London Screen Academy’s (LSA) mission to transform and diversify UK screen industries by enabling access to all, regardless of background

London Screen Academy’s (LSA) is on a mission is to transform and diversify the UK screen industries by enabling access to all, regardless of background. (Main Image of students during workshop at LSA)

LSA is a sixth form academy for students aged 16 to 19 years old. LSA is redefining what industry education means through a partnership between London’s teachers and professionals working within the industry.

In September 2021, we extended our provision for 25 students to stay on for a third year and undertake an additional course, honing their skills and widening their understanding of the industry. The success of this has enabled us to open up this provision to external young people, aged 18, to join LSA for a single year course.

Image of students during workshop at London Screen Academy

Twice a week, students have access to masterclasses – held in the school’s screening room- hosted by a range of professionals from across the industry. We are always looking for diverse talent to host masterclasses, workshops, or classroom drop-ins.

We want the UK screen industries to be truly representative of the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the world we live in. We work with several schools and community youth organisations across London to inform young people about the careers and opportunities available in the screen industries by attending a number of careers fairs and talks for young people aged 11 and up. We engage with youth organisations on how we can support their film, media, or art provision.

There is a stark lack of representation in our education system. Just 10% of teachers in England are from an Underrepresented Ethnic Group and only 3% of production employees in the screen industries are from an Underrepresented Ethnic Group – LSA is striving to change this. We are offering experience days, opening our doors to industry professionals from underrepresented backgrounds who are curious about entering teaching.

These are just some of the ways in which LSA works to transform the screen industries. We continue to work to make positive, long-lasting changes to the incoming screen industry workforce, ensuring that the future of film and TV represents true diversity.

For more information on LSA, what they’re up to or who they’re working with, click here, or follow them on Instagram here.