A full-time, year-long course will be launched at Liverpool-based LMA in association with Raindance, which is devoted to independent filmmaking and emerging talent

One of the world’s largest independent film festivals is collaborating with a specialist college to expand its MA in Film to uncover the next generation of filmmaking talent in Merseyside. 

The full-time, year-long course will be launched at Liverpool-based LMA in association with the critically-acclaimed Raindance Festival, which is devoted to independent filmmaking and emerging talent and celebrates its 26th anniversary this year.

The Raindance Postgraduate Degree joins the courses at LMA, which also offers a number of full degree courses in disciplines such as acting, digital film and TV production and games art and animation, in addition to a number of BTEC qualifications.

Track record

The Raindance Film Festival has a track record of showing alternative, edgy films and premiered blockbuster hits including Pulp Fiction, Memento and The Blair Witch Project. This year, Raindance will honour Terry Gilliam with its Auteur Award, recognising his body of work and his life achievement in independent film.

Aspiring film-makers will be hands-on in this MA, setting their own curriculum and modules, choosing from an eclectic mix of areas such as short films, feature films, screenplays, documentaries, virtual reality experiences or video games.

As part of the course, which is accredited by Staffordshire University, students will also have access to world-class mentorship from professionals in their chosen field and the opportunity to work alongside experienced creators.

Industry standards

The MA also has a real focus on commercial success, with participants supported to create their projects in ways that meet industry standards and to develop strategies to find audiences for their work.

Students will also benefit from free access to all Raindance open courses worldwide, a number of Raindance industry events and free entry to the Raindance Film Festival itself.

LMA, which has campuses on Duke St and Hope St in Liverpool’s city centre, celebrates its 10th birthday this year and has to date helped more than 3,000 students take their first steps into the creative industries, with 80% successfully securing employment in their chosen field.

Next level

Principal Richard Wallace said: “The Raindance Film Festival is a by-word for the best in independent film, not just in the UK, but internationally. And the launch of this collaboration on this MA programme will help the next generation of film-makers hone their talents and develop the skills they need to take their careers to the next level.

“What is especially impressive about this course is the extent to which it enables students to follow their own interests with support from a very impressive roster of mentors, as well as the ability to plug into the festivals own eco-system of courses and events.”