The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has announced the opening of applications for a new part-time training program dedicated to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in film and television production. This online course, set to commence in September 2025, has been developed in collaboration with Deep Fusion Films and is scheduled to run weekly over a period of six months.
In response to growing interest in AI tools across storytelling, post-production, and distribution sectors, the NFTS has created the Certificate in AI Protocols and Practices for Film and Television. The program will explore both the advantages and constraints of AI in all stages of the production pipeline, aiming to equip participants with the knowledge necessary to navigate this evolving landscape.
Targeted primarily at freelancers, creatives, and industry professionals, the course will feature a mix of workshops, tutorials, and masterclasses. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with modern AI tools while also addressing vital practical and ethical considerations such as copyright, consent, authorship, and bias.
Speaking to the EdTech Innovation Hub, Jon Wardle, Director of the NFTS, emphasised the institution's commitment to preparing storytellers for future industry developments. He remarked, “At the NFTS, we’re committed to preparing storytellers not just for today’s industry, but for where it is headed.” Wardle noted that while the current discourse around AI often centres on disruption, its true potential lies in enabling creativity when applied responsibly. He stated, “This new course is about more than mastering tools; it’s about developing the critical thinking and ethical awareness needed to harness AI in ways that will open doors, spark collaboration and unlock entirely new forms of storytelling.”
The curriculum will provide insights into real-world applications of AI in productions and the implications of these technologies on creative roles. As part of this initiative, Benjamin Field, co-founder and CEO of Deep Fusion, will join NFTS’s Director of Curriculum, Mark Readman, for a live discussion on the intersection of AI and creative skills at the Creative Cities Convention’s inaugural Skills Summit in Bradford on May 7.
In addition, the program has announced scholarship opportunities in partnership with PACT, the UK’s screen sector trade body. Two scholarships covering 50% of the course fees will be available to applicants from PACT member companies with fewer than five full-time employees or to freelancers. A third bursary will also be offered by Deep Fusion Films.
Field reiterated the urgency of the course, stating, “AI is already reshaping the screen industries, not in some distant future, but right now, on real productions, affecting real jobs.” He clarified that the focus of the training is not about instilling fear or perpetuating hype, but rather empowering creatives with the tools and confidence needed to work responsibly and artistically with AI. His assertion encapsulates the course’s aim: to assist individuals in using AI as a catalyst for unlocking new creative avenues while safeguarding the fundamental values and rights prevalent in the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services