Embarking on a journey to pursue your passion can often feel like navigating uncharted waters. However, for aspiring animators like Year 13 student Amaya, the prospect of studying on a British Film Institute (BFI) Film Course emerged as a beacon of opportunity. With an unwavering enthusiasm for animation and a desire to delve deeper into the industry, Amaya eagerly applied for this transformative experience that was open to sixth formers from across the UK.  And she was successful!

Amaya took part in the residential course over the February half-term after finding out about it from her Media teachers.  It was an opportunity to work with seasoned professionals, producing a short animated film in a week.  Not only that, Amaya explained that ‘the course includes a mentorship which means I can keep in touch with industry professionals who will help me to get started in working in the film industry’.  Amaya intends to start working in the industry following further study on an animation degree course. 

Amaya said ‘Sixth Form, in particular studying Media at the school, has taught me many things about the film industry and behind the scenes of a film production.  It has also helped me step out of my comfort zone and explore many new ideas that help me grow as a creative.’

Darren Towers, Head of Visual Arts added that ‘we are very proud of Amaya at the school.  Being accepted onto a BFI Film Course is an achievement in itself. Amaya is a dedicated, hard-working, creative student.  Her study of Media and Art has prepared her well for a career in film animation.  Amaya is on the path to joining a long line of our past students who now work in the television, film and video game industries in the UK and around the world.  I am sure that in the future we will be watching and enjoying Amaya’s work on the big screen at the cinema.’

The short film that Amaya directed on the BFI course is called ‘Beautiful Stranger’ and can be viewed on youtube at https://bit.ly/439snky