NFTS 1927 (1927) by NFTSNational Film and Television School
It’s been five decades since the NFTS opened its doors in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Since then, it has gone on to produce some of Britain’s most significant and well-known directors, producers, screenwriters composers and many more behind the camera artists and technicians.
NFTS 1970s staff (1974) by NFTSNational Film and Television School
The Government said it hoped a “training school such as this would be a shot in the arm for the film industry in the UK.” The first intake consisted of 23 students. Colin Young, the founding Director of the NFTS is seen here pictured left, with some of the original NFTS staff.
Michael Radford's Cold Night Synopsis Document (1974) by NFTSNational Film and Television School
Among the original cohort was the school’s first trailblazing female writer director Dina Hecht, director Michael Radford who would go on to be Oscar-nominated for his film Il Postino and Bill Forsyth who directed the BAFTA award winning Gregory’s Girl.
Nick Broomfield NFTS Masterclass (2) (2015) by NFTSNational Film and Television School
Their counterparts included Nick Broomfield (pictured) director of Biggie and Tupac, VFX Supervisor Dennis Lowe (The Empire Strikes Back) and Producer Steve Morrison, co-founder and Chairman of All3Media.
On set of NFTS graduation film Collateral Damage by NFTSNational Film and Television School
Half a century on, the NFTS has evolved into the production powerhouse it is today, training over 500 students annually making an unrivalled impact on film, tv and games industries, with a graduate employment rate of over 90%.
Poles Apart dirtector Paloma Baeza Producer Ser En Low collecting British Short Animation BAFTA 2018 (2018) by NFTSNational Film and Television School
NFTS alumni’s work is consistently being screened at global film festivals from Cannes to Sundance and winning BAFTAs, Academy Awards and Emmy’s. Much of their success is down to the School’s philosophy of learning by doing.
Roger Deakins Masterclass (2021) by NFTSNational Film and Television School
During a return visit a few years ago, alumni of the School and visionary cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins said of his time learning his craft: “The NFTS gave me a solid base from which to move forward”.
NFTS Glasgow BBC by NFTSNational Film and Television School
Over the past few years, the NFTS has increased its presence and reach with a UK wide expansion. Hubs in Beaconsfield, London, Glasgow, Leeds and Cardiff enables the School to quickly respond to the needs of local production economies.
Asif Kapadia NFTS Masterclass (2020) by NFTSNational Film and Television School
The NFTS is renowned for its Masterclasses. During the pandemic, the School continued its Masterclass programme virtually, with some of the leading lights from the world of film and television making an appearance.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge NFTS Masterclass (2021) by NFTSNational Film and Television School
Filmmakers like David Fincher, Elisabeth Moss, Asif Kapadia, Paul Greengrass, Bradford Young, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Malorie Blackman, Sir Sam Mendes and countless others all graced the living spaces of NFTS students.
NFTS Funders by NFTSNational Film and Television School
Providing opportunities for under-represented groups to attend the NFTS is a key priority. The School awards over £900,000 of scholarships and bursaries annually, with the support of key partners including DCMS, BFI, Channel 4, BBC Studios, Sky and ITV as well as over 80 annual scholarship donors, trusts and foundations.
A Love Story director Anushka Naanayakkara and NFTS Crew BAFTA 2017 (2017) by GUY LEVYNational Film and Television School
During its 50th year, the NFTS remains committed to ensuring the School is a multi-cultural and inclusive environment where its students and graduates feel seen, heard and represented across all areas of the industry.
Over the years, the NFTS has won many prestigious awards and in 2018 was awarded the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, in recognition of the role it has played developing British creative talent. It remains the first time an educational institution has been given the award.
Today, the School remains in lockstep with the demands of the industry, instrumental in keeping the pipeline of talent bursting with the next generation of passionate, highly trained graduates and storytellers who will go on to become leaders and influencers at the forefront of the creative process.
Over the next 50 years and beyond, the NFTS is proud to continue its mission to produce the people that power production both in the UK and globally.
