The Method
How we do it.
We produce home-grown, commercially viable feature films, supporting new talent from under-represented demographics. Here's how.
The Origin Story
In 2016, Screen Northants pitched an idea to BBC Children in Need.
It was a proof-of-concept: could we deliver real, professional feature films while genuinely training young people from under-represented backgrounds?
Since then, we have produced 3 feature films working with 210 young people from across Northamptonshire, proof that the model works at both an artistic and a developmental level.
How We Do It
Two strands that feed each other.
Screen Northants is made up of two strands, Film and Academy. They run in parallel and depend on each other: every film is also a training ground, and every Academy intake works on real films.
The teaching-hospital model
Like a teaching hospital, our productions are real, professional and high-stakes, but built around training. New talent learns by doing, alongside experienced industry crew.
Trust on real projects
Our young people aren't on work-experience placements making tea. They're given real responsibility on real films, with the support they need to succeed.
BAFTA-level ambition
We aim to produce films that compete on a national stage, because nothing transforms a young person's career like working on something the industry takes seriously.
The Academy
70 disadvantaged young people. Unprecedented training and work experience in Film & TV.
A 7-year programme that takes young people from age 14 through to higher-education and into the industry. Built around real productions, not classroom theory.
Ages 14–16
Foundation
Two feature films, broad exposure to every department. Discovering where a young person's interest and talent really sit.
Ages 16–18
Specialisation
Two more feature films, narrowing focus into chosen departments, building a real-world portfolio of professional credits.
Ages HE
Mastery
Three feature films at higher-education level, department-specific, professional roles, and direct progression into industry.
