A new branch of the prestigious National Film and Television School will be opened in Scotland, with support from BBC Scotland and the Scottish Government
THE NATIONAL FILM AND TELEVISION SCHOOL (NFTS), ranked by the Hollywood Reporter as one of the world’s top 15 international film schools, is to open a new facility in Scotland next year.
Announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, the new NFTS branch will receive financial backing from the Scottish Government worth £475,000 and be based at BBC Scotland’s Glasgow Pacific Quay headquarters and Dunbarton studios.
In the interests of diversity and equality, a third of all places at the new school – currently projected to be 450 – will be fully funded scholarships, paid for by a bursary fund established by the Scottish Government and the BBC.
“We have seen a rise in high-profile film and television productions being made in Scotland, and this government is focused on ensuring that continues.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Speaking at the festival, the first minister said of the new school: “This is an exciting development for our screen sector which is already an area of growth for Scotland.
“While we have excellent university and college provision for a range of screen subjects and media skills, NFTS’ plans will complement and expand the training opportunities available in Scotland.
“We have seen a rise in high-profile film and television productions being made in Scotland, and this government is focused on ensuring that continues.”
“The NFTS has a well deserved international reputation for the quality of its training so we’re very happy to be working in partnership with them.” BBC Scotland director Donalda MacKinnon
BBC Scotland director Donalda MacKinnon was quoted by the BBC, saying: “BBC Scotland already has an excellent track record in helping to create the broadcasting stars of the future through our various apprenticeship and training projects, so hosting the NFTS in our Glasgow HQ will build on that.
“The NFTS has a well deserved international reputation for the quality of its training so we’re very happy to be working in partnership with them to ensure that we and other broadcasters – along with the film industry in Scotland – have a well trained and well-educated workforce to select from for many years to come.”
The new school is expected to open in early 2018, with students enrolling from April onwards.
Picture courtesy of Alex DROP
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