A Bigger Future report - BFI - British Film Institute

creative excellence. The NFTS, which will be one of the Screen Academies, will
sit alongside a new Film Business Academy, offering postgraduate education of
a similar standard but in the complementary field of business, management
and leadership skills.
A network comprising all recognised courses and institutions, the Screen
Academy Network, will be set up to enable the industry to match vocational
and practice based education provision more closely to demand.
As this network is established it is vital that there is complete dialogue between
the film industry and further and higher education. Therefore, during the
implementation phase in the first year a forum will be chaired by Stewart Till,
with all the appropriate representatives of further and higher education and
those from the film industry responsible for implementing this part of the
A Bigger Future strategy. This forum will meet on a quarterly basis during that
all-important first year.
FOCUSING TALENT – THE COURSE APPROVALS SYSTEM
The Course Approvals system will be managed by Skillset and guided by film
industry practitioners and employers.
The first step is to agree, in consultation with the education sector, industry
criteria and standards. Providers will then apply for approval for relevant
courses and if successful will be awarded that approval initially for three years.
Where possible review processes will dovetail with existing assurance systems.
Given that most students who now go through higher education take on a
considerable debt, a robust Course Approvals system will aim to guide
career-motivated students towards a suitable first job, saving time and money.
The vast majority of colleges and universities are keenly aware of the need to
offer courses which enable students to prepare for the realities of working in
the film industry. However, it remains a matter of fact that the resource
pressures faced by some institutions, particularly in higher education, can
inhibit the effective delivery of vocational provision. Approval guidelines will
clearly set out the resources needed for a course which is approved by
industry. These criteria should in turn help educational institutions make the
case for increased funds from Government.
Approved courses in identified priority areas will receive cash support in the
form of resources and bursaries. The current priorities at this level are
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