This April, The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland once again supported the National Film and Television School (NFTS) Academy, celebrating the graduation of 54 young filmmakers from across the UK.
The programme culminated in a special screening at Curzon Soho, where six original short films were premiered to an audience of their peers, industry professionals and supporters. The event marked the end of an intensive residential programme, with participants showcasing the stories they had developed.
NFTS Academy participants taking part in a workshop session.
About the NFTS Academy
The NFTS Academy is a fully funded, two‑week residential course delivered by the National Film and Television School for talented filmmakers aged 16–19. Designed to open doors into the screen industries, the programme offers students practical experience across a wide range of crafts, including Directing, Producing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Sound, Editing and Production Design.
Throughout the Academy, participants work in production teams of nine, taking their films from early ideas through to final delivery. Alongside production, students are supported by specialist workshops led by industry professionals, dedicated professional development sessions, and industry visits, giving them first‑hand insight into how film and television projects are made.
As one young filmmaker reflected:
“NFTS is such a world‑renowned film school, and being able to come here, especially with Disney supporting the programme, is incredible.”
Another added:
“To become a better director, I had to learn every part of the process – sound, camera, working in a crew – and this course gave me that.”
Participants pictured at Curzon for the NFTS Academy graduation
Disney’s commitment to the NFTS
Disney’s support of the NFTS Academy helps students gain creative experience alongside a practical understanding of the film industry.
As part of this cohort’s programming, Disney’s involvement included:
- A masterclass with Academy Award‑winning director Martin McDonagh (Searchlight Pictures), who spoke candidly about his writing, directing and producing process and emphasised the integral role of each department in bringing a film to life.
- A Pixar masterclass with Lindsey Collins, Vice President of Development, Pixar Animation, who shared Pixar’s people‑first development philosophy, long‑term approach to storytelling, and perspectives on balancing originality, audience connection and emerging technologies.
- Disney’s Studios Team delivered a business case study on Freakier Friday, sharing valuable insights and learnings in film marketing and distribution.
- A tour of Pinewood Studios, offering behind‑the‑scenes insight into large‑scale production.
- Career insights from the Disney Careers team.
Charlotte Tudor, Vice President, Marketing, Disney and Animation at the NFTS Academy graduation
Reflecting on the experience, one participant said:
“Visiting Pinewood Studios was one of the most eye‑opening experiences. Seeing the scale, craftsmanship and versatility of the industry made film feel real – it showed just how many skills and people it takes to tell stories on screen.”
A talk at Pinewood studios
Supporting the next generation of storytellers
The NFTS Academy forms part of Disney’s long‑standing commitment to supporting the next generation of storytellers and investing in the British creative industries. Disney works to inspire potential and create meaningful opportunities for young people as they take their first steps into the industry.
Over the last five years, more than 10,000 children and young people have directly benefited from Disney’s investment in youth and creative programmes, with 280 trainees placed across 25 productions since 2019.
For those taking part in the Academy, the impact is personal as well as professional:
“I feel ten times more confident about my filmmaking skills – and about entering the industry.”
Emma Bullen, Brand Supervisor, EMEA Studio Marketing – delivering at talk at the NFTS
A long‑standing partnership with NFTS
The Walt Disney Company has worked with the National Film and Television School for decades. Most recently, Disney formalised this collaboration through a structured three‑year agreement, introduced as part of Disney’s wider Investments in Youth across the UK.
The partnership sits under Disney’s Future Storytellers CSR programme and includes support designed to help young people build their futures in film and television.
A masterclass with Academy Award‑winning director Martin McDonagh
A Pixar masterclass with Lindsey Collins, Vice President of Development, Pixar Animation
Through this partnership, Disney supports multiple pathways into the screen industries, working with NFTS to widen access to opportunity, including:
- Production Accounting Course: An annual online course delivered over eight months for participants aged 18+, addressing industry skills shortages and offering work placement opportunities on UK productions.
- The Disney Film Academy / NFTS Academy: An annual online and residential programme for talented 16- to 19-year-olds, offering hands‑on training, masterclasses, studio visits and short‑film production.
- Disney Crew Academy: An in‑person programme delivered with NFTS at Pinewood Studios for participants aged 18+, featuring on‑set masterclasses and industry insight, with participants recruited through community pipelines such as London Screen Academy and Mama Youth Project.
- Additional support: In addition to programme delivery, Disney supports NFTS through donations and fundraising activities.
As one participant shared:
“Being at my dream school, NFTS, and having the chance to learn here with Disney supporting the programme has given me real hope for the future. I’ve been able to experience what I’ve dreamed of, surrounded by people my age who are just as passionate about filmmaking.”
If you’re feeling inspired to start a career in film or know someone who could be part of the next generation of storytellers, visit https://nfts.co.uk to find out more.
The NFTS academy 2026 cohort