Introducing the NFTS x Lucasfilm Studio Experience Programme, an exciting new opportunity for students training in VFX – Lighting and Compositing, VFX – Environments and Assets, Animation for Film and Games, and Virtual Production from January 2027.
Created in partnership with Lucasfilm, the visionary studio behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, this exclusive programme offers aspiring artists, technicians and filmmakers training at the NFTS an unrivalled chance to step behind the scenes and immerse themselves in the future of filmmaking.
Exploring the latest advances in technology, students will experience first-hand how world class film and television productions are developed, giving invaluable insight into the technologies, workflows and collaborative culture powering today’s biggest film and TV productions, crafted and delivered by one of the industry’s most renowned studios.
During their training, every student under the NFTS x Lucasfilm Studio Experience Programme course umbrella will be invited to step inside the UK home of Lucasfilm, based at the iconic Pinewood Studios, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit. Through guided tours of key facilities and talks from Lucasfilm executives, technologists and creative leaders, students will gain invaluable insight into the creative and technical production behind large-scale international productions.
In addition, up to ten students each year will be selected through a competitive application process to take part in the Lucasfilm Studio Experience Programme: a one-week immersive placement within Lucasfilm productions at Pinewood Studios. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, participants will spend time across multiple specialist departments, gaining a broader understanding of how creative, technical and production teams collaborate to deliver ambitious screen stories.
Students will apply at the end of their second term, with studio experience taking place during the summer or the third term, subject to Lucasfilm’s production schedule.
Designed to complement the specialist training the NFTS is renowned for globally, the programme bridges the gap between specialist education and professional practice, offering students unparalleled exposure to professional production environments while strengthening the partnership between the NFTS and Lucasfilm in developing the next generation of creative and technical talent.
Eligible Courses
• VFX – Lighting and Compositing MA
• VFX – Environments and Assets MA
• Animation for Film and Games MA
• Virtual Production MA
Every student on the courses eligible to take part will benefit from:
• An exclusive visit to Lucasfilm at Pinewood Studios.
• Behind-the-scenes tour of studio facilities.
• Talks and Q&A sessions with Lucasfilm executives and senior creative and technical staff.
• Insight into the technologies, workflows and collaboration behind major film and television productions.
Lucasfilm Studio Experience Programme
Following a competitive selection process, up to ten students each year will also receive:
• A one-week immersive industry experience at Pinewood Studios.
• Rotations across productions and specialist departments, subject to production activity.
• Opportunities to observe professional workflows across Visual Effects, Virtual Production and Physical Production teams.
• Exposure to the scale, collaboration and problem-solving involved in contemporary studio filmmaking.
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Selection Process
Students wishing to participate in the immersive placement must submit a short application at the end of their second term. Further details will be provided after beginning the course.
Applications will be reviewed jointly by the NFTS and Lucasfilm, with successful candidates selected on the basis of a covering letter and a sample of their work.
The timing of placements will remain flexible to align with Lucasfilm’s production schedule.