FHN x NFTS: Director Training

2023 applications closed - hands-on learning delivered by the National Film and Television School

Our FHN x NFTS: Director Training programme provides new directors in the North with a hands-on learning experience delivered by the National Film and Television School.

** Update, June 2023: applications for FHN x NFTS: Director Training 2023 are now closed. Visit our Filmmaker Training page for more opportunities to improve your skills and grow your creative network. **

Delivered in partnership by Film Hub North and the National Film and Television School, Director Training supports 8 creatives to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of directing for the screen.

Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, participants will develop their filmmaking voice and style, and find their own way of telling a story. You’ll get hands-on experience of shooting a scene; collaborating with actors and crew members; and working to time constraints and creative restrictions.

Key information

FHN x NFTS: Director Training 2023 takes place over the course of three day-long sessions, and runs from Tuesday 18 July - Thursday 20 July. The course is delivered at NFTS Leeds.

Participation in the programme is free. Accommodation in Leeds is provided by Film Hub North.

Participants are expected to cover the cost of travel to/from Leeds. Film Hub North may support travel costs where this presents a barrier to participation.

Who is it for?

FHN x NFTS: Director Training is an early-career opportunity for creatives with limited or no film directing experience.

Film directors with limited experience can apply, provided they have not previously been commissioned or funded to direct a narrative fiction film with a budget of over £5,000.

Creatives with experience in other filmmaking roles - for example as a Director of Photography or Editor - can apply. We also welcome applications from artists working in other art forms, including: artist moving image, documentary and theatre.

We’re looking for aspiring directors who want to create distinctive short film work. Applicants should have a passion for storytelling through film and the drive to discover their creative voice.

Participants must be over 18, not in full time education and based in the North of England (see the areas we cover).

How to apply

Applications can be made via our online form.

The form will ask for details about your creative experience and what you hope to get out of the programme. You’ll also be asked to provide a sample of your previous work. If you’d like to prepare offline before completing the application form, we’ve put together a downloadable list of the questions asked for reference.

**2023 applications closed**

If you have any issues with the online form, require application support or would like to apply in another way, please email bfinetwork@filmhubnorth.org.uk using the subject line “DIRECTOR TRAINING.”

Our training programmes support filmmakers to develop their craft and build industry networks both regionally and nationally. While we aim to offer continued support to graduates of our programmes, participation in FHN x NFTS: Director Training does not guarantee success in receiving BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding.