Hertsmere Borough Council through its dedicated venture Hertsmere Creatives Futures are offering young people aged 11-17 living in Hertsmere the chance to step behind the camera and discover where a career in Film and TV could take them, through a brand new free five-day filmmaking programme running this October half term.
Hertsmere Creative Futures launches with its first project, a filmmaking programme running from 26–30 October 2026, giving up to 30 local young people the opportunity to gain real industry experience as they make and premiere an original short film or creative project and explore the many different jobs available in production, which could include everything from operating the camera to set design, from scriptwriting to editing.
The course will be delivered by the experts at Brilliant Film Academy, with funding from Hertsmere Borough Council, and aims to demonstrate the positive impact of the local Film and TV industry by connecting young people from Hertsmere with the screen opportunities available on their doorstep.
Over the five days, participants will gain experience across the complete filmmaking process, from developing ideas and pre-production through to filming, post-production and screening. They will also learn about the creative, technical, production and business roles within the Film and TV industry.
The programme will also include a practical session led by BRAVE FX to learn all about special effects.
Applications are open to young people aged 11–17 living in Hertsmere, and no previous filmmaking experience or technical knowledge is necessary – just a willingness to learn and an interest in film.
David Jenkins, founder of Brilliant Film Academy, said:
“Hertsmere has an incredible Film and TV industry on its doorstep, and this programme is about helping local young people see that there could be a place for them within it.
“We want participants to learn filmmaking by actually doing it, while also discovering the huge range of careers that exist behind the scenes. You don’t need previous experience, just curiosity and a passion for film.
“For some young people, this could be their first real introduction to the screen industries, and we hope it gives them the skills, insight and inspiration to start thinking seriously about where that interest could take them.”
Successful applicants will be asked to pay a £50 refundable deposit to secure their place. The deposit will be refunded on completion of the programme and may be waived where it presents a barrier to participation.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council said:
“Hertsmere has a remarkable film and television heritage and a hugely successful industry, and is the home of Elstree Film Studios, Sky Studios Elstree, and Fairbank Studios, but we want its legacy to be about the future as well as the past.
"Behind every production are hundreds of people doing different jobs. Whatever a young person’s interests – design, finance, catering or a more traditional creative role – there could be a career for them in the screen industry.
“Hertsmere Creative Futures is about making these opportunities visible to our young people. We want the industry on their doorstep, to be an industry that is open to them. I see this as the start of a pipeline from Hertsmere’s classrooms to Hertsmere’s studios.
"We want Hertsmere Creative Futures to grow, investing in local talent and taking the industry that is on our doorstep and turning it into opportunities and jobs for our residents.”
Find out more information and apply for a place, visit: www.brilliantfilmacademy.co.uk/october2026
Applications will close at 5pm on 19 October 2026.
'
