With major credits on Wicked and Barbie, NFTS alumni are shaping cinema worldwide, spurring director Jon Wardle to ask: “What industry am I preparing people for?”
National Film and Television School Director Jon Wardle Unpacks His 5 Takeaways From Graduate Impact Report (Exclusive)

Key Takeaways:
- NFTS graduates have contributed to high-profile productions like Barbie and Wicked.
- Jon Wardle, the school’s director, is full of praise for the alumni’s achievements.
- Wardle raises a critical question about preparing students for a shifting film industry.
- The Graduate Impact Report highlights the successes and challenges for NFTS graduates.
- The conversation centers on adapting film education to match evolving industry needs.
NFTS’s Global Footprint
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is celebrating the achievements of its graduates, who have contributed to major film and television productions worldwide. In its latest Graduate Impact Report, the school takes stock of student success stories, providing a snapshot of how NFTS-trained professionals are influencing everything from large-scale Hollywood projects to regional productions.
Alumni Achievements
According to NFTS director Jon Wardle, alumni have been closely involved in films such as Wicked and Barbie, two hotly anticipated titles that highlight the creative reach of the school’s graduates. He notes how their involvement stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to high-quality training. While exact figures are not provided in the publicly available summary, the excitement around these projects underscores the widespread impact of NFTS’s teaching philosophy.
Jon Wardle’s Perspective
Jon Wardle has expressed pride in his former students’ accomplishments, but he also points to the challenges that lie ahead in an evolving entertainment landscape. As he explains, “What industry am I preparing people for?” This question hints at the flux in today’s global film market, where new technologies, changing viewer habits, and a constantly shifting business model demand fresh thinking and adaptable skill sets.
Looking Toward Tomorrow
Wardle recognizes that as NFTS celebrates its success, it must also anticipate changes that will shape the next generation of filmmakers. The Graduate Impact Report underscores the importance of continuous curriculum updates and a forward-thinking approach. NFTS hopes to equip students with resilient skills—ensuring that future alumni will likewise be prepared to take on roles in groundbreaking productions while pushing creative boundaries.
Overall, the Graduate Impact Report paints an image of a school at the forefront of cinematic education: proud of its contributions to international hits like Barbie and Wicked, but also keenly aware of the complex future that awaits its graduates. As Wardle’s core question suggests, cultivating adaptability remains as vital as ever for anyone aspiring to thrive in today’s media environment.