New screen academy opens its doors

Scotland’s new film and television academy at BBC Scotland has opened its doors to students.

The new courses are based at the broadcaster’s studios in Pacific Quay in Glasgow and is part of the UK’s National Film and Television School (NFTS).

NFTS Scotland has been established with £475,000 funding from the Scottish Government.

It is hoped graduates will plug skills gaps in film, television and games development in Scotland.

Alison Goring, Head of NFTS Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to open the doors of NFTS Scotland and welcome our first cohort onto the inaugural course.

“We have a packed schedule coming up over the next few months and a whole host of participants enrolled from a wide range of backgrounds. We look forward to playing an important role in supplying a consistent pipeline of local talent to our thriving and growing industry here in Scotland.”

BBC Scotland Director Donalda MacKinnon, said plans for a new BBC TV channel in Scotland will benefit from having students studying with the broadcaster.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We want to continue to support our growing screen industry. This new school will give people in Scotland the opportunity to develop their careers and move up the creative ladder, while also providing the industry with a stream of well-qualified talent.”