The U.K.’s National Film and Television School is establishing a permanent base in Edinburgh through an expanded partnership with the Sean Connery Foundation.
Launching in 2027, the NFTS Sean Connery Institute will consolidate and broaden the school’s existing work in Scotland. The center is expected to open in central Edinburgh within the next 18 months, creating a dedicated home for NFTS training programs and public events.
The institute’s stated mission is to “discover and develop the next generation of Scottish film and television talent, and help them build lasting careers.” It also intends to support filmmakers’ development while helping Scotland’s diverse voices reach audiences nationally and internationally.
Alongside its training activity, the Edinburgh venue plans to offer a regular public program featuring screenings, masterclasses, conversations and other events.
Building on nine years in Scotland
The move gives NFTS a permanent Scottish center after nine years of activity conducted under the NFTS Scotland banner. It also expands the partnership behind the Sean Connery Talent Lab, the school’s flagship training initiative in the country.
Led by Scottish producer Chris Young, the Talent Lab launched in 2023 with the Sean Connery Foundation and support from a U.K. public-service broadcaster’s film division and several partners. The intensive, year-long development program brings together emerging Scottish writers, directors, producers, cinematographers and editors.
The Lab is now in production with its third cohort. Since the initiative began, it has supported 75 filmmakers through workshops, mentoring, story development and hands-on filmmaking experience.
Participants have created 12 films to date. Those projects were selected for consecutive world premieres at the Edinburgh Film Festival in 2025 and 2026.
Jon Wardle, director of the National Film and Television School, described the new institute as a major milestone in the school’s relationship with Scotland.
“This is a hugely significant step for the NFTS and represents the next chapter of our commitment to Scotland,” Wardle said. “Nine years ago, our work in Scotland began with a relatively simple ambition: to bring the NFTS’ world-class training closer to Scotland’s screen industry and respond to its skills needs. Since then, thousands of people have been trained and we have seen first-hand the depth of talent that exists across the country.”
Wardle said the permanent Edinburgh home represents a long-term investment in emerging talent and its ability to establish sustainable careers.
A partnership rooted in opportunity
Jason and Stephane Connery, speaking on behalf of the Sean Connery Foundation, connected the expanded NFTS partnership to their father’s values and Scottish roots.
“Our father believed deeply in fairness, hard work and supporting talented people in need,” they said. “He understood that while talent may be distributed equally, opportunity is not, and that those who demonstrate determination and endeavour should have the chance to fulfil their potential.”
They added that Sean Connery was “immensely proud of his Scottish roots” and said he would have been pleased to see the foundation extend its NFTS partnership and deepen its connection with Edinburgh, which they described as his home town.
What happens next?
The NFTS Sean Connery Institute is scheduled to launch in 2027, with its central Edinburgh premises set to open within the next 18 months. In addition to becoming the home of the school’s Scottish training programs, the institute will begin developing its recurring schedule of public screenings, masterclasses, conversations and events.