National Film and Television School - Production Technology MA
“Without technology, the stories can’t be told.”
NFTS appoints top technologist
London, 16th August 2016: Top technologist and former BBC Scotland Head of Technology John Maxwell Hobbs has been appointed to lead the National Film and Television School Production Technology MA. The course has been introduced to tackle a shortage of broadcast engineers and fill a looming skills gap in the industry*.
John has worked at the intersection of art and technology for over 25 years. He has worked with Ericsson where he led mobile internet development and helped create the Delphi Pad, a forerunner of devices like the iPad. While at BBC Scotland, he launched Europe’s first 21st Century broadcasting facility, Pacific Quay; delivered BBC ALBA, Scotland’s first new television channel in 50 years; and developed the BBC’s first fully file-based, HD workflow. He recently conceived and developed BBC Music’s initiative with PRS Foundation and BASCA to foster, promote, and commission new British songwriters.
John is also a music producer, composer and performer. He has produced performances by DJ Spooky, Robert Wilson, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and as a composer he has released several CDs and composed scores for a number of independent short films.
John says: “It is a huge honour to lead the new Production Technology MA at such a prestigious institution as the NFTS. My passion is fusing art and creativity with technology and I am looking forward to instilling this combination into the new MA and inspiring the students to innovate. There is a huge skills gap in Production Technology, particularly in broadcasting, with many of the existing experts about to retire so I would encourage anyone interested in film and production and who has a creative flare to apply for this course. We need to foster new talent in this area; without technology, the stories can’t be told.”
Nik Powell, NFTS director says: “We are delighted to welcome John to the NFTS; his extensive experience in the worlds of technology and the arts is a fantastic addition to the school.”
The 2-year Production Technology MA equips students with the skills required to support all aspects of production technology in live and recorded environments. The course will give students a fundamental understanding of the underlying technologies and workflows in use in the industry, with the opportunity to specialise in one chosen area. It offers a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical training in a number of production technology disciplines with industry work experience placements and intensive training.
Applications for the Production Technology MA are open now until October 13th 2016 and the course will commence in January 2017.
For more information, please visit www.nfts.co.uk