Why you should study MA Film And Television Production this April

An interview with Neil Williams, Postgraduate Lecturer, MA Film & Television Production, MetFilm School

Choosing when to begin postgraduate study can be just as important as choosing where. At MetFilm School, our MA Film & Television Production course offers two entry points each year, in September and April. We spoke to Neil Williams, Postgraduate Lecturer on the course, about what sets the April intake apart and why it can be a strong choice for many aspiring filmmakers.

What makes the April intake different from the September start?

According to Williams, the biggest distinction lies in who applies and where they are in their creative journey. While September cohorts often consist of students progressing directly from undergraduate study, April intakes tend to attract applicants who have taken time to reflect, explore options, or gain experience outside education.

This difference brings a noticeable shift in mindset. April students often arrive with fewer fixed assumptions and a greater openness to learning across disciplines. That curiosity, Williams explains, makes the cohort particularly receptive to the broad, exploratory nature of the course and creates a highly engaged learning environment.

Who is the MA Film & Television Production best suited for?

The course is designed as a generalist MA, making it ideal for students who want a wide understanding of the screen industries. Williams notes that this includes both those with a clear career goal and those who are still figuring out where they fit.

Rather than narrowing options too early, the course encourages students to experience multiple roles within film and television production. This approach not only helps students discover where their creative strengths lie but also ensures they graduate with a strong technical and industrial foundation. 

As Williams points out, regardless of eventual specialism, broader knowledge consistently leads to better, more adaptable practitioners.

How does Ealing Studios shape the student experience?

Being based at Ealing Studios is a defining feature of the course. Williams describes it as a rare blend of historic significance and modern production culture. From classic Ealing comedies to global franchises such as Star Wars, Doctor Who and Downton Abbey, the studio’s legacy is woven into everyday life at MetFilm School.

More importantly, Ealing remains an active production hub. Students train alongside ongoing projects for major players including Netflix, the BBC and Marvel. This proximity to working sets brings a tangible sense of industry reality and creates an atmosphere that elevates both learning and ambition.

How does the course reflect today’s screen industries?

Williams emphasises that all teaching is delivered by active industry professionals. This ensures that course content keeps pace with the rapidly changing demands of film and television production.

Students are exposed to current workflows, technologies and professional expectations across departments. The aim is not only to teach craft skills, but also to prepare students for the collaborative, fast-moving environments they will encounter once they graduate.

What outcomes best capture the spirit of the April cohort?

One recent example highlights the value of the course’s cross-disciplinary focus. In May 2025, Williams recruited MetFilm School graduates to work on a feature film he was directing. Their ability to contribute across departments made them especially valuable within a professional crew.

Their adaptability, confidence and practical knowledge reflected the strengths of the training – and, in Williams’ view, demonstrated why graduates from the April intake are particularly well equipped for real-world production environments.

Why choose April?

For students seeking time to explore, reassess and fully immerse themselves in filmmaking, the April intake offers a distinct advantage. With open-minded cohorts, hands-on industry exposure and a curriculum built around flexibility and discovery, April provides an ideal starting point for those ready to define their place in the screen industries – rather than rushing to fit into one.

For many, it’s not just a different start date. It’s the right one.

Ready to take your screen production skills to the next level?

The MA Film and Television Production programme is designed to give you hands-on experience, develop your understanding of screen storytelling, and prepare you for a career in today’s dynamic screen industries.

Applications are open for our April intake – start your journey in screen production and explore all the roles and opportunities the industry has to offer.

👉 Find out more and apply here