Chairman's Appeal
This year sees the launch of London Film School’s first ever fundraising campaign. The target is to raise £7 million to develop a state-of-the-art filmmakers’ centre in the heart of London. The new purpose-built building will house world-class teaching facilities and create a public arena where the best of global filmmaking can be nurtured and celebrated. Please see the initial design here. I really hope you will join us in our campaign and invest in future generations of filmmakers.
Mike Leigh - LFS Chairman
During the last five years LFS has become one of the best graduate film schools in the world. We now want to capitalise on that and create a new custom designed space which will benefit from the revolution in communications technology. We are planning a permanent centre which will bring together film students, graduates, industry professionals and all who are passionate about film culture from all over the world.
To achieve this we have secured a larger building nearby in Covent Garden where we will be able to combine the facilities of the conservatoire with that of the cinematheque. This development will also enable us to expand our relationships with other cultural, educational and industry bodies. Current partners include the National Gallery, London Metropolitan University and Skillset.
The London Film School was founded in 1956. Our 50th anniversary celebrations last year included a retrospective season at the National Film Theatre of films made by many of the School’s impressive band of alumni and the UK charity premiere of alumni Michael Mann’s 'Miami Vice'. In 2006 students’ films were screened at 80 film festivals and they won 12 major, international festival prizes and a BAFTA nomination. We host a masterclass programme that reflects this status - Abbas Kiarostami, Hanif Kureshi, Franc Roddam, Dick Pope and Stephen Frears have all been recent visitors. Such is the School’s global reputation that Al Gore chose to launch Current TV in Europe at the School in Spring of this year.
Over 3,000 graduates have learned their craft from the School’s strong tradition of comprehensive, hands-on, practical learning with as much emphasis on teaching technical skills as on developing creative and editorial talents. We provide a prolific and energetic hub where we welcome students from all over the world to complete our two-year London Metropolitan University accredited post-graduate courses which gives them MAs in both Filmmaking and Screenwriting. We are creating more opportunities for bursaries for the most talented international students.
As the plans for the new building develop there will be different ways of providing financial assistance. The School will recognise and acknowledge all levels of support. Do contact Leon Clowes via l.clowes@lfs.org.uk or on +44 (0) 20 7836 9718 for more information on our plans for:
- naming opportunities for areas and facilities in the new building
- naming seats in the two new cinemas
- becoming a London Film Society Member
- leaving a legacy in your will to help train future filmmakers
- make a general donation to the appeal
Under the Gift Aid scheme the Government will add a further 28 pence to every pound if you are a UK taxpayer and complete a Gift Aid form. To make a donation now, click here.
Mike Leigh,
Chairman.
