The National Film and Television School has published its third Graduate Impact Report, demonstrating how its graduates “quickly take centre stage in an industry vital to the UK economy”, the organisation has said.
Covering 2020–2024, the report highlights the “critical role” NFTS alumni play in driving the UK’s world-leading film and television industries.
Since 2020, NFTS alumni have contributed to productions accounting for 89% of UK high-end television spend and 75% of UK film spend.
Alumni have played leading roles in major inward investment projects such as Barbie and Wicked, while also shaping acclaimed independent films including How to Have Sex, Love Lies Bleeding and Santosh.
They have also directed and designed some of the UK’s most talked-about TV of recent years – from Baby Reindeer to Andor and Rivals.
The launch comes in a “transformative year” for the NFTS as it prepares to expand its Beaconsfield campus, delivering “new state-of-the-art facilities, an expanded range of industry-responsive courses, and more inclusive access for all”.
NFTS director Jon Wardle said: “The School’s mission has always been clear: to equip talented and dedicated individuals with the creative, technical and collaborative skills required to thrive in a fast-changing industry.
“That mission is more vital than ever as the UK’s screen industries navigate intensifying global competition, evolving production methods, and shifting audience habits. Our graduates are not only industry-ready – they are industry-defining.”
Key findings from the Graduate Impact Report can be found below:
- 89% of NFTS graduates step into high-level roles within 12 months of completing training
- 33% come from diverse backgrounds – more than double the wider industry average
- Graduates involved in over 90% of spend on films by the largest US studios
- 74% of the UK’s Top 20 box office hits and 78% of the Top 20 independent films feature an NFTS graduate
- 89% of all UK high-end television production spend involves at least one NFTS graduate
Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray added: “Our world-class film and TV industries are creating fantastic new job opportunities right across the country and I want to ensure that young people from all backgrounds are equipped with the skills to take advantage of them.
“We remain committed to our relationship with the National Film and Television School as part of our Creative Industries Sector Plan, and it is excellent to see that our continued investment has contributed to supporting the next generation of influential directors, producers, screenwriters and more.”
Full findings from the report are available on the NFTS website.
