Raindance Film School, founded in 1992 by Canadian-born film producer Elliot Grove as a thought experiment asking “Can you make a film with no money, no training, and no experience?”, is an accredited independent film school with a fierce independent spirit located in the heart of London’s creative scene at 10A Craven Street, near Trafalgar Square. Operating under the ethos of independence and practical filmmaking
education, Raindance has been teaching both novice and experienced filmmakers for over three decades while simultaneously creating and managing the Raindance Film Festival (founded 1993) and the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA, founded 1998). The school offers comprehensive programs including HND Filmmaking, HND Acting, HND Screenwriting, MA Filmmaking, and MA Screenwriting, all designed to provide hands-on industry-focused education with flexible scheduling options including day, evening, and weekend courses to accommodate diverse student needs.
Founded by Elliot Grove, who grew up in a Mennonite household unable to watch films until age 16 when he saw “Lassie Comes Home” and was “hooked on cinema forever,” Raindance emerged from Grove’s experience as a scenic artist on 68 feature films and over 700 commercials in Toronto, where he developed a distaste for wasted resources and bureaucracy that prevented aspiring filmmakers from realizing their projects. The school’s philosophy centers on proving that compelling films can be made with minimal resources, as demonstrated by Grove’s own feature “Table 5” (1997), produced for just over £200. Raindance operates through multiple campuses in London, Dubai, and Mexico, offering an International Degree Programme that allows students to experience filmmaking across two continents, while maintaining its commitment to developing independent voices in cinema through practical, industry-focused education delivered by working professionals.
As one of the pioneering institutions dedicated exclusively to independent filmmaking, Raindance has spent over three decades championing low-to-no budget filmmaking and supporting emerging filmmakers who might otherwise lack access to traditional film education. The school’s founder, Elliot Grove, has produced over 150 short films and 5 feature films while teaching screenwriting and filmmaking throughout the UK, Europe, North America, and Japan, demonstrating the global reach and practical application of Raindance’s educational philosophy. This commitment to independence has created a unique educational environment where students learn to overcome resource limitations through creativity and innovation.
Raindance’s impact extends far beyond education through its creation of two major UK film institutions: the Raindance Film Festival (1993) and the British Independent Film Awards (1998). The Raindance Film Festival, running annually in June in London’s West End, has become the largest independent film festival in the UK, showcasing groundbreaking films from emerging and established filmmakers worldwide. BIFA, held every December, celebrates the best UK independent films with past winners including “My Name is Joe,” “Billy Elliot,” “Vera Drake,” “This Is England,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Aftersun,” and “All of Us Strangers,” establishing Raindance as a central force in recognizing and promoting independent cinema excellence.
Raindance has established itself as the leading advocate for accessible filmmaking education, proving that quality film education doesn’t require expensive equipment or large budgets. The school’s practical approach, combined with Grove’s published works including “Raindance Writers Lab: How to Write and Sell the Hot Script” and “Raindance Producer’s Lab Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking,” has democratized film education and made it accessible to diverse communities. This philosophy has been recognized through Grove’s honorary doctorate from the Open University (2009) and his Impact Award at the British Short Film Awards (2021), acknowledging his contribution to making film education inclusive and practical.
Through its International Degree Programme spanning London and Mexico, Raindance provides students with global perspectives on filmmaking while maintaining strong connections to local creative communities. The school’s founder also established the Independent Film Trust, a charitable organization that empowers children facing disabilities or disadvantaged circumstances to express themselves through filmmaking, demonstrating Raindance’s commitment to using film education as a tool for social impact. This international and charitable dimension ensures that Raindance’s influence extends beyond commercial filmmaking to encompass social responsibility and global cultural exchange.
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