NFTS and BBC Film Collaborate For 7th Year Running To Empower Emerging Filmmakers

The National Film and Television School and BBC Film have once again joined forces to empower emerging NFTS filmmakers through its ‘Bridge to Industry’ short film scheme.  

For seven successful years, the NFTS/BBC Film Bridge to Industry initiative has championed new voices and emerging talent in filmmaking, offering NFTS graduates additional opportunities to create short films and collaborate with industry leaders, while benefitting from the on-going support of the School.

Following a highly competitive selection process made up of a panel from the NFTS and BBC Film, a compelling dark comedy titled The Department of They was chosen for the 2023 round of the scheme. Conceived entirely by NFTS alumni, the short film will showcase the formidable talents of writer Jack Maraghy, director Lisa Kenney and producer Martina Buendia Silva, all of whom graduated from the NFTS in March 2023.

The Department of They was selected from a pool of outstanding submissions, and is a quirky take on the concept of questioning life’s unwritten ‘rules’ and the characters that bend and break them. BBC Film will provide creative support in addition to financing production of the short. The completed work is intended to be showcased on BBC iPlayer following a festival run.

The Department of They follows two women and their illicit pet snail in a secret workplace rebellion that pits unspoken affections against oppressive company policy.

The NFTS filmmakers will receive support from BBC Film’s development executives, Alice Ojha and Anu Henriques, who will serve as Executive Producers, alongside NFTS Executive Producer Venetia Hawkes.

The Department of They is anticipated to commence shooting in late 2023/early 2024.

BBC Film’s Alice Ojha and Anu Henriques commented: “We’re excited to continue our Bridge to Industry partnership with the NFTS and to be working with Lisa, Jack and Martina on ‘The Department of They’. It promises to be an absurd, funny and moving film about the importance of thinking for yourself, wrapped up in a brilliant comedy premise.”

Reflecting on the film’s Bridge to Industry selection, director Lisa Kenney expressed her excitement, commenting: “There are some stories in life you just can’t help but get excited about, and The Department of They is one of them. I still can’t quite believe I get to bring this film to life alongside a team that I love and trust – backed by BBC Film and the NFTS. It’s a surreal and amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

Writer Jack Maraghy added: “Working with Lisa and Martina has been an absolute joy in the past. I know we’re all excited to work with the wonderful BBC Film team to create a world that’s equal parts tender, silly and surreal.”

Producer Martina Beundia Silva, said: “I’m beyond grateful and excited to be able to go on this adventure with Lisa and Jack. Being able to produce a film with so much heart and such an important message is a real privilege and I can’t wait to start developing it alongside Alice, Anu and Venetia.” The continuation of the BBC Film/NFTS Bridge to Industry initiative underscores the BBC’s ongoing commitment to nurture fresh film and television talent from the NFTS.

Since its inception, it has produced several buzzworthy films, including Original Skin, directed by Screen International Star of Tomorrow, Mdhamiri A Nkemi. Original Skin garnered nominations in two categories at the 2023 Young Director Awards for Creative Use of Sound & Short Film. Other notable films from the Bridge to Industry scheme include The Passenger, starring Conrad Khan and The Bind, directed by BAFTA winner Caroline Bartleet.

The success of the Bridge to Industry scheme extends to all key contributors including producers, writers, and directors. Notable highlights include the journey of The Bind’s producers, Hélène Sifre and Marie-Elena Dyche. Among other credits, Marie-Elena was a producer on fellow NFTS graduate Molly Manning Walker's How to Have Sex which won the Un Certain Regard award at the recent Cannes Film Festival. While Hélène further demonstrated her capabilities by producing the acclaimed Blue Jean, which received support from BBC Film, and for which Hélène was nominated for a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut. These instances exemplify how the Bridge to Industry initiative serves as a comprehensive pathway for NFTS students and graduates as they transition into the industry.

There’s more information about Bridge To Industry opportunities for NFTS students and graduates here: nfts.co.uk/life-nfts