Director Jon Wardle’s 5 Film School Graduate Takeaways

NFTS Graduates Power 90% of Major Studio Films in UK.A new report reveals the immense footprint of the National Film and Television School on the UK’s entertainment industry. The NFTS Graduate Impact Report, covering 2020 to 2024, shows its alumni are involved in nearly all major productions. This includes blockbuster films and acclaimed television series. The findings underscore the school’s role as a primary talent pipeline.According to the report, the school’s graduates are now more senior and influential than ever. Director Jon Wardle shared the findings exclusively with The Hollywood Reporter. He highlighted the school’s commitment to building sustainable careers for its students in a rapidly changing industry.

Dominance in Film and High-End Television

The statistics are staggering. A massive 75 percent of all UK film production spend since 2020 involved at least one NFTS graduate. For high-end television, that figure jumps to an incredible 89 percent. At major US studios like Netflix and Disney, graduates have a hand in over 90 percent of their UK film spend.This influence is visible on major sets. Jon M. Chu’s Wicked employed 22 NFTS alumni. The Disney+ series Andor featured 67 graduates in key roles. The school’s talent also drives box office success. NFTS graduates worked on 74 percent of the UK’s top 20 box office hits.

Expanding Training for a Changing Industry

The school is using new funding to broaden its course offerings. A £10 million government investment and £6 million from the industry will fund new disciplines. The NFTS plans to start courses in costume design, generative AI, and virtual production. These new courses aim to connect traditional skills with emerging technologies.Director Jon Wardle acknowledges the ethical questions around AI. He says the school’s approach is to help people navigate the technology effectively. The goal is to prepare graduates for the realities of modern production. The school is focused on sustainable career building across different media sectors, including games.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion

The report highlights significant progress on diversity. Thirty-three percent of NFTS students now come from ethnically diverse backgrounds. This compares favorably to the wider UK film and TV industry average of 16 percent. The school attributes this success to its nationwide outreach hubs and scholarship programs.Further steps are being taken to improve accessibility. New on-campus accommodation for disabled students is in the works. This will remove a major barrier to entry. The school also points to successful alumni from diverse backgrounds as powerful role models for new applicants.

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The National Film and Television School has solidified its status as a cornerstone of the UK’s creative economy. Its latest impact report demonstrates an unparalleled success rate in placing graduates at the heart of the industry. The NFTS continues to adapt its training for the future, ensuring its graduates remain in high demand.

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What major productions have NFTS graduates worked on?

Graduates held key roles in major films like *Barbie* and *Wicked*. They were also integral to TV hits such as *Andor* and the upcoming *Harry Potter* series. Their work spans both blockbuster and independent projects.

How is the NFTS expanding its course offerings?

The school is launching new courses in costume design, generative AI, and virtual production. This expansion is supported by millions in new government and industry funding. The goal is to bridge traditional filmmaking with new technologies.

What is the NFTS’s record on diversity?

Thirty-three percent of NFTS students are from ethnically diverse backgrounds. This figure is more than double the current UK industry average. The school actively works to remove financial and physical barriers to entry.

How does the school prepare graduates for the games industry?

The NFTS trains below-the-line roles, like sound designers, to also work in games. This cross-sector skillset helps graduates build more resilient and sustainable careers. It provides a buffer against the fluctuating nature of film and TV work.

Who are some notable NFTS alumni?

Notable graduates include Francesca Gardiner, showrunner for the HBO *Harry Potter* series. Composer Natalie Holt made history scoring the *Obi-Wan Kenobi* series. Their success stories highlight the school’s far-reaching impact.