29/02/2012 - Apex film body to lead on academy aimed at 16-19 year olds.

The UK’s Department for Education will give £3 million over the next three years to the British Film Institute (BFI) to act as the lead body to set up a film academy for young people aged 16-19.

The programme will work with educational institutions to identify young people with an aptitude for film and develop them with a view to inculcating them within the British film industry.

Amanda Nevill (pictured), BFI CEO, said, “Talent is universal but opportunity is not and the new film academy initiative is all about creating greater access to more opportunities for young people to develop their skills and talent. British film and filmmaking talent is world class - you just have to look at our success at the box office and the awards season to see it. But we must not lose the momentum. We are really excited to be able to establish this new academy programme as it dovetails neatly with the continued investment we and our partners are putting into making sure film is at the heart of education.”

Oscar-winning film director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech [+see also:
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