As 2024 draws to a close, we’re shining a spotlight on the hard work of our Digital Media Academy. Highlighting the exciting projects they’ve been a part of, their final showcase event, and our new 2024 autumn cohort.
What is the Belgrade’s Digital Media Academy?
The Digital Media Academy is a free industry professional led programme for anybody aged 18+ who enjoys creating content and has an interest in film or video production. Over a number of weeks, participants gain a better understanding of digital media creation, and learn how to create, shoot, and edit video while being based in a producing venue with access to unique opportunities. These include meeting the Creative Director, interviewing cast members of shows, gaining access to rehearsal rooms, and visiting professional film sets.
“For a free crash course in filmmaking, it was absolutely one of the best courses I’ve ever attended!” – Spring 2024 Participant
Behind the Scenes of Turn + Draw – A Short Film
Lights, camera, action! In May 2024 the Belgrade team, with support of the spring Media Academy participants embarked on an ambitious project to create a short film that would complement upcoming Belgrade production Romeo and Juliet.
A professional film crew were called in, and the team got to work in Coventry Cathedral alongside actors, make-up artists, a costume team, musicians, producers, and Romeo and Juliet Director/Belgrade Creative Director Corey Campbell. The goal was to create a high-quality professional film that would generate excitement, anticipation, tease the show’s music, and highlight the quality and scale of the stage production.
Media Academy members were thrown straight into the action shadowing different roles each day on set including directing, lighting, sound, producing, and more.
The shoot was a huge success resulting in the final film being viewed by thousands. The opportunity gave our Media Academy a unique and invaluable experience to learn new skills and find out what it’s like to work on a professional film set.
“The chance to spend three entire days on a film set and see how everything works was incredible!” – Spring 2024 Participant
Photos by Nicola Young Photography
Digital Media Academy 2024 Showcase
During the 10 week programme our 15 spring participants were supported by our Digital Producer Simone Herbert to write, direct, film, and edit four short films. Their final films were shared on Wednesday 25 September as the Belgrade proudly hosted a showcase in recognition and celebration of the 2024 cohort.
The showcase was attended by Belgrade staff, including Neil Murray (interim CEO), and Emma Worrall (Programme Coordinator), crew members from the Turn + Draw short film shoot, invited guests, and of course members of the Media Academy – both the spring cohort and some members from the new autumn cohort.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Academy. It’s been creative and fun, and really appreciate the time and opportunities that were given. It’s amazing, to see the passion reignite in some areas that I never thought would pass my mind. However, I’m thankful and ready to go out there with more knowledge and confidence within my crafts.” – Spring 2024 Participant
“Being able to spread my wings, try something new or, enhance my knowledge and skills further within a realm I already knew. It was lovely to work with other creatives, and share each other’s talents and support one another. Cheer one another on and push each other.” – Spring 2024 Participant
Media Academy Spring 2024 members:
Amritpal Singh Dhillon, Ana Maria Chiper, Anna Xie, Becky Harris, Faith Obaro, Gemma-Louise Sharman, Hana Musa, John McCaughley, Kirstie Ewer, Logan Powell, Megan Mabilleau, Ryan Charles Bayliss, Seyi Amoo, Shay Horton, and Takudzwa Mudiwa.
Photos by Nicola Young Photography
Autumn 2024 Cohort
We are now thrilled to welcome the autumn cohort who will be with us for 20 weeks thanks to funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The group has begun to develop ideas for their films and have had the chance to workshop with Corey Campbell our Creative Director. This group will have the exciting opportunity to work on the digital elements of the Belgrade’s flagship home-produced show Romeo and Juliet.
Applications for our 2024 cohort are now closed, but please email getintouch@belgrade.co.uk to be added to our Media Academy mailing list for info on the next round of applications.