The National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Film4 have announced a new scholarship in honour of the late Sue Bruce-Smith.
Having spent 20 years at Film 4, Sue Bruce-Smith is one of the most influential figures in the British Film industry. Bruce-Smith passed away in May 2020 in Dublin, Ireland.
The Sue Bruce-Smith Scholarship was announced at the NFTS’ 50th anniversary fundraising Gala, with a £50,000 donation from Film4. The scholarship will commemorate Bruce-Smith’s achievements and contributions to the UK film industry.
The scholarship is aimed at emerging producers, and it will enable prospective students to secure a space on the NFTS’s Producing MA course.
Bruce-Smith joined Film4 in 1997. She also had stints at the BFI, BBC Worldwide, and Palace Pictures.
Her work across finance, production, marketing, distribution, and international sales was integral to the success of renowned films such as Slumdog Millionaire, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Room, The Last King Of Scotland, This Is England, 12 Years A Slave, You Were Never Really Here, Amy, and The Favourite.
“Sue’s skillset spanned the creative and business end of the production process. But it was her deal-making savvy allied to her understanding of the nuts and bolts of production and empathy for the creative process that made her the best ally a producer could hope to have in their corner,” said Film4 Director, Daniel Battsek. “She was also deeply committed to public service, as passionate about finding new and diverse voices as championing headline acts.”
NFTS director Jon Wardle said that the scholarship “will make a huge difference” to rising producers who would otherwise not have the means to join the film school’s course and “follow in the footsteps” of Bruce-Smith.