Welcome to the APA Masterclass.

Applications are now open for the 2027 APA Masterclass.

Apply by Friday 27 November 2026 for the opportunity to take part in our acclaimed industry training programme for aspiring commercial producers.

At the APA, we are committed to supporting and developing the next generation of commercial production talent. Our Masterclass offers an intensive, hands-on learning experience for those looking to take the next step in their production careers and build the skills needed to produce live-action commercials.

Established in 2001, the APA Masterclass has become an industry-standard training course for aspiring producers. Each year, we bring together leading industry experts to share their knowledge, experience and insight with the next generation. The programme is widely recognised across the industry and consistently oversubscribed.

The 2027 Masterclass will take place from Monday 1 to Friday 5 February 2027, and applications are open from 2nd November- 27 November 2026.

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COURSE OVERVIEW

The five-day intensive course starting on 1st February 27, offers a thorough exploration of the advertising production process, giving participants a unique insight into what it takes to produce live-action commercials. Covering all the key aspects of the producer’s role, from treatments, scheduling and budgeting through to copyright, contracts and the practicalities of delivering a commercial production, the programme combines industry expertise with practical learning.

Each day runs from 9am – 6pm, with 30 guest speakers from across the industry joining teaching sessions throughout the week to share their specialist knowledge and experience. The final day is dedicated to an interactive, all-day budgeting workshop, where more than 25 leading production and agency producers guide students through the budgeting process.

The Wednesday teaching day, offers a unique opportunity to visit leading post houses specialising in editing, VFX and sound, giving students an insight into the post-production process. Students will then head to ARRI Rental for dedicated sessions exploring grips, cameras and lenses, gaining valuable insight into the equipment and technical expertise involved in bringing a commercial to life.

Following the course, students complete the Masterclass exam in their own time over the subsequent two weeks before receiving their certificates.

The course is produced by Alesia Duff-Farrier, Head of Membership at the APA, alongside a team of leading industry tutors:

• Andrew Levene, MD at Stink Films
• Charlotte Fuller, MD at PI Film Network
• Fran Thompson, MD at Park Pictures
• Helen Hadfield, MD at Snapper Films
• Jay Lovelock, MD at Business Club
• Jenny Beckett, MD at Partizan
• Kate Arton, HoP at PI Film Network
• Sam Levene, HoP at ProdCo

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We are looking for Production Assistants, Production Managers and Junior Producers who their engaging company believes have the potential to produce commercials within the next 12 months.

Applicants must have a minimum of two years’ experience within the industry to be eligible.

 

COURSE FEES

 £400 + VAT per student: APA Member

 £400 + VAT per student: Freelance producers working for APA Member companies

£500+VAT per student: Agency / Other

 

KEY DATES

Applications open: TODAY – Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications close: Friday 27th November 2026

Successful applicants notified: W/C Monday 30th November 2026

Payments to be completed by: 7th December 2026

Masterclass course: Monday 1st – Friday 5th February 2027

Masterclass Exam Hand in: Monday 22nd February 2027

 

COURSE LOCATION

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (9AM-6PM) : 20 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0RN

Wednesday (9AM-7.30PM) : Students will be assigned individual post houses (EDIT, VFX & SOUND) across London to visit throughout the day, followed by a visit for the whole cohort to ARRI Rental in Uxbridge.

 

HOW TO APPLY

To register your interest, click the ENROL button below to complete the application form.

The Masterclass is always oversubscribed, so we encourage anyone interested in developing their production talent to apply as soon as possible.

For any questions about the Masterclass, please contact us at [email protected].

 

We look forward to receiving your applications and welcoming the next cohort of aspiring commercial producers.

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Enrolled Students & Course Materials

If you are now enrolled on the Masterclass course please login above to find all of the course materials and resources that you will need for the entire week. Please check here before each day so you can be fully prepared for each session.