights on his experience producing content for commercial platforms.

Alfie's work spans both fiction and documentaries, and has screened across international film festivals including Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), BFI London Film Festival, Sheffield DocFest, and Aesthetica. He has worked on commercial campaigns with brands including Doc Martens and Primark, and has recently had his work featured on Channel 4.

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About Alfie Barker

Alfie Barker is a Leeds born/based writer and director who grew up making short films with his dog instead of going to uni. His recent BFI-funded fiction short HALF WAY premiered and won Best British Short Film at Leeds FF 2023. His short HANGING ON premiered at TIFF (Toronto), long-listed for a BIFA, shortlisted for a Grierson Award which went onto win both Best British Short and UK Audience Award at Encounters FF. He is a previous BFI Future Film Award winner, Sundance Ignite Finalist and Berlinale Talent 2024.

Commercially he has worked with talent that include KNUCKS, LOYLE-CARNER, JAMAAL EDWARDS and AMBAR DRISCOLL. He wrote and co-directed a two part mini doc that was funded and supported by YouTube Music and UnTold Studios. Previous clients include Nike, Dr Martens, Primark, Converse, Underarmour, etc.