NFTS and YouTube launch new incubator course 

Calling all aspiring creators, filmmakers, and future YouTube stars. The National Film and Television School (NFTS), in collaboration with YouTube, has announced the launch of Creator Incubator supported by YouTube, a ground-breaking new 12-month diploma course designed to support and accelerate the next generation of creators and digital producers.

Developed in partnership with YouTube, this is the first course of its kind in the UK, built specifically for creators, by creators. The course launch aligns with today’s announcement of YouTube’s Creator Consultation, calling for more support for the creator economy and for content creators to be more formally recognised as a profession.  

Fully funded and underwritten by YouTube, the course is free to all selected participants, removing financial barriers and enabling emerging talent from across the UK to access world-class training and mentorship. 

The first cohort of 12 participants will be selected when applications close in October 2025, with the course beginning in January 2026. 

Delivered part-time, the programme combines five in-person workshops at NFTS in Beaconsfield with regular online sessions. Participants will gain hands-on experience across the entire content creation pipeline, from concept development and channel branding to filming, editing, and data analysis. Graduates will complete the course with an NFTS Diploma and a fully launched, strategically developed YouTube channel. 

Each module focuses on a critical part of the creator journey. Students will explore the current YouTube ecosystem, define their voice and audience, develop ideas, plan and execute production, and dive deep into post-production and channel growth through analytics and audience insights. 

At the heart of the Creator Incubator is course leader Anna Cronin, drawing on a distinguished career at the forefront of digital media innovation in the UK. With over 25 years of experience, Anna has led the transformation of some of the UK’s most beloved media brands into future facing, digital-first powerhouses. She is currently consulting for The LEGO Group, following standout leadership roles including Global Director of Digital Content & Digital Commissioner at BBC Studios, Digital Content Director for Sir Elton John’s Rocket Entertainment, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, and senior roles across ITV. Anna’s deep expertise in digital ecosystems, content strategy, and platform innovation makes her uniquely placed to guide the next generation of creators. 

Alongside Anna’s leadership, the programme will include a dynamic line-up of visiting tutors and guest speakers. These will include successful YouTube creators who will offer candid insights into building audiences, innovating formats, and staying resilient on a fast-moving platform. Additionally, leading figures from the film and television industries including producers, editors, commissioners, and directors will share expertise on storytelling craft, production management, and editorial decision-making.  

Jon Wardle, Director of the National Film and Television School, commented: “We are incredibly excited to be launching this pioneering diploma in partnership with YouTube. The Creator Incubator is a new pathway into the creative industries, one that reflects the way content is being made and consumed today. By combining NFTS’s world-class training with YouTube’s unparalleled platform expertise, we’re giving aspiring creators the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. We anticipate high demand for the 12 places available and very much look forward to discovering the next generation of standout YouTube stars!”

Alison Lomax, Managing Director for YouTube UK and Ireland, added: “At YouTube, we’re deeply invested in the growth of our creative industries. That’s why we’re so proud to launch the Creator Incubator today with the National Film and Television School. This ground-breaking, free diploma program, designed by creators for creators, will equip the next generation of storytellers with the essential skills to develop their ideas and grow their audiences. Creators are powerful cultural and economic drivers, and initiatives like this are vital for new voices to emerge. We can’t wait to welcome our first cohort!”

This September, the NFTS will offer four free webinars—open to everyone—as a lead-in to the application deadline. Applications for the first intake are now open until October 2025. Prior to the closing deadline, NFTS and YouTube are looking for keen Youtubers or digital content creators who are looking to take their videos to the next level in terms of production quality and audience reach.