SNP Government to Invest in New Film and Television School
SNP GOVERNMENT TO INVEST IN NEW FILM AND TELEVISION SCHOOL A new National Film and Television School (NFTS) is to be established in Glasgow next year. The new facility, in partnership with BBC Scotland, will be based at Pacific Quay HQ, as well as their studio in Dumbarton. The SNP Government will provide backing worth £475,000. Patricia Gibson MP said: "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. "There has been a steady increase in high-profile film and television productions being made in Scotland and the SNP Government is focused on ensuring that continues." "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." The NFTS will offer postgraduate courses in film, TV and gaming, with a third of new places to be fully funded scholarships for the first two years, which backers have described as an 'aspiration'. NFTS director Jon Wardle added: "The NFTS has a proud history of developing Scottish talent and look forward to making an even greater contribution to the Scottish economy through our unparalleled reputation for delivering high-calibre, job-ready graduates." The school in set to open early in 2018, with annual student numbers projected at 450. BBC Scotland director Donald MacKinnon said: "We already have 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."
