Professional Short Film Experience

Somebody Somewhere Knows Something

(written by Savina Kanagasabay)

In the UK someone is reported missing every 90 seconds.

Zara Lanaka is eighteen years old and missing.

87% of missing persons over 16 will be found in the first two days, after which it gets harder, almost impossible.

When her family embark on the heart wrenching search for her, they'll face a society where girls like Zara are just not meant to be found.

Audition for free by submitting a short video and receive feedback on your audition. 

Auditions should be no longer than 3 minutes and start with you saying your full name followed by a short monologue or alternatively a scene performed with another person off camera. 

Feel free to use any written scene from a play, TV or film.

This is an opportunity for you to express yourself creatively and for our casting director to assess your suitability to the short film roles. Have fun with it! 

• Click the button below and complete the audition form. 
• Fill out the audition form with your details and attach your audition video
• Successful auditionees will be contacted personally by City Academy 

For fees please see the booking and timetable tab above.

The Professional Short Film Course runs over four intensive weeks, designed to immerse participants in both the craft and professional practice of screen acting and filmmaking. Each week is carefully curated to build skills progressively—from creative exploration and character development to performance and professional production.

Week 1: Introduction & Story Development

The course begins with a warm welcome and company meet-and-greet, introducing students to the programme’s mentors and fellow creatives. Through a series of exercises and workshops, participants begin connecting with their characters and story themes. This week includes writing sessions with your Script Editor exploring character monologue work, and foundational Meisner technique training. It’s a space to explore backstory, identity, and emotional truth, all while building a collaborative ensemble dynamic.

Week 2: Improvisation & Scene Work

In the second week, the focus shifts to immersive improvisation. Participants explore character relationships and story arcs through structured improvisation sessions. This hands-on, exploratory work helps deepen character understanding and uncovers authentic dynamics between performers. Afternoons are spent refining story ideas, experimenting with scenes, and building material in preparation for scripting and shooting.

Week 3: Rehearsals & Pre-Production

Week three begins with a detailed readthrough of the script alongside your director, Dan, followed by focused rehearsals. Participants refine their performances while also receiving feedback on continuity, delivery, and scene transitions. This week emphasises emotional consistency, physical blocking, and adapting performance for camera. As filming approaches, the ensemble works closely with the director and production team to ensure clarity and cohesion across all scenes.

Week 4: On-Set Film Shoot

The final week is dedicated entirely to the professional film shoot. Spanning full production days, participants experience the full spectrum of a working film set, including call times, crew coordination, and multiple takes. This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to apply all learned techniques in a real-world context, culminating in a collaborative short film that showcases each actor’s journey.