Exeter School pupil offered place on National Youth Film Academy

An Exeter School Sixth Former has been awarded a place on the National Youth Film Academy.

Upper Sixth Former Emma Bates set herself the challenge as a lockdown achievement which complements the place she won on the National Youth Theatre last year.

A Level Drama pupil Emma was first introduced to the art of filmmaking through the school’s drama club at school where they made a short film highlighting the issues of climate change.

Inspired by this experience, she applied for the National Youth Film Academy and was offered a place after submitting a short showreel and being interviewed twice.

The school community remembers Emma’s performance as Amy in the senior school production of the musical, Company.

Emma said she was looking forward to experiencing the opportunities the academy has to offer, such as Q & As and masterclasses with industry professionals.

“I have already attended a Q & A with Ben Miller and am looking forward to another one soon with the cast and crew of The Inbetweeners. Now being a member of NYFA as well as NYT I feel privileged to be able to experience high quality opportunities on both sides of the industry - film and theatre.”

Head of Drama Jamie Brough said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Emma and demonstrates the proactive attitude that a young aspiring actor needs in order to succeed in the industry. Last year Emma was also offered a place in the National Youth Theatre, so we keep our fingers crossed that at some point soon she will be able to attend the workshops and industry opportunities that these prestigious places offer and give access to.”

Working with ODEON Cinemas and ProCam, the National Youth Film Academy has been created to locate, educate, develop and showcase the talents of exceptionally gifted young actors and film makers aged 16-29 years old. The academy trains young people for the film industry whether they are actors, directors, editors or producers.