BEACONSFIELD, England — Netflix has pledged significant funding toward a major expansion at the United Kingdom's National Film and Television School, with the new facility set to bear the name of legendary film producer Albert R. Broccoli, known affectionately as Cubby. The announcement came during a special event at the school's Beaconsfield campus on Thursday, where Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and producer Barbara Broccoli, daughter of the late producer, were on hand to celebrate the project's kickoff.
Construction on The Cubby Broccoli Building is already underway and is slated to welcome students by January 2027. According to the NFTS, Netflix's contribution will support the creation of a dedicated creative space called The Netflix Lounge, described as a "central meeting point where students can work, collaborate, and connect." The building will introduce innovative courses in Costume Design, Hair and Make-Up, and Virtual Production—fields increasingly vital in the evolving film and television landscape.
For the first time in its history, the NFTS will offer on-site accommodation to students through the new facility, which includes nine fully accessible, purpose-built bedrooms. All costs for this housing will be covered by the Accessible Living Bursary, a program launched in June 2025 and backed by acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers for aspiring filmmakers, particularly those with accessibility needs.
The event highlighted the deep ties between the Broccoli family and the NFTS. Barbara Broccoli contributed to a time capsule buried in the building's foundations, including a letter co-written with producer Michael G. Wilson and addressed to future NFTS Producing students. The capsule, which also contains archival documents from 1986 detailing Cubby Broccoli's original gift of the school's production and facilities department, is set to be reopened in 2071 to mark the institution's centenary.
Ted Sarandos, who delivered a career masterclass to NFTS students during the afternoon session, emphasized the streamer's commitment to nurturing global talent. The funding arrives amid Netflix's broader push into European creative sectors, as the company and rival Paramount engage in a high-stakes charm offensive to influence the ongoing battle for Warner Bros. Discovery. Last month, Skydance Media CEO David Ellison met with UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy during a visit to London, underscoring the intensifying interest from U.S. studios in bolstering ties with British institutions.
Nandy is scheduled to host a private reception at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London to celebrate the UK's creative industries, further signaling governmental support for such collaborations. Jon Wardle, director of the NFTS, addressed the gathering on campus, praising the collective effort behind the expansion. "The School’s expansion has been made possible through vital Government investment and the generosity of our supporters—including All3Media, Garfield Weston Foundation, Prime Video, Rolex, and Wolfson Foundation, who we are proud to announce today," Wardle said. "Their belief in the NFTS and its students has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Honouring Cubby Broccoli’s legacy through this new building reflects values that sit at the heart of the NFTS, while this collective investment ensures we are preparing students for a truly global industry. We are immensely grateful to DCMS, Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, Netflix, and all of our new and existing supporters for helping shape the School’s future."
The NFTS, founded in 1971, has long been a cornerstone of British film education, producing alumni who have worked on blockbuster franchises like James Bond—fittingly tied to the Broccoli legacy—and countless other projects. Cubby Broccoli, who produced the first 17 Bond films starting with Dr. No in 1962, was instrumental in establishing the school's production arm nearly four decades ago. His contributions helped transform the NFTS into a hub for practical, hands-on training in an industry often criticized for its barriers to entry.
Other donors announced alongside Netflix include All3Media, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Prime Video, Rolex, and the Wolfson Foundation, reflecting a diverse coalition of supporters from media, philanthropy, and luxury sectors. This influx of funding comes at a time when the UK film and television industry faces challenges, including post-pandemic recovery and debates over international investment. While the project is hailed as a boost for talent development, some industry observers question its timing amid concerns about job scarcity for graduates.
Online reactions to the Deadline Hollywood report on the announcement were mixed. One commenter remarked, "Just what the UK industry needs – more students for the non-existent jobs," highlighting skepticism about employment prospects in a competitive field. Others raised questions about the focus on international institutions, with one asking, "What about American students? And finding a school in USA?" and another pondering, "Why the UK? Why so invested in other places outside the US?" These sentiments underscore broader discussions about the globalization of film education and the role of U.S. companies abroad.
Netflix's involvement extends beyond mere philanthropy; it aligns with the streamer's strategy to cultivate partnerships in key markets. The company, which has faced scrutiny in the U.S. over content and board decisions—such as former President Donald Trump's recent social media call for Netflix to fire board member Susan Rice, which Sarandos dismissed by noting Trump's affinity for online commentary—appears to be doubling down on European goodwill. Sarandos pushed back on the criticism during a separate appearance, saying, "He likes to do a lot of things on social media."
The Beaconsfield campus, located about 25 miles west of London, has been the NFTS's home since its inception. The new building will not only expand classroom and production facilities but also foster a more inclusive environment. By integrating virtual production techniques—used in hits like The Mandalorian—the school aims to equip students with cutting-edge skills for an industry increasingly reliant on technology.
As the UK government continues to promote its creative economy, initiatives like this could play a pivotal role. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has invested heavily in the NFTS expansion, viewing it as essential for maintaining the nation's competitive edge in global entertainment. Lisa Nandy's upcoming reception will likely amplify these efforts, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and international players.
Looking ahead, the opening of The Cubby Broccoli Building in January 2027 promises to mark a new chapter for the NFTS. With Netflix's lounge serving as a collaborative hub and the on-site housing addressing long-standing accessibility issues, the project could inspire similar developments elsewhere. Barbara Broccoli's time capsule addition serves as a poignant link to the past, reminding future generations of the foundational gifts that built the school.
While the enthusiasm from supporters is palpable, the project's success will ultimately be measured by its impact on students and the industry. As Wardle noted, the focus is on preparing graduates for a "truly global industry," one where opportunities span continents and collaborations like this become the norm. For now, the foundations—both literal and figurative—are being laid at Beaconsfield, with Netflix at the forefront of this ambitious endeavor.
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