During the recent Autumn term, NFTS students were treated to an incredible line-up of Masterclasses, as acclaimed filmmakers, creators and industry leaders shared unfiltered insights, career-defining stories and hard-won advice. Run in partnership with Rolex, our renowned Masterclass series continues to bring the biggest and most influential voices in the industry straight to the heart of the School. Read on to discover the trail-blazing Masterclass guests who have been inspiring our students lately!
Tessa Ross
Kicking off an action-packed Autumn term of Masterclasses, the NFTS welcomed Tessa Ross, a BAFTA winning and Oscar nominated producer, former head of Film4 and co-founder of House Productions. Named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK, Tessa is one of the most respected figures in film and television. Her extensive roll call of credits includes Conclave, The Zone of Interest, 12 Years a Slave, Sherwood, The Good Mothers and the forthcoming drama, Mint for the BBC. Famed for supporting and developing emerging filmmaking talent, Tessa’s invaluable insights proved to be gold dust for assembled students.
Tony Chambers
Having visited the School a number of times, Tony Chambers, President of Disney EMEA, returned to the NFTS at the start of September. A Disney veteran of more than three decades, Tony brought unparalleled insight into global film releasing, marketing and distribution, drawing on his extensive experience overseeing the worldwide rollout of films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm and more. In a conversation hosted by NFTS Director Jon Wardle and NFTS Head of Marketing Clare Crean, Tony shared candid reflections on his career, industry shifts, and the strategic thinking behind some of the world’s most successful releases, offering students a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the most senior figures in the entertainment industry.
Taron Egerton and Nick Rowland
Director Nick Rowland (Calm with Horses) graduated from the NFTS Directing Fiction MA in 2015, and returned to the School for a recent Masterclass, joined by actor and producer Taron Egerton (Rocketman, Kingsman) to discuss their new film, She Rides Shotgun. A lively discussion about collaboration, trust and the pair’s unique collaborative relationship ensued. Their honest reflections on craft and career offered students a fascinating window into the creative partnership behind powerful screen storytelling. She Rides Shotgun is currently streaming in the UK on Prime Video.
Paul Thomas Anderson
With 11 Academy Award nominations, three Golden Globe wins and a historic sweep of prizes at film festivals around the world, director, producer and screenwriter Paul Thomas Anderson has a career that most budding filmmakers can only dream of emulating. So, the opportunity to bag a seat for an exclusive off-site Masterclass courtesy of Warner Bros, was just the ticket for NFTS students, keen to seize a rare chance to learn from a master of cinema. Travelling to central London, students were given the opportunity to interact with the creative mind behind iconic titles There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread, Boogie Nights and Punch Drunk Love. His latest release, One Battle After Another starring Leonardo di Caprio is a Best Picture front runner at the 2026 Oscars.
Sally Wainwright
With her recent BBC drama Riot Women having aired to great acclaim and a second series confirmed, we were thrilled to welcome back Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack) the multi award-winning writer, director, series creator and executive producer (and also an NFTS Honorary Fellow!) Sally, one of the UK’s leading TV dramatists, joined students for a brilliant session exploring her writing process, character development and the art of authentic storytelling. Sally’s generosity and passion for drama writing left a lasting impression on students across all disciplines. Riot Women is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
Stroma Cairns, Imogen West and Jonah West
Fresh from its UK premiere at the London Film Festival, the NFTS welcomed a special preview of The Son and the Sea, followed by a Q+A with BAFTA-winning director Stroma Cairns, producer Imogen West, and lead actor Jonah West. The film centres on two friends who meet Charlie, a Deaf young man, during a coastal trip in northern Scotland, forming a bond that reveals emotional depth and the power of connection beyond language. Many of the film’s cast are Deaf or first-time actors and Stroma, Imogen and Jonah shared insights about making this inclusive, compassionate debut. The evening, also attended by Deaf creatives and supported with a BSL interpreter, made for a uniquely authentic and moving experience.
Park Chan-wook
It was a Monday to remember for NFTS students as we welcomed director Park Chan-wook for an exclusive Masterclass exploring his remarkable career and latest film, No Other Choice. Considered one of the most prominent filmmakers of South Korean and world cinema and visiting hot off the heels of its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, Director Park shared invaluable insights on collaboration, producing bold television, and cultivating distinctive creative voices, offering students a rare glimpse into the art of innovative storytelling in today’s industry. Adding to the excitement, Squid Game and K-Pop Demon Hunters star Lee Byung-hun stunned the room with a surprise visit for Director Park!
Jane Featherstone
Continuing the stellar line-up of Autumn term Masterclasses, the NFTS was thrilled to welcome Jane Featherstone, an Emmy-winning and multi-BAFTA-nominated producer, and co-founder of leading production company, Sister. Recognised as one of the UK’s most successful and influential producers, Jane’s impressive slate of work includes Chernobyl, Broadchurch, Black Doves, Giri/Haji, This Is Going to Hurt, The Split, Coldwater and Gangs of London. Jane has long championed bold, distinctive storytelling and creative collaboration. Her candid reflections and wealth of experience offered NFTS students a masterclass in producing excellence and inspiration in abundance!
Eric Roth
The Oscar winning screenwriter (Forrest Gump, Killers of the Flower Moon, Munich, The Horse Whisperer) Eric Roth shared valuable insider industry experience, sage advice and stories with NFTS students during a special online Masterclass Q&A. In conversation with film journalist and screenwriter Nev Pierce, Eric chatted freely about the art and craft of filmmaking and creativity and there were lots of opportunities for NFTS students to pose their own questions to an icon of screenwriting.
Nadia Latif, Len Rowles and Ula Ponitkos
The NFTS welcomed writer-director Nadia Latif, and NFTS graduates, producer Len Rowles and cinematographer Ula Ponitkos for a screening and Q+A of their ‘unnerving thriller’, The Man in My Basement. Starring Willem Dafoe, the film marks the debut feature for both Nadia and Len, while Ula’s expanding body of work includes feature films, television series, and music videos for artists such as Lewis Capaldi. During the session, the trio spoke with NFTS students about their creative process, career journeys, and the path that led them to this milestone project which was selected for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
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From world-renowned directors to best in class writers, producers and creative visionaries, this Autumn’s Masterclasses offered NFTS students an extraordinary window into the realities of working at the very highest level of the screen industries. These sessions sit at the heart of what makes the NFTS unique: unparalleled access, honest conversations and career-shaping learning experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re ready to learn from the best in the business and take the next step toward a career in film, TV, games or animation, applications to the NFTS are open now. Discover our courses, explore our world-class training and start your journey today! nfts.co.uk/courses
