NFTS Director Nik Powell to step down

National Film & Television School (NFTS) director Nik Powell will step down at the end of July, after 14 years at its helm.

Under Powell’s auspices the school has become recognized as one of the world’s major film institutions. The curriculum has grown to offer MA, diploma, certificate and short courses in film, TV and the games industries, and the NFTS has become Higher Education Institution accredited by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). In 2013/14 NFTS graduates were nominated for a total of 31 BAFTAs, winning ten. Powell recently oversaw the delivery of two new teaching buildings covering more than 20,000sq/ft and a 4K digital television studio. Former graduates of the school include David Yates, Lynne Ramsay, Terence Davies, Roger Deakins CBE BSC ASC and Nick Park.

In the early 1970s, Powell established Virgin Records with Richard Branson and, after selling-out from the successful business in 1982, partnered with producer Stephen Woolley, to form Palace Pictures, serving as executive producer on features including Company Of Wolves, Mona Lisa, Scandal and The Crying Game, and was the producer of films such as The Neon Bible, Last Orders and Ladies In Lavender.

It has not been stated whether Powell will continue in film production.