Reporting from the scene was Sean Coughlan, the Royal correspondent, capturing a unique moment featuring the Prince of Wales behind a film camera. The camera inched closer, rolling along tracks, towards a journalist in what seemed like a surreal movie scene atop the London Screen Academy in north London. Here, Prince William was exploring the cutting-edge facilities of a sixth form academy dedicated to imparting film and TV skills.
The tour extended to the costume department, where Prince William’s eyes fell upon a steampunk outfit adorned with holes, hooks, and tartan. Amused, he entertained the idea of donning it for a Saturday night out, lightening the atmosphere for the students accompanying him on the visit. As the president of Bafta, the British film and television industry body, Prince William advocates for widening access to a sector notorious for its exclusive networks.
Tim Bevan, co-founder of the London Screen Academy and renowned movie producer, elaborated on the school’s mission during the prince’s visit. The academy, boasting 900 students, aims to demystify the film and television industry by providing practical skills alongside traditional academic subjects, thus breaking down barriers for aspiring talent. Bevan emphasized the importance of diversifying the industry, highlighting that opportunities are often constrained to “white, middle class” individuals, hindering broader representation.
Acknowledging the academy’s role in nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds, Prince William expressed his enthusiasm for dispelling misconceptions of the film and TV industry being an elitist domain. He commended the energetic environment that encourages young people to pursue their passion for filmmaking, challenging the notion that such aspirations are out of reach. The royal visit culminated in a mini-movie production, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to fostering creativity and practical skills among its students
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