BIMM Group acquire MetFilm School

BIMM Group, who own BIMM University, to announce its acquisition of MetFilm School.

This marks a significant milestone in its commitment to providing high-quality specialist film school education, positioning BIMM University and MetFilm School as the leading provider of undergraduate film courses in the UK and Europe.

BIMM University and MetFilm School recognise the increasing importance of specialised education in the film sector, and that the UK requires an educational space that can cater to the needs of a rapidly expanding industry. According to the BFI Skills Report 2022, the UK remains the second-biggest global market for film and high-end prestige TV productions. However, the film industry is expected to grow at 7% over the next two years, with an estimated skills gap building to 21k positions within the industry before 2025. BIMM University, alongside their existing Screen and Film School and now MetFilm School, are committed to battling and bridging this skills gap, ensuring that all students receive comprehensive training in both traditional and cutting-edge aspects of filmmaking, building a more progressive and diverse workforce across the UK and worldwide.

This acquisition expands BIMM’s existing campus offerings for film students across the UK and Germany to include MetFilm’s state-of-the-art campuses in Leeds, Berlin, and London, where MetFilm is situated in the historic Ealing Studios. As a centre of excellence for film students in the capital, this iconic setting not only immerses students in the rich legacy of filmmaking but also provides unparalleled access to industry professionals, fostering valuable connections and mentorship opportunities.

As the film industry undergoes a transformative period, including recent changes at major studios and the emergence of new technologies, BIMM is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the industry. Both BIMM University and MetFilm School are primed to meet the demand for skilled professionals in virtual production and artificial intelligence, with access to BIMM University AI_Labs – a hub of research, exploration, and advancement in applying AI within the creative industries.

BIMM University and MetFilm School will collaborate to enhance networking opportunities, ensuring that graduates are even better connected within the industry and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on the fast-moving film business worldwide.

“The film industry is experiencing a monumental shift, and our acquisition of MetFilm School is a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve,” said David Jones-Owen, CEO and Vice-Chancellor of BIMM University. “Through this strategic collaboration in creative education, we seek to leverage the complementary strengths of both institutes, addressing the skills gap in the film industry and empowering students with the essential tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.”

Jonny Persey, Director of MetFilm School said the following about the acquisition, “We are thrilled to announce our new home as part of the BIMM group, which represents a unique opportunity for both organisations to deliver our industry-focused education to a wider population and to diversify our portfolio to support the creative industries worldwide.”

“For over 20 years, we have been building an organisation whose ethos is to bring industry and education together in innovative ways. We are proud of our journey to date, and grateful to Thomas Høegh and Arts Alliance, who co-founded the School alongside Luke Montagu, and who have stuck with us as we have germinated from a small seed of an idea into the international school and film business we have become, and we are excited for the opportunity that awaits us as we partner with BIMM. The conversations over the last few months have revealed a common vision and a common approach, and we look forward to embarking on the next leg of our journey together.”

MetFilm School co-founder, Thomas Høegh, also said, “When Luke Montagu and I set out to build a digital-only film school in 2003 for anyone who was interested, people thought we had lost our marbles. No 16mm cans stuffed into Bolexes and scholars pontificating about the splendours of Eisenstein, but rather cheap cameras and practical hands-on learning from day one. We quickly grew and as Jonny Persey joined, we became an education institution that could scale and award degrees with our excellent partner, the University of West London, but still accessible to all. Being dyslexic myself, we always prided ourselves on being open and welcoming to anyone with learning difficulties or neurodiversity. We now have more than 15,000 alumni who create the most wonderful stories every day.  It is with immense pride we join forces with BIMM to take MetFilm School to the next level. We want to be an active stakeholder going forward and support BIMM Group’s goal of becoming the best creative university in the world.”

By combining BIMM University and MetFilm School’s, deep connections and broad network, graduates will have the very best opportunities to find roles in the UK’s powerhouse TV and film industry.

MetFilm Production, Sales and Distribution will continue to operate as partner companies to the MetFilm School in much the same way as per current arrangements, but are not involved in this transaction. Students and staff will continue to benefit from the close industry connection. Jonny Persey will continue as Chairman of MetFilm Production, Sales and Distribution alongside his ongoing role as Director of MetFilm School.