A Bigger Future report - BFI - British Film Institute

ION
17
In future the skills required
by the film industry will be
delivered in partnership
with the education sector
THE PROBLEM
Over the last 20 years there has been a massive
expansion in courses which provide opportunities to study
the media, film and communications. Yet there is a clear
perception right across the film industry that only a few of
these courses deliver the right mix of vocational skills
which equip students to enter the industry.
The film industry totally supports the provision of film
studies, media studies and film-related courses which
enable graduates to enter the world of work with
respected and valuable qualifications of a general nature.
It is a matter of fact that these courses also contribute to
the creation of a more motivated and informed audience
for film in the UK.
This situation cannot be anything but helpful to both the
film industry and society generally. However, there is a
clear distinction to be made between academic study and
vocational provision. Students could and should have a
better understanding of what skills the industry demands
and needs when they make life-changing choices about
their education.
There is also the concern that both students and
industry’s expectations are not being met as a result of
confusion around the wide range and number of courses
now available through further education, foundation
degrees, undergraduate and postgraduate provision. On
the other hand, colleges and universities now regularly
report difficulties in securing adequate input from
practitioners or employers.
Therefore, stronger links are needed between education
and industry so that both parties can understand what
each other needs.