This year we are running a series of practical workshops designed to help you expand your skills and understanding of film, television and VR, in collaboration with world-leading organisations including BBC Writers, Film London, RADA, The Pitch Film Fund, Film Hub North, Spotlight as well as Scottish Games Network and Rocksteady. These sessions are essential for anyone looking to experiment with cutting-edge technologies and learn directly from leading industry experts in person.
Sessions last between 60-120 minutes. Free with Festival Pass. Pre-booking is essential.

Workshop | The Pitch Film Fund: Learn about Adaptation

Join us for an enlightening workshop about adaptation in filmmaking, designed for writers, directors and film lovers interested in the art of transforming source material into screen stories. This session will delve into the intricate process of adapting books and real-life events into films. Through case studies, discussions, and exercises, you will gain insights into the balance between fidelity and innovation. In this session, The Pitch will focus on the ancient text of The Bible – an enduring source of cinematic inspiration – as an example. They will also discuss their new commissioning process, launching this year.

Workshop | Roundtable: Film Hub North

Got a burning question about filmmaking, short film production, or career development? Put it to BFI Talent Executives and the filmmaking team behind a BFI-supported short at Film Hub North’s roundtable. This is an opportunity to get guidance from industry experts and exchange ideas with fellow filmmakers. This event requires prior registration via the Film Hub North website, but there may be a chance for sign-ups on the day. The session is free to book on to and does not require a valid festival pass. Places are limited so please only sign up if you can attend.

A separate ticket is required to book onto the FilmHub North Workshop.

Workshop | Roundtable: Careers in Interactive Media

Discover the creative possibilities of interactive media in this roundtable about the gaming industry. The session will be led by Adonis Emmanuel (Rocksteady Games), as well as representatives from Investigate.Games and our Official Selection developers. Hear how these creatives began their journeys, what skills studios are seeking from new talent, and how you can navigate a path into this fast-evolving field. With space to ask your own questions, you’ll gain insight into one of the most compelling art forms of our time.

Workshop | Finding Adaptable IP: From Idea to Screen and Beyond

This workshop, delivered by Film London, explores how to identify “adaptable IP” and assess whether a concept could become a film, TV series, game, or podcast. Participants will examine commercial viability and what makes a story market-ready across different platforms. The session also unpacks the fundamentals of development, including how ideas evolve into compelling pitches and how projects are shaped from early concept to optioning. You’ll gain clarity on IP ownership in collaborations – who owns what and why it matters. Perfect for creatives wanting to understand how stories move from idea to industry-ready projects.

Workshop | Directing/Working with Actors for Screen

This dynamic workshop, led by acclaimed director and RADA tutor Victor Villar-Hauser, offers a rare opportunity to explore the interplay between actor and director in screen storytelling. Focusing on technique, communication and creative vision, the session is designed for those interested in both sides of the camera. Participants will gain insight into the nuances of performance, blocking, and scene interpretation, while developing a deeper understanding of the collaborative language that brings scripts to life.

Workshop | Inside the Virtual Studio: Voices from the Creators of our Official VR Selection

Step inside the minds shaping the future of VR at our Official Selection Roundtable. Hear directly from the creators behind this year’s standout interactive experiences as they share insights into their creative process, how they got started and the challenges of building immersive worlds. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or seasoned creator, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on virtual storytelling – from innovative interaction models to pushing emotional boundaries in XR. Join a dynamic conversation with the voices driving the next wave of immersive media.

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Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 runs 4-8 November in York, UK. Click here to book your festival pass.

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