Whilst Prince William will not be attending 2024’s BAFTA Film Awards, His Royal Highness has continued to support inviduals who are learning about the film industry. As President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, The Prince of Wales visited the London Screen Academy in Highbury, North London.
The LSA is a free-to-attend institution that offers students training in various aspects of film production, including costume design, editing, and animation. The academy was established to address the skills shortage and lack of diversity in the UK’s screen and creative industries.
The Prince of Wales visited the London Screen Academy to meet and shine a spotlight on the next generation of UK filmmakers and creative professionals. (Kensington Palace)
During his visit, Prince William engaged with 17 and 18-year old students participating in a “Collaboration Project,” where they transform the school into a working film set to produce a short film. This year’s project, titled “Melomania,” is a futuristic narrative about four teenagers living in a world where music has been banned.
The Prince interacted with students across various departments, including hair and makeup, costume design, and post-production. He even operated a camera, assisting in filming a scene for the project, with his camera skills commended by one student stating it was ‘very smooth, nice pan, did a good job’.
Prince William got behind the camera during the visit. (Kensington Palace)
In the hair and makeup studio, Prince William observed the application of prosthetics and discussed the design process with students. He also visited the costume department, where he admired a “steampunk” outfit and humorously considered wearing it for a “Saturday night out.” Additionally, he explored the post-production area, expressing amazement at the digital effects students were creating.
This visit underscores Prince William’s commitment to supporting emerging talent in the British film industry. Despite not attending BAFTA like previous years, Prince William chose to focus on highlighting the next generation of filmmakers through his engagement with institutions like the LSA.
HRH met a range of students learning about the different departments in the film industry. (Kensington Palace)
The London Screen Academy was co-founded by industry figures such as David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter films, and Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, overseers of the James Bond franchise. Their vision emphasises the collaboration between education and industry to provide young people with practical pathways into the film sector.
Prince William’s involvement in the students’ project, from operating the camera to discussing design elements, provided encouragement and inspiration to the aspiring filmmakers. His visit not only highlighted the importance of nurturing new talent but also showcased the valuable opportunities institutions like the London Screen Academy offer to young creatives.
