The First Run: BFI Filmmaking and Production for Sports course has been designed specifically for cricket clubs.

ECB BFI First Run initiative

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has partnered with the British Film Institute (BFI) to create the First Run: BFI Filmmaking and Production for Sports course.

Five representatives from cricket clubs and centres across England and Wales will have the chance to complete a 15-week online course on filmmaking and production in sport led by the BFI, designed exclusively for and with the ECB.

This initiative aims to improve film skills in the game so that participants can better showcase their clubs. It is funded by the £1 million #Funds4Runs investment jointly launched by LV= General Insurance and the ECB to combat the effects of Covid-19 on the recreational game.

Applications for the First Run course open today, and it will feature industry-leading film tutors hoping to equip students with editing, communication, digital and planning skills. You can apply here.

ECB director of participation and growth, Nick Pryde, said: “We are delighted to be taking cricket to new spaces through this exciting partnership with the BFI, thanks to LV= General Insurance’s #Funds4Runs initiative. We share a mission with the BFI to connect communities. That’s why this partnership was designed to help selected clubs digitally showcase what they do with the overall goal of getting more people engaging with cricket in the community.”

Heather Stewart, managing director of LV= GI added: “The #Funds4Runs initiative was created to support members of the grassroots cricket community, and the participants in the First Run programme will hopefully be able to take the filmmaking skills they’ve learned back to their club. Best of luck to all the applicants.”

Mark Prescott, head of business development and consulting at BFI, continued: “We’re excited to work with the ECB on a project that will enable people from cricket clubs across England and Wales to learn a range of filmmaking and storytelling skills that will help them promote their clubs and activities within their local communities. In today’s digital environment, having the skills, techniques and confidence to communicate through video and the moving image couldn’t be more important. We are looking forward to working with the ECB and these participants this summer.”