Bond producer first female president of film school

A producer whose credits include the James Bond movies has been announced as the first female president of a film school.

Barbara Broccoli will take over the role at the UK's National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, in February, succeeding Oscar-winning producer David Puttnam.

She has produced nine Bond films with her half-brother, Michael G. Wilson, before it was announced in February that Amazon MGM Studios had gained creative control.

Puttnam, whose credits include Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields and Midnight Express, said he was "over the moon" that such a "hugely respected figure" was succeeding him.

The National Film School was established in 1971 by director Colin Young, taking over the Beaconsfield site with an initial intake of about 25 students.

In 1982 the institution was renamed the National Film and Television School to reflect its expanding curriculum.

Puttnam, who has been involved with the school for over 50 years, said it was a "lovely job" to have and that he had tried never to interfere.

He added that Broccoli's decision to take up the role was a "wonderful thing for the school".

Puttnam will take on an honorary role as president emeritus.

News of Broccoli's appointment comes ahead of the opening in January of the Cubby Broccoli Building at the school's Beaconsfield campus.

The building is named after Broccoli's father, the producer Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli, who established the James Bond franchise.

The school said its expansion will provide 25,000 sq ft of additional teaching space, house new courses in costume design and hair and make-up, expand apprenticeship opportunities and provide purpose-built accessible student accommodation for the first time in its history.

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