About Me

Hello, my name is Jake Metcalf and this is a website showing my journey through the BFI Academy.

I'm currently an A-Level Drama, Art and Film Studies student at Huddersfield New College.

My interest in film began to augment after I watched Martin Scorsese’s ‘Raging Bull’, the visual disharmony of the editing and discontinuous narrative of the fights left me in awe. I felt obliged to further my knowledge, watching films from all over the world, from Godard to Okamoto. As a result, I find myself reading around a lot of what I see, hoping to take influence from the pieces in my filming at which I do in my spare time.

I furthered my interest by creating a blog (https://jakem6150.wixsite.com/onlyfilmfocused) where I upload work that I've done/ doing. To find some of my current, independent work, look on the sub pages in the 'About Me' tab bar.

Why did you apply for the BFI?

I feel like I’m quite isolated from people my own age who share the same ambitions in film, the academy would open this up for me and challenge the teamwork skills I developed completing my Duke of Edinburgh and playing in a Badminton team.

This course would provide me with a better understanding of the BFI, their unique appreciation of film and the way they support and work with filmmakers. The way the course takes students through screenwriting, a practical project and then placing it within the industry really excites me, and the opportunity to take advantage of the BFI alumni network, film festivals and advice from professionals would allow me to pursue my passion in a professional capacity.

What do you hope to gain from the BFI Academy?

Support. The Academy would aid me with both my practical and theoretical interpretation of film, something I feel I don’t receive from my film studies course and desperately need, especially within practical filmmaking. They'll guide me onto the best route in order to achieve my directing ambitions.

Experiences. I'll be provided with new and exciting opportunities that will challenge me and my love of film, allowing me to gain a proper foothold in the industry I want my future to be in. These experiences will come with lessons. I'll learn from each one and make sure not to make the same mistakes, letting me develop as a filmmaker.