TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION
OF BRITISH FILM PRODUCERS
WLF Advance is the talent development arm of one of the UK's most active regional film ecosystems — turning ambition into screen credits since 2013.
Find a CourseGet In TouchAdam J. Merrifield has spent over a decade doing the one thing most film trainers only talk about: actually making films. As the founder of WLF Advance and lead producer at White Lantern Film, Adam has produced features in the £500k–£3m bracket, navigated international distribution, and built one of the an active regional film ecosystems on the South Coast of England — spanning production, co-working, content creation, and distribution. For 11 years he ran the BFI Film Academy in the region, giving 220 young filmmakers their first professional credits and overseeing the production of 11 short films. He founded the Short Sounds Film Festival, a platform dedicated to celebrating the best of British short film. And through his work with BCP Council and Screen Wessex, he has been instrumental in keeping creative talent working, and working locally. WLF Advance is the natural extension of everything Adam has built — a structured, industry-led training programme that doesn't just teach filmmaking. It builds careers.
Adam J. Merrifield
Founder & Lead Producer
Our Partners
Why Advance with us?
- Real Pedigree: We’ve delivered feature films in the $500k–$3m bracket. We know what distributors want and what sets require.
- The Network: Through our B-Reel events and Crew Connect network, you’re one handshake away from your next collaborator.
- Future-Proofed: Whether it’s traditional cinema or the TikTok Live economy, we bridge the gap between "viral" and "verite."
- Local Roots, National Reach: We’re the architects of the regional film scene, working with BCP Council and Screen Wessex to keep talent right where it belongs—working.