Course summary
In partnership with the BBC Academy, this unique 13-month Postgraduate Diploma course aims to give students the skills and capabilities for a successful future career as a First, Second, Third Assistant Director and/or Floor Manager. It is delivered in partnership with the BBC Academy and with the support of The Production Guild of Great Britain. Being an Assistant Director or Floor Manager is a demanding role that requires a level head, self-confidence and strong communication to ensure a production is delivered successfully. They are responsible for the operation of the shooting set/television studio. Their objective is to provide the director with everything they need to realise their vision. Students will collaborate with those in other specialisms to make films and TV entertainment shows – with all production costs met by the School. A minimum of 10 days of work experience is included in the course timetable. All NFTS students can attend Masterclasses. Recent guests include David Fincher (Fight Club), Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave), Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), Ben Wheatley (Free Fire), Rapman (Blue Story), Louis Theroux, Debra Granik (Winter’s Bone), Denis Villeneuve (Bladerunner 2049), Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here), Sam Mendes (1917), Asif Kapadia (Senna), Joanna Hogg (The Souvenir), Russell T Davies (Doctor Who) and Tommy Gormley (Star Wars - The Force Awakens). This course is industry recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark which indicates courses best suited to prepare students for a career in the screen industries.
Modules
This course combines practical experience on fiction films and TV Entertainment shows with industry work experience and intensive training. During the course there will be a range of other specialist workshops on a range of relevant topics, such as Working with Talent, Supporting Artistes, setting background action, Digital FX, Freelancer Toolkit, CV and interview techniques, etc. Specifically students will learn about: Reading a script and developing a shooting schedule How to use relevant industry software (e.g Movie Magic and Final Draft) The impact of budget, cast availability and script coverage on the shooting schedule Supporting the work of Camera, Locations, Art and all other film departments Leading a team and managing talent Set and Studio Floor protocols and etiquette Liaising with the production office to create call sheets, movement orders and other production paperwork Managing a set or studio floor with confidence during a shoot The importance of interpersonal skills, communication, flexibility and problem-solving Health & Safety Passport / First Aid Qualifications Working with the latest Covid-19 Protocols
Assessment method
Each student will complete a minimum of 10-days work experience. This is a requirement to pass the course. Students are encouraged and supported to complete further work experience as appropriate.
Entry requirements
We are looking for people who are practically- minded and who have a good general education, although there are no specific educational requirements for this course. We would expect those applying to have had hands-on experience of film, television or other related creative production activity either via their previous University or College experience or professionally. While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification. If you are an EEA or International citizen, you must already be in possession of UK settled/pre-settled status or another visa which allows you to study for the duration of the course. If you do not already hold a UK status, unfortunately we cannot accept your application as we are currently unable to support a visa on our Diploma courses. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £8750 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8750 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8750 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8750 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £8750 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £8750 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 1LG