University of Westminster partners with BFI and iconic Regent Street Cinema

University of Westminster partners with BFI and iconic Regent Street Cinema to launch new business-orientated Master’s degree to deliver future film business professionals

In response to the expansion of film production within the UK and worldwide, the University of Westminster has teamed up with the British Film Institute (BFI) and the Regent Street Cinema to create a Master’s programme which will launch students into careers in film and television distribution, management and business.
Recognising that a world-class workforce is essential for making a significant contribution to the economy, the new course aims to improve the training and talent pool for the financing of film, planning, development and distribution in a global context, preparing students to work in this international industry.

This postgraduate course in the Business of Film delivered in the heart of London will boost the business, legal, negotiation and networking skillset of film professionals starting out or having a few years of experience under their belt. It will also attract those who have studied subjects such as Business, Finance or Law, and would like to apply their knowledge to the film industry.

This partnership with the BFI – a cultural charity, film funder, distributor and exhibitor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and moving image – provides the Business of Film MA students with access to a diverse range of speakers, networking events and placement opportunities. Students will also work with the Regent Street Cinema, regarded as the birthplace of British cinema, gaining valuable experience on real world film promotion projects.

This educational, industry and cinema operator partnership brings about a unique programme which will give students a strong foundation to accelerate their careers in both the production and distribution aspects of filmmaking.

Professor Janet Jones, Head of the University of Westminster’s College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries, said: “With a record spend on scripted production in the UK, the need for a skilled workforce that understands the production context and business-end of the industry is vital. The University of Westminster is known for its long-established and world-leading Film courses, and we’re delighted to be partnering with the BFI and Regent Street Cinema to introduce this new course in January 2023.”

Harriet Finney, BFI Deputy CEO and Director of Corporate & Industry Affairs, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the University of Westminster towards a shared goal of future-proofing the film industry. There’s never been a better time to work in film, and an understanding of the relationship between the commercial and the creative will form the bedrock of the skills and knowledge required to forge a successful and meaningful career in UK and international screen industries.”

Billy Watson, Executive Commercial Director at Regent Street Cinema, said: “Being able to support this MA course with a contribution from our cinema adds real value to the students’ experience. The Regent Street Cinema blends commercial and community aims to satisfy a variety of audiences, and sharing best practice will give meaningful insights to the course participants. You could say that we offer a ‘front row seat’ to anyone embarking on a career in this exciting industry.”

The first cohort of the Business of Film MA will start in January 2023.

More information about the course is available from https://www.westminster.ac.uk/business-of-film-ma