BIMM Group, which owns BIMM University, has acquired the MetFilm School.
The acquisition expands BIMM’s existing campus offerings for film students across the UK and Germany to include MetFilm’s campuses in Leeds, Berlin, and London, where MetFilm is situated in the historic Ealing Studios. The MetFilm School was founded in 2003.
Founded in 2001, BIMM University provides courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking, and creative technology to over 8,000 students. BIMM University comprises BIMM Music Institute, Screen and Film School, Performers College, Institute for Contemporary Theatre and Northern Ballet School.
BIMM Group said the acquisition “marks a significant milestone in the commitment of both institutions to providing high-quality specialist film school education, positioning BIMM University and MetFilm School as the leading provider of undergraduate film courses in the UK and Europe.
The acquisition comes amid concerns about future skills shortages in the film and TV industry. According to the BFI Skills Report 2022, the UK remains the second-biggest global market for film and high-end prestige TV productions. However, the film industry is expected to grow at 7% over the next two years, with an estimated skills gap building to 21,000 positions within the industry before 2025.
David Jones-Owen, CEO & Vice-Chancellor, of BIMM University, said: “The film industry is experiencing a monumental shift, and our acquisition of MetFilm School is a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Through this strategic collaboration in creative education, we seek to leverage the complementary strengths of both institutes, addressing the skills gap in the film industry and empowering students with the essential tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.”
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