5th May 2016
Matthew Smith, 18, from Dagenham, is one step closer to a film career after landing a place on the prestigious BFI Film Academy craft skills residential course 2016, where he learnt from BAFTA-winning film professionals.
“Competition for BFI Academy places is so high and I was delighted to get in, said Matthew, "On the two week course I did loads of film editing and even tried directing. The experience really broadened my knowledge and it’s taken me one step closer to a career in post-production. I’m really interested in editing or visual effects.”
After leaving school with 2 GCSEs at below grade D, Matthew was concerned about his options,
“School just wasn’t right for me but at College they took a completely different approach.
“I started on a Level 1 course but pretty soon the lecturers saw my potential and I was moved up to the Level 3 BTEC. Since then I haven’t looked back and regularly secured merits and distinctions for my course work.”
Matthew will finish his Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Film, TV and Special Effects in July 2016 and will take up his place at Norwich University to study for a BA in Film and Moving Image Production.
Open to young people from anywhere in the UK and from any background, the BFI Film Academy offers a real chance for talented 16-19-year-olds to be part of the future film industry.
Matthew (below left) with the BFI Academy craft skills residential class of 2016
