Neil Peplow is to take over as director and CEO of the UK’s London Film School (LFS), leaving his role as director of international and industry affairs at the British Film Institute (BFI).
Peplow will remain in his BFI role until mid-January, and start leading LFS from January 30, 2023. He will take over from interim director Peter Holliday, with the appointment made by the LFS board of governors after what the school describes as “a process that saw wide interest from a broad and highly talented field.”
Peplow was appointed to the role of BFI director of international affairs in June 2019, adding industry to his remit in May last year.
He was previously CEO of the Australian Film Television and Radio School for four years from 2015; and chief operating officer at London’s MetFilm School at Ealing Studios.
“London Film School’s reputation as being a space for creative excellence and developing talent that has informed cinema worldwide is well known and respected globally,” said Peplow. “What is key going forward is to build on this reputation. I believe my experience in industry and education will enable me to help the school to do this.”
“At LFS, the focus in the curriculum on creativity, collaboration and experimentation results in films that are distinctive and highly creative. It is this which meant their students’ films stand out from other film schools’ output.”
Greg Dyke, LFS chairman of the board of governors, said: “The entire Board and I are confident that Neil has the experience and vision to modernise the school, building on its globally recognised strengths to develop the next generation of filmmaking talent and skills.
“Neil’s background in production and the screen industries, and significant experience in education places LFS in a strong position to take us forward and tackle our ambitions.”
Holliday, a governor on the board, took over as interim director from Gisli Snaer, who left the school in May this year after more than six years at LFS. Holliday will now return to his role as governor.
No comments yet