Skillset launches new higher education strategy

UK training body Skillset has unveiled a new higher education strategy for the film industry.  

As part of the initiative, previous Skillset Screen Academies at London Film School, National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College of Art have been awarded new licenses to become Skillset Film Academies by the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media Industries.

The academies will have an enhanced focus on developing film-specific “talent” skills – writing, directing and producing, costume design, editing, music composition, sound and production design.

Skillset is also launching a new accreditation scheme recognising excellence in undergraduate film production degrees across the UK to support a wider range of entry routes into the industry.  Arts University College at Bournemouth’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in film production has become the first to be accredited and Skillset Media Academy Wales is in the final stages of assessment for accreditation.  Other courses will be able to apply from Autumn 2010.

A Skillset Craft and Technical Academy, funded by industry contributions to the Skills Investment Fund (SIF), will also be set up, whilst the Skillset Film Business Academy will now become a virtual academy.

Producer Iain Smith (Wanted, Children of Men), chair of Skillset’s Film Skills Council, said: “Our new film higher education strategy was devised after extensive consultation with the film industry.

“Our aim is to nurture and develop the most promising film talent, turning them into the award-winners, and employers, of tomorrow’s industry to make sure that the UK remains a world leader in film. We look forward to working with the stars of the future to make this a reality.”