National Film and Television School opens ground-breaking 4K Digital Content Training studio and Hub

In order to deliver some of the UK’s first 4K native studio courses, which include the NFTS Directing and Producing Television Entertainment MA; Cameras, Sound and Vision Mixing Diploma; and Production Technology MA, the facility has been equipped with the latest Sony 4K technologies, including six HDC-4300 system cameras, an XVS-7000 switcher and a PWS-4500 live server system, all capable of supporting 4K, HDR & IP workflows.

The HDC-4300 4K system cameras will enable students to learn on the most advanced Studio Camera platform both operationally and creatively. Sony’s technological innovation and unparalleled hands-on live production experience are crystallised in the design of this camera. The HDC-4300 provides the chance to shoot in a variety of formats, from HD to 4K, HFR to HDR, making it the perfect camera for learning the practicalities of various broadcast production scenarios.

Supporting the IP Live Production technology, the XVS-7000 combines the latest technology innovations and strengthens the NFTS’ training facilities with a series of well-established Vision Mixers, which are already in use in most Live Productions, to offer students an exceptional wealth of operational learning. Flexible configuration makes the XVS-7000 adaptable to any production requirements, while the ability to up and down convert between 4K & HD provides flexibility for video input and outputs.

The PWS-4500 live server system matches the flexibility of the HDC-4300 & XVS-7000, supporting all format types whether over SDI or IP. With an operational philosophy very close to well-known market leading server solutions, a strong workflow integration with Avid Post production system, the PWS-4500 will offer the students a wealth of opportunities to experience Live & File Based workflows around the platform.

“Educating and inspiring the next generation of production professionals means ensuring they have access to the tools they’ll encounter when they enter the world of full-time employment, and 4K has become an absolute necessity for this,” said Nik Powell, Director at the National Film and Television School. “At a time when the quality and volume of live content continues to increase, we chose Sony because their solutions are the most in use in the live production market. Our students will have the chance to work with the highest quality systems available, providing them with practical experience that equips them for the first steps in their career.”

“At Sony, we’ve always been passionate about supporting and nurturing our industry’s future talent,” commented Norbert Paquet, Strategic Marketing Manager for Live Production at Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “Building on our heritage in world-class training facilities, such as the Digital Motion Picture Centre Europe (DMPCE) at Pinewood Studios, we’re helping to provide students with invaluable hands-on experience. We’re excited to work with the NFTS, whose leading edge reputation speaks for itself, and ensure its students have access to the latest tools for television production now and for years to come.”

The NFTS is one of the world's leading film, games and television schools. It has been cited by some media as one of the top five film schools globally and by one as the No.1 international film school. In 1967, the government recommended the creation of a national film school for the UK and in 1971 the National Film School opened its doors for the first time focussing on postgraduate education. In the 1980s, the school officially changed its name to the National Film and Television School to incorporate the demand for courses in television production and has since added games to its remit.

NFTS prides itself on producing world-class, award-winning industry leaders. It has more Student Academy Awards (Foreign Category) than any other film school. NFTS students and graduates also regularly win BAFTAs and have won the short animation category for the last four years. Other prestigious accolades include the Grierson Award for Best Student Documentary, which NFTS students have won for the last three years as well as multiple Royal Television Society student awards and Annecy Animation Awards. NFTS graduates have gone on to win seven Oscars and 100 BAFTAs with alumni including cinematographer, Roger Deakins (12 times Oscar nominee); BAFTA winning director, David Yates, (best known for directing the Harry Potter films); Oscar winning animator Nick Park (creator of Wallace & Gromit) and Oscar winning composer Dario Marianelli among others. The NFTS is a registered charity (313429).

Sony Professional Solutions exists to unleash the incredible power of images. Helping customers tell stories, springboard change, connect emotionally, stimulate learning and activate potential is at the heart of our vision. With a winning combination of technology and creativity Sony partners with businesses across a wide variety of sectors including Media and Broadcast, Theatre, Healthcare, Sports and Corporate and Education markets to deliver innovative and transformational customer solutions. Operating with over 30 years’ experience and a trusted network of established technology partners Sony’s wide portfolio of product and services propositions provides true value to businesses and informs, educates, entertains and inspires their customers.