Scotland is to provide a new home for the National Film & Television School following the announcement of a new filmmaking centre in the country’s capital city.
The scheme will establish a permanent home for the NFTS in Scotland for the first time, with the partnership committed to opening a new headquarters in central Edinburgh within the next 18 months.
Jon Wardle, director of the NFTS, said: “This is a hugely significant step for the NFTS and represents the next chapter of our commitment to Scotland.
“Nine years ago, our work in Scotland began with a relatively simple ambition: to bring the NFTS’ world-class training closer to Scotland’s screen industry and respond to its skills needs.
“Since then, thousands of people have been trained, and we have seen firsthand the depth of talent that exists across the country.
“The NFTS Sean Connery Institute will allow us to take that work to an entirely new level.
“Together with the Sean Connery Foundation, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build on Sean’s legacy and his deep connection to Scotland by creating a genuine pathway into and through the Scottish screen industry.
“By establishing a permanent home in Edinburgh, we are putting down roots and making a long-term commitment to help Scotland’s emerging talent build lasting careers.”
News of the NFTS plans comes as Sir Sean Connery’s family have revealed plans for the new filmmaking centre in the city from 2027.
The plan is to open the NFTS Sean Connery Institute in Edinburgh city centre within the next 18 months.
It will provide a new, permanent home for the NTFS and deliver training, as well screenings, masterclasses and events.
Sir Sean Connery’s children say they want the centre to provide training for the next generation of Scotland’s film and TV talent and help them build lasting careers.
The actor, from Fountainbridge in the Scottish capital, used to work as a milkman in the city before finding fame as an actor.
He became a household name after becoming the first to star in movie adaptations of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels starting with Dr. No in 1962.
Sir Sean was born in Edinburgh 1930 went on to play Bond in six films. He also appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Hunt for Red October.
He won an Oscar in 1988 for his performance as Jim Malone in The Untouchables.
He died in October 2020 in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas, after a long illness.
The Sean Connery Foundation was set up in late 2022 with the aim of supporting emerging Scottish talent primarily in filmmaking and golf, a sport which Sir Sean was passionate about.
Sir Sean’s children, Jason and Stephane, said their father was “immensely proud” of his Scottish roots.
His family revealed the plans for the new centre to support Scotland’s screen sector through a partnership between the Sean Connery Foundation and The National Film and Television School (NFTS).
Launched in 2027, the NFTS Sean Connery Institute will aim to discover and develop the next generation of Scottish film and television talent.
On behalf of the Sean Connery Foundation, they added: “Our father believed deeply in fairness, hard work, and supporting talented people in need.
“He understood that while talent may be distributed equally, opportunity is not, and that those who demonstrate determination and endeavour should have the chance to fulfil their potential.
“He was immensely proud of his Scottish roots, and we know he would be so pleased that we are extending our partnership with the NFTS and deepening our relationship with his hometown of Edinburgh.
“After three tremendous years proving what is possible through the work of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, this next chapter allows us to create opportunities for even more talented Scots across the creative, technical and production disciplines that make filmmaking possible.
“We are proud to make this long-term commitment in his name and in keeping with the values he held dear.”
The foundation has worked with the NTFS since 2023 on the Sean Connery Talent Lab – an intensive year-long development programme bringing together emerging Scottish writers, directors, producers, cinematographers and editors.
Sir Sean’s son Jason is also the co-owner of First Stage Studio, a film production facility based in Edinburgh’s Port of Leith.
The studio has been home to multiple productions including the Netflix show Department Q, which is set in Edinburgh.