Co-created with the city’s most renowned production companies, including the BBC and Films at 59, this dynamic degree offers you the opportunity to master the latest, cutting-edge techniques that are driving today’s film and TV industry. With our strong connections to top employers, you’ll be networking with the industry, gaining invaluable exposure to the people and projects that define the future of film.
Whether you’re passionate about cinematography, scriptwriting, directing, producing or the technical aspects of filmmaking, this course provides you with the expert training you need to excel in every aspect of film production.
Step into Bristol Film School at Boomsatsuma and embark on a journey that will shape you into a skilled, industry-ready film professional. Connect with leading professionals and gain real-world experience, from groundbreaking documentaries at the BBC to high-profile feature films and drama productions, ensuring you’re ready to take on the industry.
Equipment
Avid edit suite
NEXIS media management system
DaVinci Resolve finishing suite
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6Ks
Sony FX6s
Red Helium 8K
ARRI Alexa Classics
Zoom F6 audio recorders
Sennheiser 416 mics
Ronin gimbals
Avid Media Composer
Adobe Creative Cloud
Aputure 300 LEDs, Nova LED, ARRI Tungstens, HMIs, Dedolights
Dive into everything you need to know to make great films. You’ll get hands-on with industry-standard kit and software and work across a range of projects and production roles, scriptwriting and learning about what it takes to plan a shoot. Learn to write scripts, shoot in the studio and on location, explore art direction, interview techniques, lighting and cinematography, sound recording and editing. Take part in film screenings and discussions to develop your critical voice.
This is a collaborative year, with both Production and Post Production students learning together to build core filmmaking skills.
Year 2
Exploring documentary and drama you will work within professional work crews to develop ideas, pitch productions, build sets, direct actors and shoot on location. By making a variety of films, you’ll start to discover your strengths and explore specialist areas that interest you. Experience masterclasses and workshops in Red Helium, Arri Alexa, Sony FX6, lenses, grip kit and set lighting.There are also plenty of opportunities for work experience with creative companies across Bristol.
Year 3
In your final year, take everything you’ve learned and push it further through ambitious, industry-facing projects. Develop two group film ideas with no restrictions on genre or format, and bring them to life from concept to final cut. Sharpen your critical voice through seminars and screenings and build a professional portfolio that includes your CV, showreel, website, and a self-directed industry project.
Student Work
See the bold, original projects our students are creating. From concept to final cut, experience the talent and creativity at the heart of Boomsatsuma.
A film screening series across a range of genres and themes. You’ll watch films, discuss, analyse and debate in student groups to help develop your critical voice.
Camera, Sound, Edit
An essential grounding in both the practical and the creative aspects of camera, lighting, sound recording and editing. Get to grips with key kit in a studio environment then create your first short film.
Story and Script
The fundamentals of storytelling and scriptwriting, focused on drama. Explore where compelling ideas come from and how to develop them into stories for screen.
Production Teams
Engage a range of roles in film production and post production. Learn how to research, budget, schedule, cast and risk assess a film idea to industry standards, then use your knowledge to deliver a live brief for a client.
On Set
Learn the ins and outs of working in a film studio setting. Across several practical projects, you’ll learn how a studio operates, dive into art department roles, and work with actors and performers on set.
Creative Content
An innovative module that encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and pursue a free-thinking, experimental project. Find a subject you’re unfamiliar with but curious about, explore it, then document the process and outcome through creative filmmaking.
Documentary
Supported by screenings and lectures, you’ll explore approaches to factual by developing a documentary film in a production team. You’ll pitch, plan, shoot and work with Post Production students to cut and finish your film.
Drama
Following on from the Documentary module, you’ll extend your production skills in the context of drama for screen. You’ll pitch, write a script, direct actors, build sets and work as part of a professional crew.
Industry
With a focus on your future, this module helps you refine the skills needed to transition from undergraduate study to a career in the film industry. Learn to write a compelling CV, research potential clients and studios, cut an effective showreel, and put together a professional networking profile.
The Production Company
Bring your skills and experience together to craft a short film. This could be a standalone concept or a pilot film that tests ideas for your graduation film.
Graduation Film
An exciting opportunity to develop an ambitious and well-executed film that showcases your talents as a filmmaker. You’ll work with students across Filmmaking courses to plan, develop and deliver a film ready for a graduate showcase screening.
Prepare for Career Success
Future Skills is an innovative careers programme pioneered by Kingston University and tuned for Boomsatsuma that helps you develop the professional skills that creative businesses are looking for. Embedded within your course, Future Skills spotlights nine graduate attributes: creative problem solving, digital competency, being enterprising, having a questioning mindset, adaptability, empathy, collaboration, resilience and self-awareness.
Year 1 – Navigate
Meet students across courses during three creative challenges in film, photography and games. We’ll get you set up with a personal tutor that will help you shape a personal development plan.
Year 2 – Explore
Take part in a virtual design competition that explores the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Build skills in co-creation across disciplines, project planning, pitching and critical thinking. Revisit and refine your personal development plan.
Year 3 – Apply
Extend your professional skills by pitching a creative idea that has commercial potential. Continuing to work with your personal tutor, extend your personal development plan to life after undergraduate study.
Popular Roles
This dynamic course equips you with the cutting-edge skills needed to excel in the film, TV and streaming industries. Graduates are prepared for diverse, high-impact roles, from production manager and cinematographer to camera operator, assistant editor, lighting specialist and production designer.
Course Staff
HE Head of Bristol Film School
Freya Billington
HE Head of Production
David Neal
HE Head of Post Production
Mark Adams
HE Technical Lecturer
Nirmala Valinciute
“Changing the name to Bristol Film School at Boomsatsuma really positions Boomsatsuma where it should be, as a leader in film and TV in the South West and nationally. Bristol needs its own Film School. This is great news.”
“Bristol Film School at Boomsastuma produces some of the most talented film graduates in the South West. The course supports students’ needs and prepares them for the real world, with valuable work experience and industry connections.”
“It’s been inspiring working with students and faculty at Bristol Film School at Boomsatsuma. They’re dedicated, passionate, and eager to learn.”
“We’re thrilled with the success of having Bristol Film School at Boomsatsuma students in Work Experience placements on BBC’s Andy’s Global Adventures. A great partnership.”
Guided By Industry
Industry Collaborations
At Boomsatsuma, learning goes way beyond the classroom. From day one, you’ll be working on real projects with real industry partners.
Here are just a few examples of how we collaborate with the creative world around us.
Happy Hour Productions
Offers students valuable work experience on feature films and commercials, often leading to paid roles as Runners/Production Assistants. They also provide mentorship, workshops, and support for Nahemi Kodak National Commercial Competition entries.
VMI
Employs one of our graduates as Camera Assist/Tech Trainee and gives two students weekly work experience opportunities. They’re also hosting a lens event for the industry, open to our students.
What Our Students Say
Hear from the people living it – what it is like, how it feels and why it matters
“The Filmmaking: Production course gave me invaluable real-world experience and support to push my creativity and skills. I’ve directed documentaries and produced diverse drama pieces, and now I’m proud to be working as a filmmaker in the television industry.”
“Being on this course gave me the confidence to be the person I am in the industry today. Allowing me to have the essential knowledge and also trust in my skills I learned throughout the course shape me into the person I am working today.”
Choose Your Future
Why Filmmaking: Production at Boomsatsuma?
Vibrant Community
Work with creative people across year groups, attend industry talks and events, and get opportunities to go to festivals like Berlinale and IDFA
Industry Mentorship
Benefit from one-on-one guidance and mentorship from an industry professional in your final year
Your Ideas
Bristol Film School is all about creativity. You’ll be encouraged to make unique films that are experimental, thoughtful and imaginative
Applying?
We welcome applications from imaginative and motivated people from all backgrounds.
A range of qualifications are accepted, with common ones listed below. Applicants are also considered on an individual basis. So even if you don’t have the grades, you can contact us to talk about your options.
UCAS Tariff: 96 Points
A Level: CCC
BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM
T Level: M
Access to HE Diploma: M – 45 Credits
We interview for this course. Please see the Course FAQs below for details.
Fees and Funding
Annual fees for UK full time students studying an undergraduate degree at boomsatsuma, awarded by Kingston University London, are as follows:
2024/25: £9,250
2025/26: £9,535
For more information about tuition fees and funding, see Kingston University’s Guidance.
If you have questions about student finance, or need some help, call us or enquire at an Open Day.
Where are we?
Tobacco Factory
Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1TF
Course FAQs
This course is validated by Kingston University London and is supported closely by Kingston School of Art. Kingston University has been recognised with a TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework) Gold award for their commitment to high quality teaching.
Kingston University awards our degrees, meaning that you’ll graduate with a degree certificate from Kingston University. Boomsatsuma follows Kingston University quality assurance and enhancement processes, including those related to assessment, course monitoring, and student feedback.
We interview for this course to make sure that you’re a great fit for Boomsatsuma and that Boomsatsuma is the right place for you. We think it’s essential to meet everyone who wishes to study here, both to get to know you better and to give you a chance to experience our approach first hand.
Interviews are in person where possible, and cover topics such as your interest in the subject, your goals, and your motivations for studying with us. You may also have the opportunity to share any recent work with our staff during the interview.
We are currently accepting transfers directly into Level 5 (year 2) of this course. If you have successfully completed, or expect to complete 120 credits at Level 4 (year 1) of your undergraduate course at another university, you may be eligible to apply.
If you’d like to transfer to Boomsatsuma, please contact us using the phone number or email address at the bottom of this webpage. We’ll talk to you about your situation, run through the details of this course, and outline the options available to you.
Whatever you’re facing – academic challenges, mental health, finances or planning your next steps – we’ve got your back. Our Student Support team is here to listen, guide and help you make the most of your time at Boomsatsuma.
We offer academic advice, wellbeing sessions, coaching and counselling, listening sessions and advice drop-ins. We can also help with applications for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Boomsatsuma doesn’t have its own halls, but we can help you with house-hunting. We provide links to trusted letting agencies and work in partnership with C J Hole to help you find the right place to live while studying.
If you’re facing financial challenges, we’re here to help. Our Student Support team can provide guidance on budgeting and exploring financial support options. Contact us at education@boomsatsuma.com to book a session with our Student Support Advisor.
While this course doesn’t include a formal placement year, it’s designed to provide industry insight at every level. We collaborate with partners to set live briefs, arrange freelance commissions and offer work experience opportunities. Industry professionals regularly visit Boomsatsuma to deliver talks and masterclasses, giving you direct access to expert knowledge and networking opportunities.
We’re well connected within Bristol’s Creative Industries and beyond – and we’re here to help you build your own connections too.
Students studying this course enrol with Kingston University and become members of Kingston Students’ Union automatically. There are also a range of Boomsatsuma clubs and societies that you can join, run by our students, alongside opportunities to participate in boom socials, trips, and networking events.
