Short courses for filmmakers get rolling at Leeds Met

Aimed at professionals wanting to refresh and broaden their skills, students, graduates, teachers, lecturers and those contemplating a change of career or to build on a hobby, the year-long programme of short courses will kick off in September and run throughout the year, culminating in a three-week summer school in July next year.

Head of Enterprise for the School of Film, Music and Performing Arts at Leeds Met, Jennifer Granville, explains: "For some years I have felt that there was a lack of opportunity for professional practitioners in Leeds to engage in cutting edge personal development and training. We wanted to offer the opportunity for everyone from recent graduates to seasoned professionals to work together in a creative and challenging atmosphere, exploring the latest technological developments and sharing best professional practice. So for the past year I have been working with some of the top practitioner/trainers in the country and am very excited to be finally launching these courses."

The courses are an opportunity to gain experience in specific specialist areas through hands-on, intensive, practical workshops which are available for all levels of ability. They are courses specifically tailored for everyone from professionals to keen amateurs.

The series kicks off with Directing for the Camera - Planning a Visual Story with The Infidel director, Josh Appignanesi. Taking place on 21-22 September, this course is for directors of short films who are ready to take on longer scripted drama. A one-day intensive workshop in storytelling and scriptwriting across platforms follows on Friday 18 October, led by scriptwriter and producer, Sean Coleman.

During the Leeds International Film Festival, the University will team up with Colin Pons from Studio of the North to offer an intensive week of creative producing, inviting teams of filmmakers to be mentored by a seasoned group of industry professionals. Running from 15-19 November, the Elevator course will guide teams in planning the most effective financing, marketing and distribution strategies for their films. Full bursaries are being offered to eligible production teams for this course through a partnership with the Fenton Arts Trust and Ideas Tap.

All courses are taught by professional practitioners in state-of-the-art studio spaces at either the Electric Press in Millennium Square or at the University's Headingley Campus.

Further information about the remaining courses throughout 2014 will be available soon. To find out more about these and to express an interest please email fm&pshortcourses@leedsbeckett.ac.uk