Pippa Harris and YouTube UK Head Alison Lomax Join National Film and Television School Board

British film and television producer Pippa Harris and YouTube UK and Ireland head Alison Lomax have officially joined the board of governors at the National Film and Television School (NFTS).

According to the school, the appointments combine traditional film and television production expertise with digital media insights as the institution evolves. The two new board members join existing governors including BBC content chief Kate Phillips and Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz.

New Leadership Backgrounds

• Pippa Harris: A double Oscar nominee and founder of Neal Street, Harris has produced notable titles including *1917*, *Call the Midwife*, and *Hamnet*, alongside upcoming projects like Sam Mendes' Beatles movie quartet.
• Alison Lomax: Serving as YouTube UK and Ireland head for nearly four years, Lomax has overseen platform growth in the region and collaborated with traditional television executives.

The broader NFTS board also features Roughcut TV founder Ash Atalla, Film4 Director Farhana Bhula, ITV Studios Managing Director Julian Bellamy, and former Warner Bros. Discovery Vice President Polly Cochrane.

Institutional Expansion and Future Plans

The leadership changes arrive as the NFTS prepares to open The Cubby Broccoli Building at its Beaconsfield headquarters in January 2027. Backed by government and industry investment, the upcoming expansion aims to deliver 25,000 square feet of extra teaching space, introduce new courses, increase apprenticeship availability, and offer accessible student accommodation for the first time.

NFTS Chair Sophie Turner Laing noted that the new board members bring essential perspectives bridging major film and television production with digital creator ecosystems. Harris emphasized the importance of supporting emerging talent from diverse backgrounds, while Lomax highlighted the convergence of traditional production and creator-led entertainment, referencing existing digital collaborations such as the YouTube NFTS Creator Incubator and Create x Connect.

Observers and prospective students can verify official announcements and updates regarding board appointments and campus developments directly through the official NFTS website and institutional press releases.