A new MA in Independent Film Business has been launched with the London Film School

Exciting new MA in Independent Film Business launched with the London Film School

The launch of a new MA programme in Independent Film Business was announced by the London Film School (LFS) Chairman and Associate Mike Leigh and Director Ben Gibson at the School’s annual graduation ceremony held on Tuesday 11 December at the Barbican Centre, London.

This distinctive University of Exeter programme will be delivered in partnership with the London Film School, following the signing of a five year partnership agreement earlier in the year. 

The first of its kind in the UK, the MA Independent Film Business (MAIFB) is a unique combination of the practical and the academic. It is designed to develop the next generation of future producers and executives, bringing excellence and innovation into non-major studio filmmaking in the UK and around the world.

The Masters is offered as a one-year programme starting September 2013 and will be taught at split locations at the University of Exeter and the London Film School in Covent Garden, bringing together the best teaching and resources from both institutions.

MAIFB examines the business and consumer context of film production and practice in the UK, the US and internationally. It will offer practical production work and top-level mentoring from established professionals and will include a group research expedition to a major European Film Festival. Producer Scott Meek will chair an advisory board to support the MAIFB and also other producing strands within LFS.

“Drawing on this exceptional range of specialist expertise and resources, the MA in Independent Film Business equips students with the tools, skills and knowledge to become a versatile, innovative and, above all, successful 21st century film professional. These days it’s no longer relevant to train in production alone. You need to be – or at any rate to understand being – a distributor and a sales agent as well. Otherwise, you’re not an independent producer: you’re a dependent one,” said Ben Gibson, Director

Dean of the College of Humanities Professor Nick Kaye said: “We are hugely excited to be embarking on this exceptional journey with the London Film School. By combining our strengths we are able to offer innovative and exciting opportunities that will not only benefit students, but also the film industry. I look forward to a very fruitful partnership.”

Date: 13 December 2012

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