Renowned Film Executive Lizzie Francke Takes the Helm of NFTS Directing Fiction MA

The National Film and Television School is delighted to announce Lizzie Francke, former senior BFI executive, as the incoming Head of its renowned Directing Fiction MA programme.

Lizzie will join the NFTS from April 1st, succeeding Tricia Tuttle, who is embarking on a new chapter as Director of the Berlin International Film Festival.

In her most recent role as Editor at Large at the BFI, Lizzie played a pivotal role in steering National Lottery funding for the development and production of home-grown films including Aftersun, The End We Start From, Triangle of Sadness, The Souvenir and Surge.

 

Lizzie Francke. New NFTS Head of Directing Fiction.

With a rich background in executive producing over 80 feature films, throughout her career Lizzie has been a close collaborator with accomplished filmmakers including Clio Barnard, Morgan Matthews, Aneil Karia, Joanna Hogg, Charlotte Wells and Mahalia Belo. Her commitment to supporting directors and fostering relationships among writers and producers is a defining aspect of Lizzie’s career.

Beyond her prolific work in film production, Lizzie brings a diverse perspective to her new role at the NFTS, previously serving as director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and contributing as a film critic for publications including Sight and Sound and Screen International.

Lizzie's connection to the National Film and Television School is rooted in her extensive experience with alumni over the years and, more recently, her role as a dissertation tutor within the Fiction department. As she takes on the mantle of Head of Fiction, Lizzie remains dedicated to advancing her own creative slate of projects.

Speaking on her appointment, Lizzie commented: “I am both thrilled and feel very honoured to be joining the fantastic NFTS family of students and tutors to support the next generation of filmmakers. The School is an exemplary creative space for emerging talent and I’m looking forward to going on many wondrous journeys with the directors.”

With a legacy of steering some of the most exciting and important work within the UK’s independent sector, Lizzie is well positioned to elevate the creativity and dynamism of the School’s already acclaimed fiction output to new heights!