National Film & Television School Masters Degrees in TV Production

Graduates of the Production Management Diploma go on to create successful and award winning work. Recent credits include Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Bridget Jones's Baby, Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk and The Night Manager. If you would like to follow in their footsteps and get your own credits on top productions, apply today!

‘I wish this course had been around when I started as a Production Manager, as I would have made a lot less mistakes!’ Sue Vertue, Producer Sherlock

-Two scholarships from Sargent-Disc available.
-Delivered in partnership with BBC.
-Intensive training with practical experience on fiction films, TV Entertainment shows, documentary and animation films at the NFTS.
-Industry work experience placements.
-Course developed to meet Industry demand.
-Plenty of hands-on practice – in both locations and in studios.
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.
-Places still available for the course starting September 2017

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course commences in September each year. So what does it take to be a Production Manager? An individual who can multi-task, be dynamic, communicate well and stay calm under pressure. Someone who is creative with budgets but keeps a sharp eye on the bottom line; someone who knows enough about Health and Safety to protect the cast and crew but not detract from getting the right shot; someone who knows about the best locations at the best price - and who knows production from start to finish!

This course combines intensive training with practical experience on fiction films, TV Entertainment shows, documentary and animation films at the NFTS and industry work experience placements.

CAREER PROGRESSION

Most production managers are freelance, moving from contract to contract, and may find themselves working anywhere in the UK, or even abroad. As a production manager, you could also work for independent production companies on feature films, documentaries, or TV shows, become a Line Producer or progress to Head of Production.

New NFTS graduates are sought-after and typically find employment soon after completing their courses. NFTS alumni are some of the most successful people working in UK film and television today, and many of our students make contacts while at the NFTS which continue in the professional world.

Sargent-Disc generously provide scholarships to support the training of talented individuals in the field of Production Management for Film & TV: http://www.sargent-disc.com/sargent-disc-uk/news-insights/news/nfts-scholarship-update.aspx

CURRICULUM

Covering the key skills required by Production Managers in today’s rapidly-changing environment, this course alternates workshops with practical experience on a range of NFTS productions including TV entertainment shows (live and multi-camera studio shoots), dramas, animation and documentary films.

The course has been developed to meet industry demand and NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors. Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School and productions are given cash production budgets.

The course covers these key skills recognised by the Industry:
-Extensive instruction and practice on scheduling & budgeting
-Health & Safety training including Production Safety Passport qualification
-Production Management for location and studio shoots
-First Aid for Film & TV Production
-Cash flow management and cost reporting
-Location Management
-Shooting abroad
-Research
-Contracts, copyright and legal
-Child licensing
-Post Production routes & delivery for film & television

This course includes opportunities for work experience throughout the year. Previous students have enjoyed placements at Film4, Eon, Carnival Films, Endemol, Kudos, Dragonfly and Revolution Films. Television productions include Big Brother, Come Dine With Me, The BBC Proms, Babylon, 24-Live Another Day and Downton Abbey and feature films such as the Bond films: SkyFall and Spectre, Assassin’s Creed, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Read less

Factual programmes are at the heart of the UK television schedules, whether it’s '24 Hours In Police Custody', 'Gold Rush', 'Long Lost Family', 'The Great British Bake-Off', 'GP's Behind Closed Doors' or 'Gogglebox'. If you want to learn from key industry figures - including commissioning editors and top producers - how mainstream factual programmes are developed, commissioned and produced today, then this year-long, part-time diploma is for you.

The world's first Diploma course in Factual Development and Production delivered with a major worldwide broadcaster.

-Delivered in partnership with Discovery Networks International.
-Opportunity to pitch to Discovery executives
-Potentially win £5,000 development funding for your own programme proposal
-Part-time, evening course.
-Regular Industry speakers.
-Develop ideas for factual series and pitch them to commissioners.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Course fees charged at UK rate.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Senior Tutor Simon Broadley, currently commissioning the factual output for STV, is responsible for delivering the course, and said: "The most common reaction I get from the guest speakers themselves is, 'I wish there'd been something like this when I was starting out'.

The course commences in January each year. Producers have overall responsibility for making programmes happen. They begin work in the development stage and work right through until the programme or series is delivered to the channel and transmitted. Therefore this unique course is structured around three key areas - developing shows and understanding the factual programming market; producing a show; and delivering a show and managing the show post transmission.

Students will be taught by leading producers and commissioners responsible for some of the UK’s most iconic UK factual shows such as Educating The East End, Salvage Hunters and Bear Grylls.

'After working in film for a couple of years, I thought the transition to factual television would be relatively smooth. But I struggled to find interesting, meaningful work - until I started at the NFTS. The support we got from our tutor and the confidence it gave me was invaluable. Within a few weeks I had secured a permanent position at an indie and am now an Assistant Producer, working on a wide range of projects.' - Katharine Fish. 2015 Graduate

The course is part-time (one evening a week and occasional Saturdays) over twelve months and is delivered at Discovery’s UK headquarters in Chiswick, London. Participants will leave the course with a portfolio of material developed during the course, including ideas for factual shows, production bibles and treatments. The course will end with students pitching an idea to senior executives from Discovery Networks International; one student pitched show will be ‘optioned’ securing £5,000 for further development with the support of a Discovery executive producer.

Specifically participants will learn about:
-Factual programming trends in the UK and US
-Developing and Researching programme ideas
-Pitching an idea
-Casting Contributors
-Working with Talent On and Off Screen
-Budgeting and Scheduling
-Compliance
-Health and Safety
-Covering Interviews
-Shooting the Scene
-Working in the Edit
-Writing Voice Over
-360-degree ways of working
-Working with Press and Marketing
-Delivering a show for a UK Broadcaster
-Working with different types of broadcasters in the UK and US

Students graduate able to:
-Develop and pitch marketable factual programme ideas
-Build and manage factual teams
-Produce factual programmes
-Meet the delivery requirements of different broadcasters in the UK and US
-Critically analyse factual programmes

The course advisory board includes commissioners and established series producers:
-Aaqil Ahmed - Head of Commissioning – Religion TV and Head of Religion & Ethics - BBC Religion and Ethics
-Ade Rawcliffe – Diversity and Talent Manager – Channel 4
-Alexis Price – Head of Development – Renegade Pictures
-Alyson Jackson – Head of Production Management at Discovery Networks International
-Chris Shaw – Editorial Director, ITN Productions
-Dan Korn – Head of Factual at Discovery Networks International
-Denman Rooke – Managing Director, October Films
-Dimitri Doganis – Founder, Raw
-Emma Morgan – Head of Popular Factual – Oxford Scientific Films
-Jane Root – Chief Executive, Nutopia
-Maxine Watson – Acting Head of Documentary - BBC
-Rob Carey – Creative Director, Curve

SCHOLARSHIPS

4 x £5,000 Discovery scholarships are available to students on this course.

Discovery and the NFTS encourage applications from the brightest and best talent out there….from all backgrounds. To reaffirm our commitment to supporting exceptional talent and diversity in the media and broadcasting industries, we are encouraging applications from gifted individuals and under-represented groups, and have scholarships on offer to four of the successful candidates. These will be awarded to stand out talent who can demonstrate that without this funding they would not be able to afford the course, or who can demonstrate they bring a unique and distinct perspective to the course.

Read less

Would you like to direct a rock band in our new multi-camera 4K TV studio? Would you like to create hit formats like Big Brother, Strictly-Come Dancing, The Apprentice and Gogglebox? Then the Directing & Producing Television Entertainment MA course is for you.

The Directing & Producing Television Entertainment course is the only one of its kind in the world. It is recognised for its high standards and its ability to fast-track students into the Television Entertainment Industry.

In recent years’ students have sold entertainment formats to Warner Brothers Television and ITV and student graduation shows have won prestigious awards from the New York Television Festival and the Royal Television Society.

• The only Television MA course of its kind in the world
• Direct & Produce entertainment programmes in our professional 4K TV studio
• Be taught by industry professionals
• Unlike other schools all production costs are met by the school
• Work placements with the BBC, ITV and leading entertainment production companies like Hat Trick, (Have I Got News for You), Studio Lambert (Gogglebox) and Love Productions (The Great British Bake Off)
• Take a fast track into the Entertainment Industry

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Those accepted onto courses starting in 2018 will have their fees guaranteed at the UK rate for both years of the course.

CURRICULUM

Our intensely practical and pioneering Television MA course aims to train the entertainment directors and producers of tomorrow. Students are taught by NFTS staff and visiting Industry professionals.

Other crucial areas covered include how to pitch original programme ideas to broadcasters and how to set up an independent production company. Students also undertake a two-day long module on business and legal affairs supervised by top Industry lawyers Lee & Thompson.

Placements with leading production companies like Hat Trick, Studio Lambert and Maverick or broadcasters like the BBC and ITV are an integral part of the course.

By the time students graduate they have the craft, skill and confidence to direct and produce both in the studio and on location. They also have a thorough understanding of the television production process encompassing everything from the creative to the technical and the business aspects.

Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School. In addition, student teams are given a cash Production Budget. NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors.

Read less

The NFTS has a tradition of enabling documentary filmmakers to find a distinctive voice that both prepares them for the Industry and makes their work a force for changing it.

-Develop a personal voice.
-Put storytelling at the centre of your process.
-Study in a multi-disciplinary filmmaking environment.
-Shoot on digital formats.
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Those accepted onto courses starting in 2018 will have their fees guaranteed at the UK rate for both years of the course. Postgraduate students can apply for a loan to help with their studies via the Student Loans Company Loans. A £ 10,000 loan is available to contribute to course and living costs. The Post Graduate Loan is only open to EU/EEA and UK Students who normally live in England. It is not currently available to Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Students. Find out more here: https://nfts.co.uk/fees-funding/funding-guide

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course commences in January each year. The goal of the course is to give our graduates the tools and the confidence to become successful members of the international documentary community. Our students have won the Grierson and Sheffield Student Awards two years running, IDFA and the Royal Television Society last year, and win prizes at the most prestigious festivals round the world: Sundance, IDFA, Hot Docs, Berlin, Sheffield and many others. The most important thing, however, is to prepare them for life as committed documentary storytellers, wherever that may lead.

In the UK, getting a first commission can be a daunting task but last year, for example, Marc Williamson, made a First Cut for Channel 4 from his Sheffield student award winning graduation film which this year won him the Grierson Prize for Best Newcomer. Some use the contacts they make in the last phase of the course, to put together deals with TV production companies and non-TV source as Sam Blair did with Adidas for his brilliant feature debut about sprinters, Personal Best. Since students direct and shoot five films in different genres during the course, many progress swiftly by using their unique skills to contribute to productions throughout the industry, like James Newton who won a Grierson last year as one of the directors of The Year the Town Hall Shrank.

CURRICULUM

YEAR ONE
Built around a series of four practical exercises, increasing in length and complexity, informed and inspired by relevant traditions. Each exercise isolates and focuses on the techniques and content of a specific documentary genre: observation, character–led narrative, image/sound poetry and investigation. Students collaborate in various combinations with editors, cinematographers, sound designers and composers and also work alone using digital video equipment.

YEAR TWO
Includes three projects: a graduation film in which students synthesise what they have discovered in the first year, and use it to confidently challenge conventional approaches to documentary: an MA dissertation in which they reflect on a practical question that has intrigued them during the course so far and a proposal/taster tape for a project to take into the professional arena.

The final stage consists of visits to film festivals, broadcasters, independent producers and other relevant institutions, together with seminars dealing with the commissioning process, legal requirements, finance and festival potential.

Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School including an above-the-line cash production budget. NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors.

Read less

This unique 12 month full-time diploma course delivered in partnership with Sky, will equip students with the skills required to become a film and television graphics designer.

-A unique course in partnership with Sky.
-Equips participants with specialist skills required to work as a Film and Television graphic designer.
-Gain the expertise to work on multiple complex projects within the industry.
-Become an innovator and expert in this field.
-Combines practical experience on TV Entertainment, Science and Natural History and Sports shows with industry work experience placements and intensive training.
-Access to NFTS's Masterclasses led by major creative figures from film, television and games.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Course fees charged at UK rate.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Working as a Graphics and Titles Designer in Film and Television involves design and production of graphics elements for TV channels, series, individual programmes, films and promotions. At its most complex this could be supervising the shoot of multi pass animations using a motion control studio or on location. Most of the work, however is producing and implementing templates for use in studios and post production suites to enhance the look of the output and to reinforce and support broadcaster, channel, genre and programme branding.

Graphics and Titles professionals design and implement moving and stationary graphics used for branding and presentation of information. On some high end shows they operate the graphics generator in the studio gallery but, in most instances, they create templates for use by graphics operators, editors and vision mixers.

To do this role, you will need to:
-Be an exceptional graphic designer with the ability to realise 2D and 3D designs through a variety of computer software packages
-Be an approachable team player
-Work to tight deadlines and, at times, under extreme pressure
-Pay close attention to detail
-Be an excellent communicator
-Have tact and diplomacy skills
-Prioritise tasks
-Multi-task
-Work long and often unsocial hours
-Be flexible
-Have a positive approach

The NFTS will help you develop these skills and capabilities.

Ceri Sampson, Creative Director, Design, Sky TV says: “We are delighted to partner with the NFTS on this exciting new Diploma. We are always looking for skilled graphic designers who understand the TV and film industry and who are driven to innovate in this area, and we look forward to working with students who will get to experience working at Sky and may end up working with us in the future”

Read less

The NFTS trains composers in both live and electro-acoustic music for the moving image in a production context closely modelled on Industry working practices.

-Training in live and electro-acoustic music
-Students compose for wide variety of audio visual material
-Creative and technical skills developed
-Study in a collaborative, filmmaking environment
-Flexible curriculum adaptable to individual needs
-Individual music suites
-Recording sessions with live musicians Business, legal and professional skills taught
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Those accepted onto courses starting in 2018 will have their fees guaranteed at the UK rate for both years of the course. Postgraduate students can apply for a loan to help with their studies via the Student Loans Company Loans. A £ 10,000 loan is available to contribute to course and living costs. The Post Graduate Loan is only open to EU/EEA and UK Students who normally live in England. It is not currently available to Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Students. Find out more here: https://nfts.co.uk/fees-funding/funding-guide

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course commences in January each year. Our emphasis on collaboration means that Composing students are informed and involved throughout the filmmaking process. In particular, composers work closely with other students in Editing and Sound Post Production, increasing their understanding of the relationship between audio and moving images.

Today’s language of screen music has shifted. While many scores still provide a musical commentary on the action, others find a way to integrate music into the fabric of the film itself, creating a seamless weave analogous to the camerawork or editing, to the assimilation of music into the sound world of the film as a whole. Sound design and music grow ever closer - in fact, the roles of sound designer and composer are becoming blurred to the extent that a close collaboration between the two processes is often essential.

The application of music to film - the choices inherent in the "when", "how" and "why" - all stem from an informed understanding of the intention of the film and the contribution music could make to it. Informed understanding, musical versatility and the fostering of an individual musical voice are the intentions of this course and these are determined by the practical and intellectual demands on composers working in the industry.

Composing graduates are qualified to take on all forms of work in film and television as well as productions in multimedia and interactive programming.

CURRICULUM

The Composing course is developmental and progressive. In year one, students are taught the techniques and contexts which inform writing music for the screen. The first term comprises an intensive process during which students compose to a variety of exercises, each one chosen to focus on a particular problem of film composition. Some of these exercises are completed by each student and discussed in seminars and individually assessed. In term two, further exercises concentrate on issues having to do with scoring for live instruments, the combination of live and electro-acoustic elements and the integration a limited range of sound design into film scores. In addition, students will begin engaging with projects generated by other students at the NFTS. This process will continue and dominate the third term. Each student contribution to those films will also be assessed. Students will also participate in visits from industry professionals.

In year two, students’ activities will be dominated primarily by work generated from other parts of the school. However, lectures, seminars and the occasional workshop will be provided to clarify and expand issues arising from those projects. As in year 1, students will also participate in visits from industry professionals.

YEAR ONE
A series of composing workshops combining practical exercises and seminars:
-Basic narrative techniques
-Midi (sampling) use of samples and audio
-Combining music and sound
-Narrative with dialogue
-Non-fiction scoring
-Instrumentation and orchestration
-Composing to script

Ongoing analysis of feature film soundtracks and film structure Orchestration and recording with live musicians

Workshops with Sound Design and Editing students:
-Abstract Film Workshop
-Without Images - a sound-only project
-Animation exercises
-Dramaturgy Workshop – focusing on script and script analysis, blocking and cover, and performance

Productions
-Zen and Beyond Time - fiction workshop focusing on visual storytelling
-Documentary poetry exercise collaborating with Documentary Direction, Editing and Sound Design
-First Year Film – the major 1st year fiction production collaborating with all other departments
-Investigative Documentary - the major first year documentary production
-Cross Spec - an introduction to film language and storytelling involving all departments

YEAR TWO
-Orchestration and recording with live musicians
-Continued analysis of films
-2nd year short fiction production, shot on a digital format
-Graduation films in documentary, fiction and animation

Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School. In addition you will be given a cash Production Budget. NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors.

Read less

This 15 month course - the only one of its kind in the UK - has been developed in response to film and television industry demands for suitably trained production sound professionals. The course is delivered in partnership with the BBC.

-Unique course in UK.
-Location and studio sound recording on real productions.
-Music recording in studio.
-Multi-camera television studio production.
-Fisher Boom training.
-Introduction to post production techniques.
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course commences in September each year. The Production Sound for Film and Television Diploma in partnership with the BBC offers an unrivalled opportunity to learn the practical skills required for a career in this field, and covers:
-Location sound recording techniques for drama and documentary
-Sound production for multi-camera television
-Music recording in the studio and on location

Now well-established, the Production Sound Diploma course enjoys an excellent reputation within the Industry and each year’s students rapidly find work on completing the course. Graduates have been employed as sound assistants and boom operators on recent television productions including Ashes to Ashes, Midsomer Murders, Lewis, New Tricks, Holby City, Cranford, Jane Eyre, Gavin & Stacey, Life Begins, Judge John Deed, Downton Abbey, Fresh Meat, Spooks and Merlin.

Graduate work on feature films includes Syriana, Extraordinary Rendition, The Hills Have Eyes II, The Mutant Chronicles, Clash Of the Titans 2, Never Let Me Go, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, World War Z, Sherlock Holmes : A Game of Shadows, The Iron Lady, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012).

The BBC provide an internship at the BBC for all students. Students on the course are called BBC Sound Scholars.

CURRICULUM

The course starts in September with a term of intensive workshops and exercises that prepare students to record sound on shoots with MA students in the following Spring and Summer terms. Alongside location and studio shoots for both documentary, fiction films and television productions, the programme of workshops and tuition continues throughout the course.

Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School. In addition you will be given a cash Production Budget. NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any of our competitors.

Read less

This unique diploma course delivered in partnership with IMG, the world’s largest independent sports producers, will equip students with the editorial skills required to produce state-of-the-art sports and live events coverage, highlights content and other material.
Unique course.

-Job at IMG for one student on graduation.
-Intensely practical and hands on.
-Four week work placement at IMG .
-Unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the School.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Course fees charged at UK rate.

COURSE OVERVIEW

IMG is the world's largest independent producer. It has major relationships with broadcasters including the BBC for the Football League show, snooker and darts, Channel Four for its exclusive horse racing coverage, and ESPN in the US for the Open Championship. It also enjoys a string of other important client relationships, most notably with Wimbledon, the R&A for the Open Golf Championship, the BCCI for IPL Cricket, FIFA, UEFA and the New York Road Runners (NY Marathon).

IMG produces Sport 24, the first ever-live global premium 24-hour sports channel for the airline and cruise industries, as well as other in-flight programming for over 50 airlines, and is also a partner with Associated Press for the sports news agency SNTV, and with the European Tour for European Tour Productions, the world's most prolific producer of golf programming.

The diploma course is 12 months full-time and is delivered at the NFTS and at IMGs' state-of-the-art facility IMG Studios.

Specifically students will learn about:
-Outside broadcast production
-Studio production
-Highlights production
-Planning and pre-production
-Storytelling in sports
-Chasing stories and ideas
-Shooting and editing effective pieces
-Scripting and Running Orders
-Logging and IPD Director
-Basic self-shooting and editing
-Casting and working with Talent
-Leading production teams
-Budgets & Scheduling
-Rights and Distribution

Students graduate with:
-The know-how to produce live and pre-recorded sports content
-A practical working knowledge of current television and digital production methods
-The ability to generate sports programme ideas and formats
-The confidence and know-how to pitch those ideas to commissioning editors and/or rights holders
-Work experience on high profile sports content
-Brilliant Industry contacts

Read less

The UK has a world leading comedy pedigree, but no industry recognised comedy training course - until now. The new 18 month part-time NFTS Diploma in Writing and Producing Comedy will enable students to develop all forms of scripted and unscripted comedy including, sitcoms, sketch shows, and panel shows for radio and tv. The course is run in partnership with Channel 4.

-The world's first Diploma course in Writing and Producing Comedy.
-Delivered in partnership with Channel 4
-Part-time, evening course
-Regular Industry speakers
-Develop and write an original show and make a taster tape.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Course fees charged at UK rate.

COURSE OVERVIEW

“This has been a fascinating job. My Tuesday evenings are a real joy. One thing I've learned is that people shine in different ways and at different times. When it comes to comedy you can't write anyone off." Bill Dare Course Tutor

Writing & Producing Comedy commences in January each year. Students are taught by the renowned comedy producer and writer BILL DARE supported by guest sessions from the people responsible for some of the UK’s most iconic UK shows including Peep Show, Father Ted, Have I Got News for You, Spitting Image, Horrible Histories and Green Wing.

The course is part-time (one evening a week and occasional Saturdays) over eighteen months and is delivered in central London. You will be expected to spend at least 8 hours a week working on assignments for the course. You will leave the course with a portfolio of material developed during the course, this could include a ten-minute taster tape of an idea you have developed, or a full script and some sketches and one-liners.

Specifically you will learn about:
-Comedy landscape
-Radio comedy
-Sketches
-Panel shows and formats
-Characterisation
-Story structure
-Narrative TV comedy
-Script editing
-Topical one-liners
-Outlines and treatments
-Pitching
-Commissioning processes
-Working with performers
-Compliance issues
-Working with writers
-Writing briefs

Students graduate able to:
-Generate comedy programme ideas
-Create a narrative comedy, sketch show or comedy entertainment show
-Pitch ideas to commissioning editors
-Work with writers and help them develop their ideas

The course advisory board includes:
-Dawson Bros – The Peter Serafinowicz Show, That Mitchell & Webb Look, Big School
-Sam Bain - Peep Show, Fresh Meat, Rev
-Richard Boden – Blackadder, 'Allo 'Allo, IT Crowd
-Gregor Cameron – Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, Fighting Talk
-Saurabh Kakkar – Head of Development – Comedy – Big Talk
-Graham Linehan – Father Ted, IT Crowd, Count Arthur Strong
-Caroline Norris - Horrible Histories, The Armstrong & Miller Show, Dead Ringers
-John O’Farrell – Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You, Novelist
-Richard Preddy – Green Wing, Campus
-Lucy Robinson - Co-Founder Little Comet Film & TV/Head of Comedy Brothers and Sisters
-Lorna Watson & Ingrid Oliver – Watson & Oliver

"The NFTS course gave us great access to industry contacts, and we went from having no professional experience to working regularly on BBC radio and television. This diploma is a brilliant way of learning about comedy while strengthening key contacts in the TV and radio industry. It was invaluable to our career progression." Ed Amsden/Tom Coles

"I went from having a well-paid, secure, boring job in insurance, to having a badly-paid, insecure, cool job in comedy. I quit my well paid-job in insurance and ended up with a terribly-paid job in comedy. If this sounds like a good idea, then this is the course for you... Without this course I'd still just be writing jokes in my parents’ basement... Now I've got a degree they've let me move back into the main house.” Joel Pitcher

So you think you’re funny? Apply Now!

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

The NFTS want to encourage applications from the brightest and best talent out there….from all backgrounds. We are actively seeking to redress imbalances within the Industry by encouraging applications from under-represented groups, and have bursaries of £4650 on offer to 2 of the successful candidates. Bursaries help towards the cost of the course andwill be awarded to stand out talent who can demonstrate that without this funding they would not be able to afford the course, or who can demonstrate they bring a unique and distinct perspective and voice to the course.

Read less

'NFTS' reputation and facilities should make this practical course a 'must' for anyone wanting to direct commercials’ Sir Alan Parker
This unique part-time diploma course delivered in partnership with D&AD, will equip students with the skills required to become a successful Commercials Director.

-Leave the course with a professional standard show reel of three commercials
-Attend weekly talks from key speakers in the advertising industry including Creative Directors, successful Commercials Directors and Brand Managers
-Based in London amongst the hub of the commercials industry
-One evening a week (with additional production activity as required)
-Improve career prospects by gaining an unrivalled knowledge and an invaluable list of industry contacts
-Access to NFTS's Masterclasses led by major creative figures from film, television and game
-The course is supported by a wide range of commercials production companies, agencies etc. For example Great Guns and Blink have been integral to the design of the course and will contribute teaching sessions to the course.

We welcome EU/EEA Students. Course fees charged at UK rate.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Working as a director in commercials involves a unique skillset. Not only does it require creative vision and technical knowledge but a successful director will have a good understanding of how to successfully negotiate working in a commercial environment in a highly collaborative way.

ABOUT D&AD

Since 1962, D&AD has been inspiring a community of creative thinkers by celebrating and stimulating the finest in design and advertising. The D&AD Professional Awards are recognised globally as the ultimate creative accolade, entered and attended by the best from around the world. But it's much more than just awards. Members join a vibrant global community, whilst creatives and clients are inspired by a world-class Training programme. As a non-profit advertising association, all D&AD's surpluses go straight into programmes such as New Blood, inspiring the next generation of creative talent and stimulating the creative industry to work towards a fairer more sustainable future.

CURRICULUM

This course will facilitate students making three commercials combining practical production experience and specialist training.

Specifically students will learn about:
-The commercials market
-Developing ideas
-Creating moodboards and storyboards
-Pitching
-Managing the client
-Working with agencies and production companies
-Responding to briefs
-Understanding brands
-Casting
-Shoot processes and protocols
-The use of music in commercials

Each term, a key project will be to direct a commercial. By the end of the course you will have made three commercials.

The course has been developed to meet industry demand and NFTS students are engaged in more productions as part of the curriculum than any other film school. And, unlike other schools, all production costs are met by the NFTS and productions are given cash production budgets.

The diploma course is 12 months part-time, one evening a week (with additional production activity as required) and is delivered in central London. Each week Creative Directors, Successful Commercials Directors, Agency staff, Brand Managers etc will speak to students to elucidate a different aspect of the commercials sector.

Participant production activity will be supported by NFTS students studying on craft courses including Cinematography and Production Sound.

NFTS BENEFITS

Directing Commercials and Promos course participants will have full access to our creative masterclasses and clubs, including: Cinema Club, Screen Arts and NFTS Masterclasses - these strands see major creative figures from film, television and games screening their work and discussing with students in the campus cinema. Recent speakers include David Fincher (Director, Seven, Gone Girl), Graham Linehan (The IT Crowd, Father Ted), Dougal Wilson (award winning commercials director), Abi Morgan (Suffragette, The Hour), and Christopher Nolan (Interstellar, The Dark Knight).

Read less