Barbara Broccoli named first female president of U.K.’s National Film and Television School

Barbara Broccoli, known for producing the James Bond film franchise, has been appointed president of the U.K.’s National Film and Television School (NFTS), according to the Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline. She is the first woman to hold this position in the school's history.

Broccoli succeeds Oscar-winning producer David Puttnam, who will become president emeritus in recognition of his contributions to the school. Puttnam's film credits include "Chariots of Fire," "The Killing Fields," and "Midnight Express," Variety reported.

Her appointment comes ahead of the January 2027 opening of the Cubby Broccoli Building at the NFTS’s Beaconsfield campus, named in honor of her late father, Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli, who established the James Bond franchise. The new building will feature advanced teaching facilities, creative spaces, and accessible student accommodations, Variety noted.

Broccoli has expressed that becoming president is a tremendous honor and highlighted her long involvement with the NFTS and its role in nurturing filmmaking talent. She also emphasized the meaningful timing with the building opening, reflecting her father's belief in filmmaking's power and supporting emerging talent.

The NFTS praised Broccoli's extensive industry knowledge, creative achievements, and dedication to developing new voices, stating these qualities will help the school maintain its status as a leading institution for film, television, and games training, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.