Barbara Broccoli Becomes First Woman to Lead the National Film and Television School

James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli will become the next president of the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in the U.K. She succeeds Oscar-winning producer David Puttnam and becomes the first woman to hold the post in the school’s history.

Puttnam, whose credits include Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields and Midnight Express, will take on an honorary role as president emeritus. The school said the title recognizes his outstanding contribution to the NFTS and its continued success.

A Historic Appointment for the NFTS

Broccoli’s arrival marks a milestone for an institution that trains new talent across film, television and games. The school said her appointment builds on her longstanding relationship with the NFTS and her commitment to championing emerging filmmaking talent. It also pointed to her industry knowledge and creative achievements as assets for the years ahead.

Broccoli’s NFTS appointment “builds on her longstanding relationship with the NFTS and her commitment to championing emerging filmmaking talent,” said the school. “Her in-depth knowledge of the industry, exceptional creative achievements and passion for developing new voices will be invaluable as the school continues to strengthen its position as a world-leading institution for film, television and games training.”

Broccoli is best known for stewarding the James Bond franchise alongside her brother, Michael G. Wilson. The two took the helm from their father, legendary producer Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli, who established the series. Last year the siblings ceded full creative control of the franchise to Amazon MGM Studios in a joint-venture deal, and the announcement of Daniel Craig’s successor is imminent.

The Cubby Broccoli Building Opens in January

The news arrives ahead of the opening of the Cubby Broccoli Building at the school’s Beaconsfield campus in January 2027. Barbara Broccoli officially named the building earlier this year in honor of her late father. The timing gives her presidency a personal link to the school’s next chapter.

The new building will provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities and specialist creative spaces for students. It will also house the school’s first purpose-built, fully accessible on-site student accommodation. That addition gives the campus a residential element it did not have before.

Broccoli on Her New Role

Broccoli said she feels honored to follow Puttnam, and she stressed her long involvement with the school. She described the talent she has seen the NFTS develop and the role it plays in shaping the industry’s future. She also tied the moment to the building that carries her father’s name.

Broccoli said, “It’s a tremendous honor to become president of the National Film and Television School, following in Lord David Puttnam’s footsteps. Having been involved with the NFTS for many years, I have seen first-hand the extraordinary talent it develops and the vital role it plays in shaping the future of our industry. With the opening of the Cubby Broccoli Building taking place in January, this is especially meaningful. My father believed in the power of filmmaking and in giving talented people the opportunity to succeed.”

Puttnam Hands Over the Presidency

Puttnam welcomed the handover and called Broccoli a close friend. He said leaving the school in her hands repays the last of the many debts he owes his predecessor, Richard Attenborough. He also reflected on how his long relationship with the school shaped his career.

Puttnam said, “I could not be happier than to be handing over the presidency of the NFTS to my close friend Barbara. To leave the school in such good hands is repaying the last of the many debts I owe to my predecessor Richard Attenborough. My long relationship with the school, and the challenges we’ve faced and overcome has in many ways defined my career. I’d like to pay a special tribute to those many, many colleagues who have helped make the NFTS the most rewarding journey of my life.”

What the Change Means for the School

The leadership change pairs a new president with a new campus building in the same season. Broccoli brings decades of experience running one of cinema’s best-known franchises, and she says she has watched the school’s graduates make their mark for years. Puttnam stays connected to the school through his emeritus title, which keeps a familiar name in the NFTS family.

For the NFTS, the appointment signals continuity as well as change. A producer with deep ties to the school takes over from a close friend and fellow producer. The January 2027 opening of the Cubby Broccoli Building will give her first months in the role a defining landmark.