London Film School (LFS) has appointed Neil Peplow as its new director and CEO, taking over from interim director, Peter Holliday.
The appointment was made by the LFS Board of Governors after a process that saw wide interest from a broad and highly talented field. Peplow, who is currently director of international and industry affairs at the British Film Institute, will start in his new role leading LFS on 30th January 2023.
A former chief executive of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School – Neil left in 2019 after four years to return to the UK – Neil was previously an independent Producer and Head of Production at The Film Consortium. He also had an earlier period in Australia as Director of Screen at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.
Greg Dyke, LFS chairman of the Board of Governors commented: “The entire Board and I are confident that Neil has the experience and vision to modernise the school, building on its globally recognised strengths to develop the next generation of filmmaking talent and skills. Neil’s background in production and the screen industries, and significant experience in education places LFS in a strong position to take us forward and tackle our ambitions.”
Neil Peplow says, “London Film School’s reputation as being a space for creative excellence and developing talent that has informed cinema worldwide is well known and respected globally. What is key going forward is to build on this reputation. I believe my experience in industry and education will enable me to help the school to do this.
“At LFS, the focus in the curriculum on creativity, collaboration and experimentation results in films that are distinctive and highly creative. It is this which meant their students’ films stand out from other film schools’ output.”
The appointment of Neil Peplow follows the departure of former director, Gisli Snaer in May 2022 who stepped down to pursue filmmaking after more than six years at LFS. Governor, Peter Holliday stepped temporarily away from the Board to lead the School as the recruitment process took place. He will now return as a Governor.
Greg Dyke said, “I would like to thank Peter for his sterling work over the last six months in bridging the gap between permanent Directors. He has led the staff and students through an important moment in the School’s long history. I am so pleased he wants to stay on as a Governor.”
The School is recognised internationally as providing an exceptional level of higher education to filmmaking students and has been distinguished by the quality of the teaching, the graduates, and the distinctive contribution to the diversity of the higher education sector.
