NFTS Announces New Scholarship Supported By ITV Studios

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has announced a new scholarship supported by ITV Studios in memory of the life and work of Sylvia Anderson, co-creator of Thunderbirds and a pioneering force in screen storytelling.

The Sylvia Anderson Scholarship will support students on the NFTS’ world-renowned two year Screenwriting MA, ensuring that the next generation of screenwriters continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Over the next decade, the scholarship will provide full funding for five students, with the first scholar beginning their training in January 2026. The newly created scholarship coincides with the landmark 60th anniversary of Thunderbirds in 2025, the iconic series created by Sylvia and Gerry Anderson. Originally airing from 1965, Thunderbirds remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its ground-breaking storytelling and innovative puppetry. In addition to serving as co-creator and co-writer, Anderson was a costume designer and actress, providing the voices for several characters including the legendary Lady Penelope.

Jon Wardle, Director of the NFTS, said: "Sylvia Anderson was an extraordinary storyteller whose creative vision left an indelible mark on British film and television. We are incredibly grateful to ITV Studios for this generous scholarship, which will help nurture emerging screenwriting talent and ensure Sylvia’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of creatives."

Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of ITV, added: "Sylvia Anderson’s contribution to the industry is immeasurable. As we celebrate 60 iconic years of Thunderbirds, ITV Studios is proud to support aspiring screenwriters in her memory, helping them develop the skills needed to shape the future of storytelling."

Sylvia's daughter, Dee Anderson, said: "I am so proud of my mother Sylvia Anderson for her remarkable achievements as a writer and pioneer for women in film and television. She would be so happy to inspire and support the next generation of creative writers on this ground-breaking course at the NFTS with the help and backing of ITV."

Applications are now open for the National Film and Television School’s prestigious Screenwriting MA, led by Brian Ward, with the deadline for submissions due to close on 1st May 2025. Alumni of the Screenwriting MA include Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917, The Good Nurse), Nathaniel Price (The Outlaws), Malorie Blackman (Noughts and Crosses), Laurie Nunn (Sex Education), Daniel Brierly (Trigger Point), Jess Williams (Grace), France Poletti (Without Sin) and Jessica Sinyard and Shyam Popat (The Jackal.) Recent graduates of the MA have been nominated for and have won numerous prestigious awards, including BAFTAs, Royal Television Society Awards, Academy Awards, and Women in Film and Television New Talent Awards. Several alumni have also been named among Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow.

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