The National Youth Film Academy was founded in 2011 and is dedicated to giving young people the best possible opportunity to succeed in the film industry. Founder Rob Earnshaw worked closely in partnership with the BFI, and together devised a way to help the best in British Filmmaking and Acting talent develop their careers in the industry. In April 2011 a select group of young excited and talent individuals descended on the BFI Southbank and took part in the first ever National Youth Film Academy Introductory course. From these humble beginnings, the National Youth Film Academy community has grown into a very large but friendly hub of creativity, inspiration and productivity. It is a huge achievement to be asked to be a member of the National Youth Film Academy. Participants are given ten days to train in their chosen field, learn from respected industry professionals and meet with like-minded individuals to write and produce their own short film. The films are then screened in front of their peers, friends and family on the big screen at a cinema in Central London. Participants are assessed on their talent, enthusiasm and professionalism, with the very best invited to become full members of the National Youth Film Academy. The organisation offers representation through a feeder agency for its actors and access to exciting job opportunities for its filmmaking members. Anyone is free is to sign up to the jobs hub but members are given the NYFA recommendation.