Amazon, Film4 and the BBC have become more involved with the UK’s National Film and Television School as an industry-wide problem looms.
We reported back in the summer about the looming skills shortage that is set to disrupt the British film industry as recruitment fails to match the sector’s continual growth. The BFI (who conducted the research and compiled the report) urged major industry players to play a greater role in recruitment and so far, the response seems to be positive.
Just last week, lots of the industry’s high-profile organisations were present at Pinewood for the Futures Festival, where young people were able to directly interact with representatives from companies such as Sony, Disney and Industrial Light & Magic, not to mention dozens of smaller companies who provide vital services to the British film industry.
Today, news has emerged (courtesy of Screen Daily) that the BBC, Amazon and Film4 will all be represented on the board of the NFTS, the UK’s National Film and Television School. They join Sky and Channel 4 who are already represented on the school’s board, as the industry looks to pivot and make the necessary changes to develop entry-level recruitment and thus avoid the 2027 skills shortage that would stunt the sector’s growth (not to mention likely decimating the British independent sector as the bigger players hoover up all of the available crew).
Disney is also involved with the NFTS as well, having commissioned a ‘£150,000 short film incubator programme for writers and directors from underrepresented backgrounds with a 10-month scheme’ back in September.
It’s a start to see the UK’s biggest industry players, including those from outside of the UK, investing into the infrastructure of our film industry and for young people aiming to get a foothold in the screen sector. That said, it still feels like there may well be much work to do…
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