Sean Connery Talent Lab Returns: 2025-2026 Applications Now Open!

The Sean Connery Talent Lab is excited to announce the launch of its second year, returning to continue its mission to discover and nurture the next generation of filmmakers across Scotland, the UK and beyond. Spearheaded by seasoned Scottish producer Chris Young, the Talent Lab provides aspiring creatives with hands-on training, mentorship and the unique opportunity to bring their short films to life.

"To get the chance to bring my short film to life with the support of the Sean Connery Talent Lab is mind-bogglingly thrilling."

Mairead Hamilton, current participant

Supported by the Sean Connery Foundation and major industry partners including Prime Video and BBC Film, this innovative initiative aims to cultivate fresh talent in writing, directing, cinematography and editing. To ensure that the course continues to be as accessible to as many people as possible, it is 70% underwritten by the Sean Connery Foundation.

Who Should Apply?

The Sean Connery Talent Lab offers an unparalleled platform for your voice and vision to be heard with applications open to passionate, ambitious filmmakers. If you are an up and coming writer, director, cinematographer or editor, eager to create compelling and impactful work, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for! This is not an entry level opportunity. The Talent Lab are searching for filmmakers with some experience who are ready to take their careers to the next level. Applicants for this intake must be available to participate from April 2025, with the programme running for 12 months.

 "I can’t wait to see how this bolsters Scottish talent and look forward to working with the rest of the cohort."

Kitty McMurdo-Schad, current participant

For Year 2 of the Talent Lab, the NFTS aims to have a cohort comprised of 75% Scottish filmmakers, ensuring local storytellers have the opportunity to flourish on a global stage. This reflects the Talent Lab’s deep commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and empowering the next generation of Scottish voices in film. The remaining 25% of the cohort will consist of filmmakers from the rest of the UK and internationally, who are able to base themselves in Scotland for the duration of the programme. This carefully curated mix is designed to encourage an environment where diverse perspectives and storytelling approaches can be exchanged, ultimately strengthening Scotland's film community while opening doors to international collaboration.

What You'll Gain

Selected participants will take part in a rich curriculum of workshops while receiving mentorship from industry professionals, and hands-on filmmaking experience. You'll collaborate with peers and network with leaders from across the industry, while gaining the skills to elevate your career. The Talent Lab culminates in the production of six short films, each with a budget of £25,000.

The final short film acts as a powerful calling card to the industry, but it marks only the beginning of the journey. The true goal is for participants to launch successful careers, graduating with not only a portfolio of new industry connections but also deeper relationships with established contacts. With the National Film and Television School’s proven track record and extensive industry network, the Talent Lab cohort are uniquely positioned to thrive.

What Past Participants Say

Hear more about the experiences of the participants from the inaugural year of the Sean Connery Talent Lab (2024-2025), as they reflect on being selected... 

Writer/Director Mairead Hamilton said; “To get the chance to bring my short film to life with the support of the Sean Connery Talent Lab is mind-bogglingly thrilling. I hope to come away from the experience a stronger storyteller with a few more industry connections and to have found like-minded creatives with whom I will continue to collaborate long into the future.”

Producer Kitty McMurdo-Schad said; “It feels like a full circle moment to have such an icon of Scottish history – Sir Sean Connery – leaving a legacy that I am now a part of. I can’t wait to see how this bolsters Scottish talent and look forward to working with the rest of the cohort on what will undoubtedly be a strong selection of films!”

Cinematographer Alyson Thompson said: "I believe the Sean Connery Talent Lab will accelerate my career as a cinematographer. The opportunity to train on state-of-the-art equipment, collaborate with other up-and-coming filmmakers, and shoot a short film in gorgeous Scotland will be the catalyst I need to propel myself to a more professional level. This experience will mark a major turning point for me.”

Editor Lu Kemp: “I am thrilled to be part of a new cohort, and to collaborate with my colleagues to produce an ambitious body of new work which I hope will magnify the energy and force of Scottish film talent.”

The first cohort of the Sean Connery Talent Lab are currently in the exciting pre-production phase of making their films. Keep up to date with their progress here: nfts.co.uk/sean-connery-talent-lab-curtain-raiser

Feeling inspired? Apply Now! Don’t miss this transformative opportunity to refine your craft and build your career. 

Applications are open until 13th January 2025.

For more details on how to apply and detailed information on the Talent Lab’s timeline, visit: nfts.co.uk/sean-connery-talent-lab