NFTS hosts talent from Ghetto Film School for week of hands on learning

Europe’s top film school, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) teamed up last week with Ghetto Film School, an award-winning storytelling charity, to offer world-class, hands-on teaching for 18  young Londoners.

The young storytellers from Ghetto Film School, who come from a range of backgrounds, including those less commonly found within the media and film industries, had access to NFTS’s world class equipment, facilities and teaching across six days of activity.

This year’s residential programme marked the fifth year of close collaboration between NFTS and GFS, and saw students direct, produce and shoot live projects, edit video and audio, as well as a full immersion in wardrobe, props and animation workshops.

Ghetto Film School (GFS) is an award-winning nonprofit founded in 2000 to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great storytellers. With locations in New York City, Los Angeles and London, GFS equips students for top film schools, universities and careers in the creative industries.

GFS LDN launched its Fellows programme in July 2020 and was founded by a pilot programme graduate, 20 year old Tony Fernandes. Tony Fernandes is the Executive Director of GFS LDN and led a research and strategic planning process to expand the award-winning US Ghetto Film School model in London.

Opening during the COVID 19 pandemic, GFS LDN has provided free-of-cost film education and industry career development to 100+ young artists from all over London during the start-up including: producing an international Thesis Shoot in Amsterdam and Iceland and, securing key partnerships with the National Film and Television School, SISTER Pictures, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mulberry Schools Trust, Wieden+Kennedy and many more.

GFS LDN has a unique, complimentary role in the UK Creative Ecosystem through its core skill of identifying young talent/potential from underrepresented communities, removing obstacles to access and resources, and delivering a high-quality, broad introductory experience so they gain confidence and momentum at an early age.

GFS then connects Fellows with partners providing specialised training platforms, university education, early career paid work experience and employment opportunities. In this way, GFS LDN makes a contribution to the entire sector, whilst working long-term with talent and the families to help them achieve their creative goals and dreams.

The charity launched in London to amplify unheard stories told by promising creatives, a shared priority with NFTS.

Leading the way in creative education for over 50 years and with locations across the UK in Scotland, Wales and Leeds, the NFTS has established itself as one of the most prestigious film schools in the world, attracting students from all over the globe.

It consistently ranks among The Hollywood Reporter’s top international film schools and has been recognised for its excellence in teaching and innovation. The NFTS develops some of Britain and the world’s top creative talent, with graduates going on to win numerous awards, including 15 Oscars and over 165 BAFTAs. The NFTS itself was awarded both the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2018.

“NFTS is a world class institution with a long history and a truly impressive list of graduates. Our ongoing collaboration is a brilliant opportunity for our students to experience what NFTS has to offer – and for NFTS to meet the emerging talent coming through GFS London. NFTS are the best in the business at teaching storytelling and we’re industry leaders in sourcing young talent so it’s an excellent, mutually beneficial partnership” said Tony Fernandes, Executive Director of GFS London.

Jon Wardle, Director of the National Film and Television School added: “Ghetto Film School is a phenomenal organisation helping young people to realise their talents and unlocking the talent of tomorrow. This partnership, which has flourished over the years, reaffirms our commitment to collaborating with GFS. We are immensely proud to join forces once again with this incredible opportunity, aimed at educating and supporting the filmmakers of the future here at NFTS.”