2025 Screen Industry Courses
An international initiative supporting the next generation of screen professionals and filmmakers.
Courses are open to all, with no prior industry experience required.
Brought to you by
A member of the UK’s Russell Group, The University of Exeter is renowned for combining world-class research with some of the highest levels of student satisfaction, and TEF Gold Standard teaching.
Founded by Oscar-winning producer Lord David Puttnam, Atticus Education delivers world-class, interactive film education to students and professionals around the globe.
A leading global trade publication, Screen International is renowned for its authoritative coverage of the worldwide film industry
Empowering Global Filmmakers
In a rapidly shifting media landscape, the requirement for filmmakers to be globally aware, commercially fluent, and creatively confident has never been greater. This new suite of executive education courses—developed through a unique partnership between the University of Exeter, Lord David Puttnam’s Atticus Education, and Screen International— will deliver real-world insight, crucial industry knowledge, insider case studies and world-class teaching targeted at early-career filmmakers, producers, and executives in a digital age.
Led by expert practitioners, these short courses will equip participants with the tools and knowledge to navigate specific aspects of the commercial screen industries.
Delivered entirely online, accessible worldwide, and supported by networking opportunities, these industry-led programmes are designed to equip filmmakers with essential skills.
Courses start in February 2026. Find out more below and book your place.
2025 Autumn courses
Delivered by Executive Producer Alan Martin (Good Gate Media COO)
Exeter Course Leader – Jezz Vernon (Senior lecturer in Film / Distributor / Producer)
Learn how to finance and structure a micro through to mid-budget UK production using an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle). This course includes an overview of UK financial compliance frameworks, legal information, public-funding pathways, international treaty co-productions and the mechanics of how to work with the new UK Independent Film Tax Credit (UKIFTC). Aimed at filmmakers, producers and executives with UK or co-production-based projects.
5 x 3hr sessions £475
Online course
Entry requirements
There are no formal qualifications needed to participate in this course, however it would be useful if participants had a basic understanding of the film value chain (production, sales, distribution and exhibition) and the concept of production incentives such as tax credits. Participants will need a good level of fluency in English to maximise course value.
Delivered by Janne Barkliss (Exec Producer / Former Packaging and Sales Packaging at Gersh Agency)
Exeter Course Leader – Jezz Vernon (Associate Professor in Film Studies / Distributor / Producer)
From the spark of a short film idea to the first funded feature—this course maps the most effective commercial and creative journey for international filmmakers. The focus is market driven in its approach, providing the tools and knowledge to propel filmmakers into sustainable careers. Explore development strategies, funding routes, agency representation, market positioning, and first-look opportunities, with practical advice on the project types, genres and approaches that will move a filmmaker from early concepts to commercially viable, production-ready films that can connect with audiences.
5 x 3hr sessions £475
Online course
Entry requirements
There are no formal qualifications needed to participate in this course, it is intended for early career filmmakers who want to make work that gives them the highest probability of progressing into a sustainable commercial career across Film and TV. Students will need a good degree of fluency in English to maximise course value.
Delivered by an International Co-Producer
Exeter Course Leader – Jezz Vernon (Associate Professor in Film Studies / Distributor / Producer)
Designed for filmmakers looking to collaborate internationally, this course provides a practical roadmap to structuring official and informal co-productions. Participants will gain a clear understanding of viable cross-border finance plans, leveraging tax credits and public subsidies, accessing co-production funds, and managing rights across multiple jurisdictions. Key topics include navigating the European Convention and bilateral treaties, building productive international partnerships, and addressing the legal and logistical complexities of working across a range of territories. This is an internationally-facing course that focuses on global co-productions aimed at international audiences.
5 x 3hr sessions £475
Online course
Entry requirements
There are no formal qualifications needed to participate in this course; however it would be useful if students had a basic understanding of the film value chain (production, sales and distribution). This course is aimed at early career filmmakers and producers who want to co-produce internationally. Students will need a good degree of fluency in English to maximise course value.
Delivered by Katie Bignell (Founder of Festival Formula)
Exeter Course Leader – Jezz Vernon (Associate Professor in Film Studies / Distributor / Producer)
Crafting an informed festival strategy is critical to building your film’s visibility and breaking through into the industry. This course provides an expert guide to help filmmakers navigate the international festival circuit, offering practical guidance on selecting and prioritising the right festivals, national and international strategy, networking, leveraging no-budget marketing to build industry momentum and utilising festival runs to access the international industry and audiences.
3 x 3hr sessions £285
Online course
Entry requirements
There are no formal qualifications needed to participate in this course. The course is aimed at early career filmmakers and producers who want to create efficient, economic festival strategies that maximises their film’s potential. Students will need a good degree of fluency in English to maximise course value.
