National Film And Television School Welcomes Neal Street Productions’ Pippa Harris And YouTube’s Alison Lomax To Board Of Governors

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has announced the appointment of two leading figures from the creative industries to its Board of Governors: Pippa Harris, Oscar nominated producer and co-founder of Neal Street Productions and Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK and Ireland.  

Representing two influential areas of the entertainment landscape, the appointments bring together world-class film and television production, expertise in digital platforms and the creator economy, and further strengthens the NFTS Board as the School continues to evolve its training to meet the changing needs of the screen industries.

Pippa Harris, co-founder of acclaimed independent production company Neal Street Productions, brings decades of experience at the forefront of British film, television and theatre. A BAFTA winning and Oscar nominated producer, whose credits include Hamnet, 1917 and Call the Midwife, she is currently in production on the forthcoming The Beatles - A Four Film Cinematic Event, and plays a leading role in bringing distinctive British storytelling to audiences around the world.

As Managing Director of YouTube UK and Ireland, Alison Lomax brings extensive experience of digital media, technology and the rapidly expanding creator economy. Her appointment comes as the NFTS continues to deepen its relationship with YouTube, creating new opportunities for emerging talent and supporting the next generation of digital storytellers.

The appointments come at a significant moment for the NFTS as it prepares to open The Cubby Broccoli Building at its Beaconsfield HQ in January 2027.  Supported by government and industry investment, the School’s ambitious expansion will provide 25,000 sq. ft. of additional teaching space, house new courses in Costume Design and Hair and Makeup, expand apprenticeship opportunities and provide purpose-built accessible student accommodation for the first time in its history.

NFTS Chair Sophie Turner Laing said: "The way audiences discover, engage with and enjoy stories is changing at an extraordinary pace, and it’s vital the NFTS continues to reflect the full breadth of the industries our graduates are being trained to enter. Pippa and Alison bring hugely valuable and complementary perspectives, from the craft and ambition behind some of the world’s most successful film and television productions to the phenomenal growth of digital creators and new platforms. Both are exceptional leaders with a real commitment to creative talent, and I’m delighted they will be bringing their insight and experience to the Board at such an important moment for the School.”

Pippa Harris, producer and co-founder of Neal Street Productions commented: “It is an honour to be joining the Board of Governors at the NFTS. The strength of our industry ultimately depends on the talent coming through and on ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to develop their skills, find their voice and build lasting careers. The NFTS has an extraordinary track record of nurturing creative talent and I’m very much looking forward to playing a part in its next chapter.”

Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK and Ireland, added: "The National Film and Television School is globally renowned as a world-class training ground for craft, technical excellence, and storytelling. Its educational mission has never been more relevant as traditional production and creator-led entertainment increasingly converge. Through YouTube’s NFTS partnerships, including our Creator Incubator and Create x Connect, I've been deeply impressed with the School and am committed to opening access, building digital skills nationwide and championing the next generation of creative talent."

The NFTS Board of Governors brings together senior leaders from across film, television, games, digital media and higher education, providing strategic oversight and helping ensure the School remains closely connected to the industries it serves.

As incoming board members, Pippa Harris and Alison Lomax join Ash Atalla, CEO of Roughcut TV, Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios, Farhana Bhula, Director of Film4, Julian Bellamy, ITV Studios Managing Director, Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer and Polly Cochrane, former VP of Warner Bros. Discovery, among a raft of other high-profile leaders.

For more info, visit nfts.co.uk/board