Cinemagic is bringing back its highly acclaimed Cinemagic Digital Film Academy, inviting participants aged 18 and over from across Northern Ireland to apply for the 2025/26 programme.
Delivered in partnership with North West Regional College (NWRC), South Eastern Regional College (SERC), Southern Regional College (SRC) and South West College (SWC), and supported by the Department for the Economy’s Skills Fund, the initiative offers hands-on industry training, professional mentoring and recognised qualifications designed to kick-start careers in film and television.
Running from November 2025 to May 2026, the Cinemagic Digital Film Academy provides participants with the opportunity to learn every stage of the filmmaking process — from concept development and pre-production through to on-set experience. The course is fully funded and open to individuals aged 18+ who are not in full-time education and are eager to gain practical industry experience.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Screen industries are thriving throughout the north, and there is clear demand for people with skills in this field. I am delighted that through the Skills Fund my Department is supporting these courses so that more people can gain industry recognised qualifications and be in a strong position to kick-start a career in this exciting Sector.”
Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE commented “We are looking forward to working collaboratively with our partners with support from Department for the Economy, in our shared vision 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.”
Apply Now – Turn Your Creative Vision Into Reality
Applications are now open for the Cinemagic Digital Film Academy 2025/26.
No experience is required — just enthusiasm, creativity, and a passion for storytelling.
Apply today at cinemagic.org.uk
Eligibility
To apply, participants must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be eligible to work in Northern Ireland
- Not be in full-time education during the course
Programme Overview
Participants will take part in a series of interactive workshops and masterclasses led by industry professionals, alongside film shoots in Derry/Londonderry and Belfast. Each college partner will deliver accredited learning aligned to their own examination bodies but equal in calibre, ensuring consistent quality and recognition across all campuses.
Key sessions include:
- Concept to Screen with guest Directors
- Scriptwriting Workshop
- CV and Signposting Workshop
- Production Management Workshop
- Locations and Sustainability Workshop
- Director of Photography Workshop
Two film projects will be produced through the programme:
- Director Group 1 Shoot (SERC and SRC): Location TBC, but likely in Belfast
- Director Group 2 Shoot (NWRC and SWC): Location TBC, but likely in Derry/Londonderry
Full accreditation and workshop schedules listed on the application form HERE