Individuals aged 18+, who are interested in careers in the creative and digital industries, are set to benefit from the launch of the 2025 Digital Film Academy delivered by Cinemagic in partnership with North West Regional College (NWRC) and South Eastern Regional College (SERC), supported by Department for the Economy Skill Up Programme.
Cinemagic is calling individuals from all over Northern Ireland to apply to be considered for a place on the Academy which will run from January to May 2025, offering 30 trainees invaluable skills development opportunities in a range of creative disciplines including film production.
Pre-production masterclasses with industry professionals will take place online and the programme will culminate with participants having the opportunity to work on a Cinemagic short film in Derry/Londonderry and Bangor in partnership with North West Regional College (NWRC) and South Eastern Regional College (SERC) respectively. Additionally, participants will be offered an accreditation towards two units in the L3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production- U4 Pre-Production and U21 Film Editing.
The initiative brings the creative industries together with the Further Education and career sectors, to showcase how partnerships focused on digital skills development can create pipeline to employment and support local economy growth.
Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE commented “We are looking forward to working collaboratively with our partners with North West Regional College and South Eastern Regional College with support from Department for the Economy, to assist individuals to develop new skills, explore opportunities and give them the confidence to thrive in a career in the creative and digital sector.”
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said “Our local creative and digital sector is thriving and there is clear demand for people with skills in this field. I am delighted that my Department is supporting these courses in North West Regional College and South Eastern Regional College through our Skill Up programme so that more people can avail of training and be in a strong position to gain employment. I encourage anyone who is interested and eligible to apply.”
Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College, said the Digital Film Academy will give participants a unique opportunity to learns skills in an industry that continues to grow in the region.
He added: “The further education sector is committed to creating courses and qualifications that give people the opportunity to study locally.
“This Creative Media and Digital skills academy has been designed following consultation with local industry and will give students the opportunity work on real film projects. I look forward to seeing the results and watching the participants flourish.”
Emma Finney, Head of Business Engagement, South Eastern Regional College added “South Eastern Regional College are delighted to be working in collaboration with North West Regional College, Cinemagic and the Department for the Economy to deliver this Digital Film Academy. We are excited to upskill the participants in this fast growing dynamic area for Northern Ireland, equipping them with the skills they need for a successful career ahead in film.”
To apply for the project, which is free of charge, 18+ year olds from Northern Ireland are asked to submit an application form by 6th January 2025. Apply as follows: Application form for 18+ Short Film Academy