New film school to be based at BBC in Glasgow
Nicola Sturgeon film school announcement - First Minister's Office
The National Film and Television school (NFTS) is to open a base within the BBC at Pacific Quay in Glasgow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
Supported with £475,000 of Scottish Government money, the new school will be the first of its type outwith London.
Based at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay HQ in Glasgow and Dumbarton Studios, the school will offer postgraduate courses in film and television using BBC facilities.
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The project was announced by Sturgeon at the Edinburgh International Television Festival.
“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,” she said.
“That is why we are establishing a new Screen Unit within Creative Scotland to better coordinate public sector support for screen.
“And as the BBC expands its operations in Scotland – specifically in Scottish news and drama productions – we must ensure people can gain and update the skills they need to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.”
BBC Scotland director, Donalda MacKinnon, said: “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."
NFTS Scotland is expected to open in January 2018 with students enrolling from April 2018.
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