NFTS Gala 2025: A Record-Breaking Night of Support for Future Talent
Hosted by the incomparable Rob Brydon, the National Film and Television School’s (NFTS) 2025 annual Fundraising Gala took place on Tuesday 24th June at London’s iconic Old Billingsgate.
Now in its second year of partnership with Rolex, this year’s event marked a new milestone, raising a record-breaking total of £601,000, with all proceeds going directly towards scholarships and bursaries to support the next generation of talent in film, television and games at the NFTS.
Coinciding with a landmark week for the School, the Gala followed the announcement that the NFTS has been awarded £10 million in government funding to support its ambitious expansion plans, cementing its status as a world leader in training for the screen and strengthening its commitment to nurturing UK creative talent.
NFTS student volunteers
This year’s Gala was chaired by Andrew M. Smith, Corporate Affairs Director at Pinewood Group, who commented: “The NFTS Gala is all about ensuring that future generations of creative talent continue to have the training, support and opportunity they need to thrive. By supporting the NFTS, we are ensuring that aspiring filmmakers, game designers and storytellers have the resources, guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Gala 2025 host, Rob Brydon
The Gala brought together over 650 industry leaders, creative visionaries and supporters in a shared commitment to the future of the screen industries, including Amazon, Apple TV, Banijay, BBC Studios, EON Productions, Hartswood Films, ITV Studios, Lucasfilm, Netflix, PACT, Sean Connery Foundation, Sony Pictures, The Walt Disney Company, YouTube, and many more. Their collective generosity and enthusiasm were instrumental in reaching the unprecedented fundraising total.
A powerful highlight of the evening was the launch of the new Accessible Living Bursary, a transformative initiative designed to support students who face additional financial barriers due to disability. Introduced with heartfelt support from two outstanding champions of accessibility, David Puttnam and Jack Thorne, the bursary drew an extraordinary response from guests, moving many to pledge.
Jack Thorne
Live pledges on the night resulted in a total of £175,000 raised towards the Accessible Living Bursary, far surpassing the original target of reaching £100,000. This overwhelming show of support sends a clear and powerful message about the importance of accessibility and inclusion in our industry, and will make a meaningful difference in the lives of future NFTS students.
Jack Thorne said: “What the NFTS are doing here are pulling down barriers and creating a more level playing field. It is vital and beautiful work and will change our industry for the better.”
Guests at the drinks reception enjoyed a sprinkle of cinematic magic from the Star Wars universe thanks to members of the 501st UK Garrison and their screen accurate costumes. The ever-popular IMDb Quiz was hosted with signature wit by host Rob Brydon, as well as a lively Silent Auction showcasing exclusive prizes and experiences.
EA's Scott Forrest taking a selfie with Storm Troopers
At a time when financial need among students is greater than ever, NFTS Director Jon Wardle reflected on the importance of the Gala’s mission: “Financial support is an ever-growing necessity for those looking to pursue careers in our exciting but demanding industry. As new challenges arise both in the UK and globally, removing hurdles for aspiring students is vital to keep the pipeline of talent flowing.”
Special thanks go to this year’s Gala Committee, whose dedication and vision were instrumental to the event’s success: Barbara Broccoli (EON Productions), Dan Grabiner (Orchard Studios), Rosie Moutrie (Pinewood Group), Ali Plumb (Film Critic, BBC R1 and 1Xtra), Tim Richards (Vue Cinemas), Hilary Strong (John Gore Studios), Adam Teeuw (Lucasfilm), and Sue Vertue (Hartswood Films).
See more photos from the NFTS Gala 2025 here.
Funds raised at the annual NFTS Gala changes the lives of many aspiring film, television and games makers by providing opportunities for new and diverse talent.
It’s not too late to contribute to help make the National Film and Television School as accessible to as many as possible. Any donations can be made via our JustGiving page and would be greatly appreciated by both staff and future students of the NFTS. Visit justgiving.com/film-televisionsch
Apply for a course today and get ready to join us in September 2025 or January 2026 to see how the award-winning work of the NFTS could make an impact on your life! nfts.co.uk/courses