Academy aims to inspire young talent

The ground-breaking initiative brings the creative industries together with the Further Education and career sectors, to address the impact of Covid-19 on young people, and to showcase how partnerships focused on digital skills development and investment in young talent can create a strong pipeline to employment and local economy growth.

The Academy delivered by award-winning youth charity and film festival, Cinemagic, will run over the next four months, with 40 young people across Northern Ireland set to benefit from practical online masterclasses hosted by film and television experts, culminating in the production of two short films and a behind the scenes documentary. Participants on the programme will also achieve a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Production.

Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE commented: “We are looking forward to working with our partners Belfast Metropolitan College and North West Regional College, with support from Department for the Economy, to help young people develop new skills, explore opportunities and give them the confidence to thrive in a career in the creative and digital sector. This is especially important in a time where the digital industries are playing a significant role in reshaping how young people can access learning and gain invaluable insight which will help facilitate entry to this type of employment.”

Belfast Metropolitan College Principal and CEO, Louise Warde Hunter said: “There is no doubt that young people have been greatly impacted by the pandemic and this Academy will provide them with an amazing opportunity to gain industry relevant skills and experience.”