March 11, 2024
Exciting times lie ahead for the NFTS as it continues to evolve and nurture talent in the film and television industry. BY K Dass.
UK - The UK’s National Film and
Television School (NFTS) has received a significant boost with a £10 million
pledge from the UK government to support its expansion plans at the
Beaconsfield Studios in Buckinghamshire. The proposed £20 million expansion,
pending approval based on a business case, will increase the size of the
Beaconsfield base by 25,000 square feet. This additional space will facilitate
the introduction of new courses in AI, games, virtual and real-time production,
as well as establish a training centre for apprenticeship programs.
Additionally,
12 fully accessible student accommodation bedrooms will be constructed on-site.
Sophie Turner Laing, Chair of NFTS, expressed optimism about the funding,
stating that it will propel the school toward a future of innovation and
growth. However, further support will be necessary to fully realise their
expansion ambitions. Beaconsfield has been the NFTS’ primary base for over five
decades, complemented by additional bases in Cardiff, Leeds, and Glasgow.
The UK
government has pledged a substantial £10 million to support the expansion plans
of the National Film and Television School (NFTS) at the Beaconsfield Studios
in Buckinghamshire. This generous funding will enable the NFTS to enhance its
facilities, introduce new courses, and create a training centre for
apprenticeship programs. However, while the government’s contribution is
significant, further support from other sources will be crucial to fully
realise the ambitious expansion goals. The NFTS, with its primary base in
Beaconsfield and additional bases in Cardiff, Leeds, and Glasgow, is poised for
exciting growth and innovation in the film and television industry.