Marlow Film Studios and the RTS Technology Centre brought together educators, policymakers and industry luminaries at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield to discuss the training and education needed to retain the UK film and TV industry’s world-leading position.
The March conference, “Buckinghamshire: delivering world-leading education pathways for film and television”, was initiated by the CEO of Marlow Film Studios, Robert Laycock.
It heard that the industry has grown 15 times faster than the economy at large, bringing with it unparalleled opportunities for highly skilled, well-paid and life-enhancing jobs. Buckinghamshire has become one of the key UK destinations for major high-end TV and film production.
By 2025, the industry is projected to need 20,000 more skilled workers. But Gareth Ellis-Unwin, a producer of the Oscar-winning The King’s Speech, contended that these are needed now to maintain industry growth.
There was no lack of appetite to rise to the challenge from educators. Jenny Craig, CEO of Buckinghamshire College Group, leads a college turning out more than 400 media students each year at High Wycombe. She said connections with industry were in the DNA of further education, but it was important for this to be funded and affordable, with industry playing its part in curriculum input and work placements.
National government also has a role, and Lord (Ed) Vaizey gave an insightful account of his time as culture minister during the Cameron Government. He noted the importance of tax credits in making the UK an attractive destination for production.
Amanda Nevill, former CEO of the BFI, reminded delegates that a collaborative approach between all parts of industry, education, training and government is key.
