Dr. Jon Wardle, graduate of Bristol University, played a key part in the BAFTAs, accepting an award on behalf of the National film and Television School on Monday the 18th of February.
Dr. Jon Wardle who studied for a Doctorate of Education between 2007 and 2012 and is currently the director of the NFTS, collected the Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award at the prestigious ceremony, held at the Royal Albert Hall.
Collecting the award with Nik Powell, Wardle's predecessor, the School of Education alumnus said, "This award is a huge honour. For almost five decades the NFTS has trained and educated people who go on to power British cinema. Our graduates have been responsible for some of British film and television's greatest moments in recent years."
Wardle went on to say, "With the generous support from our donors and the wider British film, television and games industries, we will continue to provide the people that ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the creative industries globally for years to come."
"Our graduates have been responsible for some of British film and television's greatest moments in recent years"
The prestigious Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award is presented annually in honour of British film producer, Michael Balcon, known famously for his work with Ealing Studios. Previous recipients include Working Title Films, Ridley and Tony Scott, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series and BBC Films.
Dr. Jon Wardle (left) with former NFTS Director Nik Powell
Image Credit: NFTS
The sheer level of talent the NFTS has produced is astounding.The school has trained the likes of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts director David Yates, We Need to Talk About Kevin filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, master cinematographer Roger Deakins and multi BAFTA-winning animator and creator of Wallace and Gromit, Nick Park – to name only a handful of its famed graduates.
Considering the school's depth in previous alumni it is no surprise that, in total, NFTS alumni have hauled in 10 Oscars and 49 nominations, and no less than 129 BAFTA wins between them.
Celia Imrie presented the Bafta to Dr. Wardle
Image credit: BAFTA
During his extensive career, Jon has worked as a consultant for Creative Skillset, developed courses with companies as diverse as Aardman, Sony Computers Entertainment Europe and the BBC and he is also the author of a number of papers and book chapters on media education.
This is a fantastic achievement for Jon, as well as the University, showing the world the depth Bristol alumni students have in the work force. Furthermore, it also goes to show the capabilities Bristol has within the arts, often a discipline looked down upon by employers and peers.
Featured Image:BAFTA
