London Film School has announced that Chris Auty is to be the new Director of LFS from November 2023.
Chris has been a senior Head of Department at the National Film and Television School for the past ten years where, apart from his role as Head of Producing and supervising the development / production of up to 30 short films a year and running the National Film School School’s two year MA producing programme, he has also been responsible for designing, validating, and running new MA courses.
These include an MA in entrepreneurship for the arts (CBEE) spanning the film, TV, theatre, games, publishing and music industries; and an MA in marketing across film / television / games. He was also heavily involved in the development of new part-time diploma and certificate courses in Casting, and in Production.
Prior to taking up his role at the NFTS, Chris worked extensively in the film industry. He was founder and CEO of The Works plc, and before that Managing Director of the Recorded Picture Company. He has worked with directors including Bernardo Bertolucci, David Cronenberg, Michael Winterbottom, and Vincent Ward.
Chris comments, “I’m delighted to be taking on the leadership of this renowned film school in the heart of London. It happens to be the place where my own journey into film began – working with LFS alumnus Miguel Pereira on his first feature film. I greatly look forward to working with staff, students, and alumni to build the brightest possible future for this unique, world-class school for independent filmmakers.”
Chris will replace Neil Peplow who joined the School as Director last year but is now leaving to take up a senior international role in the film industry.
Greg Dyke Chair of the London Film School said, “We are delighted to have attracted a candidate of Chris Auty’s calibre to take over from Neil as our Director. We are sorry to be losing Neil who only joined us last year but, out of the blue, he has been offered a major new role in the film industry at a package we couldn’t possibly match.
“When Neil told us he would be leaving we went straight to Chris and offered him the role knowing what a great job he would do for us, and we are delighted he accepted.”
Neil Peplow said, “I’m honoured to have worked at London Film School. The talent of the students and the dedication of the staff is truly remarkable. The school is filled with huge potential and already has strong foundations to build on. With Chris leading, I’m confident this potential will be fully realised.”