Cinemagic has announced the return of 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 Skills Fund, Delivering the Minister’s Economic Vision, 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+ 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.”
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.
Deadline: extended to Friday 12th December
Eligibility
To apply, participants must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be eligible to work in Northern Ireland
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): Location TBC, but likely in Derry/Londonderry
Full accreditation and workshop schedules listed below.
**Please note that all dates and times are subject to change. While every effort will be made to maintain the published schedule, adjustments may be necessary due to the availability of guest hosts, filming locations, or equipment. Any changes will be communicated to participants in advance wherever possible.
DATES OF ACCREDITATION WITH ALLOCATED COLLEGE:
PLEASE SEE THE DATES OF THE ACCREDITATION TRAINING IN PERSON (YOUR ALLOCATED CAMPUS WILL BE BASED ON YOUR ADDRESS). YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF THESE.
SERC- BANGOR CAMPUS
Tuesday 25th & Thursday 27th November 4.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 2nd & Thursday 4th December 4.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 9th & Thursday 11th December 4.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 16th & Thursday 18th December 4.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 6th & Thursday 8th January 4.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 13th & Thursday 15th January 4.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 20th & Thursday 22nd January 4.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 27th & Thursday 29th January 4.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 3rd & Thursday 5th February 4.30-9.30pm
NWRC – DERRY CAMPUS
18.11.2025 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
19.11.2025 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
20.11.2025 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
25.11.2025 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
26.11.2025 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
27.11.2025 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
02.12.2025 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
03.12.2025 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
04.12.2025 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
09.12.2025 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
10.12.2025 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
11.12.2025 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
16.12.2025 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
17.12.2025 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
18.12.2025 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
06.01.2026 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
07.01.2026 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
08.01.2026 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
13.01.2026 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
14.01.2026 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
15.01.2026 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
20.01.2026 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
21.01.2026 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
22.01.2026 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
27.01.2026 Tuesday 2.00pm-6.00pm
28.01.2026 Wednesday 5.30pm-9.30pm
29.01.2026 Thursday 5.30pm-9.30pm
SRC- NEWRY CAMPUS
Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st January 2026, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th January 2026, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday 03rd and Wednesday 4th February 2026, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th February 2026, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th February 2026, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th March 2026, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11st March 2026, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Cinemagic Workshop Dates:
*PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES MAY VARY SLIGHTLY*
- Director Workshop: Monday 8th December 2025, 6.30-8pm, Zoom
- Director Workshop: Monday 15th December 2025, 6.30-8pm, Zoom
- Scriptwriting: Monday 5th January 2026, 7-8.30pm, Zoom
- CV Writing: Monday 12th January 2026, 7-8.30pm, Zoom
- Director Workshop: Monday 19th January 2026, 6.30-8pm, Zoom
- Production Management: Tuesday 20th January 2026, 7-8.30pm, Zoom
- Director Workshop: Monday 2nd February 2026, 6-7pm, Zoom
- Director Workshop: Monday 23rd February 2026, 6.30-8pm, Zoom
- Locations and Sustainability: Tuesday 24th February 2026, 7-8.30pm, Zoom
- Director Workshop: Sunday 22nd March 2026, 2-4pm, In Person
- Director Workshop: Wednesday 8th April 2026, In Person
- Group 1: Film Shoot Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th March 2026, ALL DAY
- Group 2: Film Shoot Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April 2026, ALL DAY
Media Enquiries
For press or media enquiries, please contact:
Claire Shaw
Press & Marketing Officer, Cinemagic
claire@cinemagic.org.uk
www.cinemagic.org.uk
