London Film Academy

What London Film Academy does

London Film Academy (LFA) is a private higher education provider based in London, United Kingdom, specializing in practical filmmaking education. Operating since the early 2000s, the school runs a small staff (11-50 employees) and is registered with the UK Office for Students (OfS); its undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are validated through a partnership with the University of Derby, which is the pathway through which LFA is able to award recognized UK degrees. The institution holds ARRI Certified Film School status, positioning its equipment and curriculum alongside professional-grade cinema camera workflows used across the industry.

LFA's product surface centers on a tiered curriculum. The flagship BA (Hons) Filmmaking is a two-year degree priced at £23,000 per year (£46,000 total). Postgraduate offerings include a one-year MA Filmmaking at £23,500 and a one-year MA Screenwriting at £17,500. The school supplements degree income with short courses priced from £150 to £3,350, school-group workshops at £600-£1,350, and a Young Filmmakers Academy targeting ages 13-17. Cohort sizes are deliberately small (capped at approximately 12 students per BA/certificate cohort and 8 per Directing cohort), supporting a high-touch pedagogy delivered through working industry professionals. The downstream production-to-screen pipeline is anchored by partnerships with The Imaginarium (work placements, co-founded by Andy Serkis), Evolutions and Creativity Media (post-production), Focus Canning (equipment hire), and Picturehouse (industry events), with David Game College providing accommodation for international students.

The business model is tuition-driven B2C education: revenue is generated from individual students paying directly for seats in degree and short programs, with no disclosed employer-sponsorship, franchise, or licensing model. Co-founders Anna MacDonald and Daisy Gili serve as Joint Principals, and the institution competes in a mature London market against alternatives such as the National Film and Television School, the London Film School, and MetFilm School. Defensive growth levers in the latest cycle include new MA scholarships, expanded postgraduate career development (June 2026), and a Virtual Open House / UCAS Clearing 2026 recruitment drive — all incremental rather than transformative in nature.

Name

London Film Academy

Legal name

London Film Academy

Website

https://londonfilmacademy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

London Film Academy is a private UK higher education institution offering BA, MA, and short courses in filmmaking and screenwriting, with degrees validated through the University of Derby and ARRI Certified Film School status.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Film and Television Education

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (611610)

akta.pro primary industry

Photography Colleges & Visual Imaging Schools (EDAHAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Performing Arts (Acting, Improv, Theater) (EDAAAGAE)

Keywords

• Filmmaking education
• Film school courses
• Screenwriting training
• Cinematography programs
• Vocational film training

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Course Fees: Primary revenue from tuition fees across undergraduate, postgraduate, and short course programmes. Fee ranges from £150 (single-day courses) to £46,000 (2-year BA degree). Additional application fees of £50 for MA programmes. Some courses include early bird discounts.
2. School Group Workshops and Seminars: Revenue from bespoke training services for school groups, priced at £600-£1,350 per session depending on duration and type.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

London Film Academy is a private film school delivering practical filmmaking education through a portfolio of degree programmes, short courses, and youth programmes. Core offerings include a 2-year BA (Hons) Filmmaking, 1-year MA Filmmaking, and 1-year MA Screenwriting, all validated by the University of Derby, alongside numerous short certificate courses and workshops covering directing, producing, cinematography, screenwriting, and documentary filmmaking.

Product overview

London Film Academy (LFA) is a film school offering a portfolio of educational programmes spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and short course formats. The core academic offerings are three degree programmes validated by the University of Derby: a 2-year BA (Hons) Filmmaking, a 1-year MA Filmmaking, and a 1-year MA Screenwriting. Supporting these are multiple short certificate courses covering specific disciplines including Filmmaking Certificate, Documentary Filmmaking Certificate, ARRI Certified Camera Systems, Cinematography Certificate, Producing Certificate, Directing Certificate, Screenwriting Certificate, and Producing sub-courses (Movie Magic Budgeting & Scheduling, Production Management). Online offerings include Online Screenwriting Course for Film & TV and Online Film Producing Course Certificate. Specialised programmes include Young Filmmakers' Academy for ages 13-17 and School Groups workshops. The academy operates as an ARRI Certified Film School and is registered with the Office for Students (OfS).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BA (Hons) Filmmaking A 2-year accelerated BA (Hons) degree in Filmmaking offering hands-on training across directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, editing, and production design, validated by the University of Derby. Designed for school leavers and mature students seeking a career in film and TV, with industry work placements included. UCAS Institution code L57, Course code BA01. Tuition is £23,000 per year, total £46,000, inclusive of film production budgets.
• MA Filmmaking A 1-year MA Filmmaking postgraduate degree providing intensive practical training across six disciplines (directing, producing, editing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound) with a 6-8 week industry work placement. Targeted at graduates and career changers. Full fee: £23,500 with a £50 application fee. Course materials and film production budgets are included with no additional charges. Partial scholarships are available for UK and international students.
• MA Screenwriting A 1-year MA Screenwriting postgraduate degree focused on screenwriting with mentorship from industry professionals, development of a feature film script (90 pages), TV Bible, and TV episode script, and a 6-8 week industry work placement. Full fee: £17,500 with a £4,500 deposit upon acceptance and a £50 application fee. Partial scholarships are available.
• Filmmaking Certificate A 4-week intensive certificate course teaching the full filmmaking process from concept to screen, shooting on professional digital cameras such as ARRI Alexa Mini. Maximum 12 students. Standard fee £2,200, early bird £1,980 if booked by 31 July.
• Documentary Filmmaking Certificate A 6-week certificate course providing practical documentary filmmaking skills using broadcast-quality digital cameras and Adobe Premiere Pro for editing, delivered Monday-Friday. Fee: £3,350.
• ARRI Certified Camera Systems A 5-day intensive course providing comprehensive training in ARRI camera systems, digital imaging workflows, and professional production practices. Students receive recognised ARRI certification upon completion. Introductory offer: £1,755 (original fee £1,950). LFA is an ARRI Certified Film School.
• Online Screenwriting Course for Film & TV A live online screenwriting course delivered over 10 days across 5 consecutive weekends, teaching fundamentals of writing for film and television through guided writing exercises and collaborative workshops. Introductory offer: £896 (original fee £995).
• Online Film Producing Course Certificate A 5-consecutive-Saturday online course providing practical understanding of how films and television projects are made, from development through delivery. Fully online with live interactive sessions. Introductory offer: £623 (original fee £695).
• Cinematography Certificate A 5-day intensive certificate covering shooting and lighting for film using state-of-the-art digital cameras, including the roles of Director of Photography (DOP), camera operator, and focus puller. Students shoot 8 films and serve as DOP for one. Price not publicly listed on page.
• Producing Certificate A 5-day intensive overview of practical producing for the film and TV industry, covering paperwork, talent management, budgets, and pitching projects to financiers. 10:00-17:00 GMT. Price not publicly listed.
• Directing Certificate A 4-day intensive directing course covering visual storytelling, working with actors, and directing a short film with professional actors in a studio environment. Maximum 8 students. Fee: £795 standard, £715 early bird if booked by 31 July 2026.
• Intro to Documentary Certificate A 5-day intensive course providing skills for developing a documentary from concept to treatment, including UK/EU film market focus, budgeting, funding, research, storytelling, and pitching strategies. Price not publicly listed.
• Producing: Movie Magic Budgeting & Scheduling A 4-day course teaching industry-standard Movie Magic software for scheduling and budgeting films and TV drama, including practical projects and tutor guidance. LFA provides software and computers. Fee: £695.
• Producing: Production Management A 1-day full-time intensive introduction to the Production Management role covering paperwork, risk assessments, crew hire, location scouting, and below-the-line budgets. Fee: £150.
• Screenwriting Certificate A 2-week intensive screenwriting course covering film narrative, character-driven storytelling, action writing, dialogue, and screenplay formatting with professional script editing guidance. Delivered over 10 consecutive weekdays. Fee: £995 standard, £895 early bird if booked by 13 July 2026.
• Cinematography: Shooting and Lighting for Film & Digital A 2-day practical weekend workshop covering lighting setups and camera operation for film and digital video, including technical explanations of formats, lighting techniques, and camera maintenance. Fee: £450.
• Young Filmmakers' Academy (YFA) A 1 or 2 week filmmaking course for ages 13-17, offering hands-on experience in directing, cinematography, sound, and editing with professional actors, culminating in a short film screening. Maximum 12 students. 1 week: £595 (£895 early bird). 2 weeks: £995 (£795 early bird by 31 July 2026). Held at LFA, 52a Walham Grove.
• School Groups Workshops and Seminars Bespoke workshops and seminars for school groups providing introductions to filmmaking processes, including The Production Process, Acting for Directors, iPhone Filmmaking, and Documentary Filmmaking. Pricing: Half day workshop £600, Full day workshop £950. Half day seminar £550 (1 session) / £825 (2 sessions), Full day seminar £900 (1 session) / £1,350 (2 sessions).

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates have worked on productions including The Witcher (TV Series), Netflix's Black Doves, and major film festivals.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of DerbycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLFA is an approved partner of the University of Derby. All degree programmes (BA and MA) are validated by the University of Derby. Students receive access to University of Derby Online (UDo) learning environment, library resources, and grades.
• ARRIcoreTechnology or IntegrationLFA is an ARRI Certified Film School, providing comprehensive training in ARRI camera systems, digital imaging workflows, and professional production practices. Students receive recognised ARRI certification upon completion.
• The ImaginariumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork placement partner for BA Filmmaking students. The Imaginarium was co-founded by Andy Serkis, known for films including Breathe, Mowgli, Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Black Panther.
• EvolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning post-production house providing work placement opportunities for LFA students.
• Creativity MediaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBAFTA-nominated post-production company providing work placement opportunities for LFA students.
• Focus CanningminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment hire company that provided kit hire prize to LFA alumni Katy Trevor as part of her Emerging Screenwriter Award, enabling production of Friday's Mushroom Soup.
• PicturehouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPicturehouse Create is an annual industry event where LFA students attend masterclasses and networking events. LFA alumni also give masterclasses at the event.
• David Game CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudent accommodation partnership providing access to private student residences in the local area for LFA students.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• FAMU (Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague): Central Europe's leading film school (part of Charles University), offering BA, MA and doctoral programmes in directing, cinematography and screenwriting. Comparable as a specialist film school grounded in practical production, but geographically separate and primarily serving Czech/EU students.

Direct peers

• National Film and Television School (NFTS): UK's flagship specialist film school based in Beaconsfield, offering postgraduate MA degrees across directing, cinematography, screenwriting and producing. Directly comparable to LFA in audience (aspiring filmmakers), curriculum (practical, craft-based) and target credential (master's-level film qualification).
• Vancouver Film School: Canada-based specialist film school offering intensive one-year diploma and degree programmes in filmmaking, screenwriting and cinematography. Direct comparability in equipment-led short-cycle curriculum and industry-aligned design.
• MetFilm School: London-based practical film school operating from Ealing Studios, offering BA and MA programmes in filmmaking and screen acting. Highly comparable to LFA on hands-on pedagogy, equipment-led courses and London campus model.
• New York Film Academy (NYFA): US-headquartered practical film school with global campuses offering certificate, BFA and MFA programmes in filmmaking. Shares LFA's hands-on teaching model, ARRI-equivalent equipment access, and broad course portfolio including short courses and online options.
• London Film School: London-based specialist film school offering MA Filmmaking and screen-focused degrees. Overlaps with LFA on geography, target student (international aspiring filmmakers), practical curriculum, and credentialing structure (validated master's degrees).
• AFI Conservatory (American Film Institute): Los Angeles-based elite specialist film conservatory offering MFA programmes in cinematography, directing, screenwriting and producing. Comparable as a small-cohort, mentor-led postgraduate film school with strong industry placement credentials.
• Screen Academy Scotland (Edinburgh Napier University): University-hosted specialist film school offering BA and MA filmmaking in Edinburgh, with strong industry placement focus. Comparable as a UK specialist film education provider targeting career-track filmmakers, with a degree validated by a partner university.

Broad incumbents

• SAE Institute: Global creative-media tertiary provider offering courses across film, audio, animation, games and music. Overlaps with LFA in film qualifications and equipment-led curricula, but competes within a broader creative-media portfolio rather than film-only specialisation.
• Goldsmiths, University of London (Media & Film): London-based Russell-group university offering BA and MA programmes in Media, Film and Screen. Operates in the same London student catchment with broader university credentials and lower price points than LFA's specialist premium offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ldnfilmacademy
• Facebookfacebook.com/londonfilmacademy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/london-film-academy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about London Film Academy