FILM EDUCATION DUNFERMLINE (FED)
Education & Pathways
Film education shouldn't be reserved for those who can afford it.
THE BRIEF
In 2023 David Izatt founded Film Education Dunfermline (FED) with a single belief: that professional film education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background, ability or circumstance.
Working in direct partnership with Fife Council's Employability Training and Development Team, FED was commissioned to deliver structured film academies for people facing significant barriers to employment - including individuals living with disabilities, those experiencing long-term unemployment and people who had never previously considered the creative industries as a viable path.
THE APPROACH
FED doesn't deliver taster sessions. It delivers proper, structured, professional film education - the same skills and knowledge used on real productions - in an environment built around encouragement, patience and genuine belief in every participant.
Each four-week academy takes participants through the entire filmmaking process from the ground up. Development. Scriptwriting. Casting. Directing. Cinematography. Editing. Colour grading. Participants don't just learn about filmmaking. They make films.
Every session begins with Fife Council's Employability Team working directly with participants on career-building skills and workplace confidence - before moving into hands-on practical filmmaking led by David Izatt.
The focus throughout is real-world experience in a creative, inclusive and supportive environment. Every participant is welcomed regardless of experience, background or ability. Access needs are accommodated as standard.
THE IMPACT
Two full film academies delivered (so far) in partnership with Fife Council - Participants included individuals living with disabilities and those facing long-term barriers to employment - All participants fully engaged throughout the programme - Direct employability outcomes supported by Fife Council's Employability Service - Second academy commissioned on the back of the first - a direct measure of success - Covered by Fife Today and the Dunfermline Press - Featured on STV News.
THE PARTNERS
Fife Council Employability Training and Development Team - Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline.
What they said
"Getting to learn from someone with David's experience and portfolio is a fantastic opportunity for these guys and I am really excited to see what the young people create.”
- Cheryl Morgan, Lead Employability Officer, Fife Council"The academy is tailored towards unemployed individuals, equipping them with valuable skills to enter the creative industries or transfer to other employment sectors. Because of its success, with all participants fully engaged in the process, we are currently scoping out options to run another academy in the future.
- Cheryl Morgan, Lead Employability Officer, Fife CouncilTHE BIGGER PICTURE
FED sits at the heart of an emerging vision for Dunfermline as a centre of excellence for Scotland's film and media industry - a vision backed by the Dunfermline Regeneration Trust and its ambition to establish the city as a genuine Media City.
Every person who comes through a FED academy is part of building that future.
Not just education. Education that opens doors.