Tag: Sean Connery Talent Lab

Scotland’s Sean Connery Talent Lab announces first participants

NEW COLLABORATION WITH PRIME VIDEO

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) and the Sean Connery Foundation are delighted to announce the first intake of 26 emerging filmmakers who will join the prestigious Sean Connery Talent Lab, set to begin later this month in Leith.

In an exciting development, the Talent Lab is also proud to welcome Prime Video as its newest collaborator. 

Prime Video’s contribution will form part of Prime Video Pathway, the multifaceted training initiative set up by the streamer to open up access to jobs in the TV and film industry across the UK. This marks the expansion of a successful collaboration between Prime Video and the NFTS, running alongside other positive initiatives delivered by the two organisations, such as the Prime Video Craft Academy.

With the Sean Connery Talent Lab, Prime Video will join a wide range of industry organisations, trusts and foundations dedicated to working with the NFTS to foster the next generation of creative talent.

Under the seasoned leadership of renowned Scottish film producer Chris Young, the Sean Connery Talent Lab, named in honour of the legendary Scottish actor and supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, will embark on its mission to discover and nurture a new wave of filmmaking luminaries.

Chris Young, whose legacy includes founding the award-winning Young Films, brings invaluable experience and vision to the Talent Lab, with a career spanning critically acclaimed and award-winning film and television productions including The Inbetweeners. 

Following an extensive search for the most promising ‘on the rise’ creative talent across Scotland and the UK, the final 26 participants were selected from hundreds of applicants, with each showcasing a diverse range of skills across writing, directing, producing, cinematography and editing disciplines.

Introducing the Sean Connery Talent Lab Participants:

WRITERS / DIRECTORS

  1. Alex Salam
  2. Cat MacLeod & Lana Phuetan
  3. Josefa Celestin
  4. Mairead Hamilton
  5. Miranda Stern
  6. Ryan Pollock

“To get the chance to bring my short film to life with the support of the Sean Connery Talent Lab is mind-bogglingly thrilling. I hope to come away from the experience a stronger storyteller with a few more industry connections and to have found like-minded creatives with whom I will continue to collaborate long into the future.” – Writer/Director Mairead Hamilton

PRODUCERS

  1. Carys Evans
  2. Isabella Bassett
  3. Katie Mallinder
  4. Katriona Tweedie
  5. Kitty McMurdo-Schad
  6. Saffia Sage
  7. Steven Jeram

“It feels like a full circle moment to have such an icon of Scottish history – Sir Sean Connery – leaving a legacy that I am now a part of. I can’t wait to see how this bolsters Scottish talent and look forward to working with the rest of the cohort on what will undoubtedly be a strong selection of films!” – Producer Kitty McMurdo-Schad

CINEMATOGRAPHERS

  1. Alyson Thompson
  2. Fiann McLeod
  3. Iona Ward
  4. Matt Mead
  5. Simon Williamson
  6. Vasileios Kapnis

“I believe the Sean Connery Talent Lab will accelerate my career as a cinematographer. The opportunity to train on state-of-the-art equipment, collaborate with other up-and-coming filmmakers, and shoot a short film in gorgeous Scotland will be the catalyst I need to propel myself to a more professional level. This experience will mark a major turning point for me.” – Cinematographer Alyson Thompson

EDITORS

  1. CJ Lazaretti
  2. Fraser Ballantyne
  3. Jonathan Ley
  4. Lu Kemp
  5. Roddy McDonald
  6. Sam J Thomson

“I am thrilled to be part of a new cohort, and to collaborate with my colleagues to produce an ambitious body of new work which I hope will magnify the energy and force of Scottish film talent.” – Editor Lu Kemp

The Sean Connery Talent Lab offers a rich curriculum, designed to challenge and inspire these emerging filmmakers. Through hands-on training, mentorship by industry professionals, and collaborative projects, participants will develop their skills, culminating in the creation of six short films, working to a budget of £25,000 per project. 

With the support of Prime Video and inaugural supporters BBC Film, the Dana and Albert Broccoli Foundation, FirstStage Studios, Blazing Griffin, DNA Films, Hartswood Films, Juniper Trust, LS Productions, the Rank Foundation and Synchronicity Films, the projects are set to serve as significant calling cards for the participants, showcasing their talents at film festivals and industry events worldwide.

The Sean Connery Talent Lab is noteworthy for its accessibility, with the Sean Connery Foundation generously underwriting 70% of the fees for each participant. This initiative highlights the commitment of the NFTS and its umbrella of partners, supporters and collaborators to making world leading training accessible to a broad array of aspiring filmmakers.

Jon Wardle, Director of the NFTS commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Prime Video to the Sean Connery Talent Lab.

“Under the leadership of Chris Young, the Lab embodies our shared commitment to nurturing emerging talent across the UK. We are excited to explore the innovative perspectives and contributions these filmmakers will make to the industry, both within Scotland and on the international stage.”

Chris Young, Head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab shared his enthusiasm, saying: “The addition of Prime Video as our newest collaborator highlights the broad industry support for the Sean Connery Talent Lab.

“Their involvement, along with our other partners and supporters, underscores a collective commitment to fostering a new generation of filmmakers. I am beyond excited to embark on this journey with our newly selected participants.

“Together, we’re not just kicking off a new programme; we’re launching careers and redefining what’s possible for filmmakers across Scotland and the UK.”

Stephane Connery, Chair of the Sean Connery Foundation said: “We are so pleased that Prime Video has joined the extraordinary cohort of committed organisations supporting the Sean Connery Talent Lab and we congratulate the first cohort of students on their admission.

“In establishing the Lab, we hope not only to honour Sir Sean’s Scottish roots, but also to expand the opportunities for employment, both above and below the line, by strengthening Scotland’s reputation as a pivotal destination for film and TV production.”

Jason Connery, Ambassador for the Sean Connery Foundation added: “Scotland’s rich heritage, versatile landscapes and dynamic talent have long contributed to its cinematic success, paving the way for ground-breaking storytelling. 

“We are so looking forward to getting to know this talented cohort of filmmakers and are excited to see the stories they create over the course of the next year, inspired by their world-class instructors, their surroundings, and each other.”

For more information, go to: nfts.co.uk/sean-connery-talent-lab 

NFTS expands presence in Scotland and launches Sean Connery Talent Lab

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is proud to announce the expansion of NFTS Scotland, launching an open call to join an exciting new training programme for 30 emerging Scottish filmmakers from April 2024, through the newly established Sean Connery Talent Lab. 

With an unwavering commitment to fostering exceptional talent in the world of filmmaking, the NFTS has partnered with the Sean Connery Foundation to provide a platform for Scottish artists to hone and develop their craft and increase the scale and ambition of their work. 

To ensure the programme is as accessible to as many people as possible, each of the 30 places will be substantially subsidised, with 70% of fees generously underwritten by the Sean Connery Foundation. 

The Sean Connery Talent Lab is supported by a wide range of industry partners, trusts and foundations who have pledged their support to underpin the programme with additional funding, bursaries and scholarships. BBC Film is the production partner with several other partners joining the Talent Lab including: The Dana and Albert Broccoli Foundation, FirstStage Studios, Blazing Griffin, DNA Films, Hartswood Films, Juniper Trust, LS Productions, the Rank Foundation and Synchronicity Films.

This new and transformative 12-month talent development programme is set to become a cornerstone of the Scottish film industry. It will offer a unique opportunity to enable 30 aspiring filmmakers across five disciplines (writers/directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and production designers) to bring to life their own unique short films, made with the support of BBC Film.

Located in Leith, within an expanding creative quarter under development by FirstStage Studios in partnership with Forth Ports and others, the selected participants from across Scotland will embark on a collaborative filmmaking journey beginning in April 2024.

Six dynamic filmmaking teams will be assembled, gaining access to a first-class training curriculum, made up of seminars, hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities. Dedicated guidance from renowned NFTS Heads of Department and prominent industry executives, including BBC Film, will enrich and enhance the development and post-production process. 

Each team will receive a £25,000 production budget, with free access to cutting-edge equipment and unrivalled training facilities provided by the NFTS. The tailor-made programme is designed to further amplify the expertise of each participant in their respective craft specialism, allowing them to refine their skills and push the boundaries of creativity. 

The programme is designed to be part-time, enabling participants to strike a balance between other paid work and professional engagements. Aligned with the unwavering commitment of the NFTS to promoting diversity within the industry, the Sean Connery Talent Lab is dedicated to offering a supportive and inclusive experience for disabled and neuro-divergent individuals, including those with conditions such as dyslexia, a cause close to the heart of the Sean Connery Foundation. 

After 12 intensive months, the Sean Connery Talent Lab will culminate in the creation of six short films that will serve as powerful industry ‘calling cards’, offering an invaluable launchpad for the 30 talented individuals to make their mark on the world of film.

The final films will be submitted for both UK and international film festivals and will premiere at a prestigious showcase event, with industry figures from across Scotland, the UK and beyond invited to attend the screenings. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded an NFTS Diploma in Filmmaking.

Jon Wardle, NFTS Director said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for emerging Scottish filmmakers to build upon their distinctive creative talents.

“As we expand our work in Scotland, the NFTS, the Sean Connery Foundation and our raft of pivotal partners are dedicated to nurturing the brightest emerging stars within Scottish filmmaking, ensuring that the legacy of Sir Sean Connery continues to inspire future generations of storytellers.”

Stephane Connery, Chair of The Sean Connery Foundation added: “From the inception of the Sean Connery Foundation, our vision has been to expand access to the film and TV industry for talented Scots who may never have dreamt they could access the film industry, especially those who have faced challenges or deprivation.

“As a life-long learner himself, and someone driven by a commitment to hard work and excellence, Sir Sean would be gratified that we have partnered with the NFTS, a world-renowned film school, to bring this extraordinary training programme to Edinburgh, the city of his birth.

“We believe this is just the beginning of an exciting journey together.”

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Jason Connery commented: “As a director and actor, I know the difference world-class training combined with a network of support can make in terms of building confidence and opening up opportunity.

“I couldn’t be happier that through this programme, we are bringing both to Scotland. Dad always believed that education was a vital investment for anyone to achieve their full potential, and so supporting a programme that will enable emerging Scottish filmmakers to realise their own unique vision and hone their particular talent within a collaborative environment, with a view to benefitting the wider Scottish film industry, is a dream come true.”

Isabel Davis, Executive Director at Screen Scotland said: “The filmmaking landscape has changed significantly over the last five years, with Scotland’s creative and economic growth now well recognised.

“The generosity and vision of the Sean Connery Foundation enables the NFTS to broaden its existing programme, provided with Screen Scotland’s support.

“We warmly thank the programme partners who, through their generous support and commitment to excellence, have joined the Sean Connery Foundation in recognising the wealth of talent in Scotland’s film community.”

Applications for the Sean Connery Talent Lab are now open until midnight on Monday 29th January 2024. 

For more information on how to apply and for eligibility criteria, go to: 

nfts.co.uk/sean-connery-talent-lab