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| Nicola Sturgeon Photo: US Department of Education |
For the first time in its 46-year history, the National Film and Television School is to expand beyond London, with a new branch to open at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay HQ in Glasgow and its Dumbarton Studios.
The project is supported by a £475,000 grant from the Scottish Government, which has seen good returns from its investment in the sector in recent years.
"This is an exciting development for our screen sector which is already an area of growth for Scotland," said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival. "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."
"The NFTS has a proud history of developing Scottish talent from its base in Beaconsfield, so we are incredibly pleased to announce the expansion of the school into Scotland and look forward to making an even greater contribution to the Scottish economy through our unparalleled reputation for delivering high-calibre, job ready graduates," said NFTS Director Jon Wardle.
Places are expected to be available at the new school from April next year, with around 450 students predicted to study there each year. It will aim to provide opportunities in areas where there is currently no formal tuition available in Scotland.
