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+ 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.”
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: Friday 7th November
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 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.
Cinemagic Workshop Dates:
*PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES MAY VARY SLIGHTLY*
- Concept to Screen: Monday 17th November 2025, 6-7.30pm, Zoom
- Director 1- Creative Workshop: Monday 24th November 2025, 6-7.30pm, Zoom
- Director 2- Concept to Screen: Monday 1st December 2025, 6.30-8pm, Zoom
- Director 2: Monday 8th December 2025, 6.30-8pm, Zoom
- Scriptwriting: Monday 15th December 2026, 7-8.30pm, Zoom
- CV Writing: Monday 12th January 2026, 7-8.30pm, Zoom
- Director 2: Monday 19th January 2026, 6.30-8pm, Zoom
- Production Management: Monday 26th January 2026, 7-8.30pm, Zoom
- Director 1: Monday 2nd February 2026, 6-7pm, Zoom
- Director 2: Monday 23rd February 2026, 6.30-8pm, Zoom
- Locations and Sustainability: Tuesday 24th February 2026, 7-8.30pm, Zoom
- Director 1: Date TBC
- Director 2: Sunday 22nd March 2026, 2-4pm, In Person
- Director 2: Film Shoot Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th March 2026, ALL DAY
- Director 1: Film Shoot Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April 2026, ALL DAY
Accreditation Schedules (College Delivery)
| College | Campus / Location | Dates | Training Time |
| SERC | Bangor | Tuesday 25th & Thursday 27th November | 4:30pm – 9:30pm |
| Tuesday 2nd & Thursday 4th December | |||
| Tuesday 9th & Thursday 11th December | |||
| Tuesday 16th & Thursday 18th December | |||
| Tuesday 6th & Thursday 8th January | |||
| Tuesday 13th & Thursday 15th January | |||
| Tuesday 20th & Thursday 22nd January | |||
| Tuesday 27th & Thursday 29th January | |||
| Tuesday 3rd & Thursday 5th February | |||
| SWC | Omagh | Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th November | 4:30pm – 9:30pm |
| Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th November | |||
| Tuesday 2nd & Wednesday 3rd December | |||
| Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th December | |||
| Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th December | |||
| Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th January | |||
| Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th January | |||
| Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st January | |||
| Tuesday 27th & Wednesday 28th January | |||
| SRC | Newry | Monday 17th November- Friday 21st November | Delivery hours (same hours each week): Monday 9.00am – 1.00pm Tuesday – Thursday 9.00am – 5.00pm Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm |
| Monday 24th November – Friday 28th November | |||
| Monday 1st December – Friday 5th December | |||
| Monday 8th December – Friday 12th December | |||
| NWRC | Derry/ Londonderry | November 2025 – January 2026 | TBC |
Media Enquiries
For press or media enquiries, please contact:
Claire Shaw
Press & Marketing Officer, Cinemagic
claire@cinemagic.org.uk
www.cinemagic.org.uk
