Yoo Capital, the real estate investment firm known for creating transformational destinations that are both fiscally and socially responsible, and London Screen Academy (LSA), the sixth-form academy that provides free education to students seeking careers in film and television, today announced a new partnership to deliver Camden Film Quarter’s second educational facility in film and television. The LSA was founded as a non-profit educational academy by industry titans Barbara Broccoli CBE and Michael G. Wilson CBE (Eon Productions – James Bond), David Heyman (Harry Potter), Eric Fellner CBE and Tim Bevan CBE (Working Title Films) and Lisa Bryer OBE (Last King of Scotland). LSA is part of Day One Trust, an Academy Trust dedicated to opening up creative industry careers to young people from all backgrounds.

Yoo Capital will be gifting this campus to the LSA as part of its commitment to developing a thriving educational offer within Camden Film Quarter. In collaboration with local Camden schools and communities, Yoo Capital and the selected education partners will support young people to access further education in creative disciplines, broadening pathways to skills development and employment in the creative industry.

Earlier this year, Yoo Capital announced its partnership with the National Film & Television School to deliver an educational facility for university-aged students. The combination of the LSA and NFTS creates a vital cohesive education pillar at the Camden Film Quarter ecosystem providing a complete pathway to a career in the screen industry from within the Quarter.

The LSA facility at Camden Film Quarter will be the second location of the LSA’s unique, skills-focused sixth-form academy, enhancing their reach and influence across the capital. Sharing in Yoo Capital’s vision to deliver London’s most accessible creative quarter, the LSA will continue to be free and has historically reached out to under-represented minorities and families facing severe hardship.

Creating Opportunities in the Screen Industries Through Education

Research conducted in 2023 reveals that nearly three-quarters (71%) School Leavers think the film and TV sector is too difficult to get into unless you’re well-connected or know someone.

As part of Yoo Capital’s commitment to invest in the next generation across local communities throughout London, the LSA facility at Camden Film Quarter will increase accessibility for under-19’s who want to work in the screen industries. With 44% of students signing up for LSA’s Level 4 courses coming from under-represented ethnic groups and 18% from families facing severe financial hardship, this partnership is the realisation of a shared vision to bridge the gap between community and education in the industry – supporting disadvantaged students from across the capital.

The campus will serve as a stepping stone for LSA students to gain practical, hands-on experience before starting a career in the screen industry by interacting with the wider creative community at Camden Film Quarter. Creating an immersive environment for students and practitioners, the Quarter will provide opportunities that nurture a new generation of emerging talent in London.

Lloyd Lee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Yoo Capital, said:

“We believe London needs to lead the world in balancing fiscal and social responsibility. We are honoured to be gifting a facility for the London Screen Academy as part of Camden Film Quarter’s commitment to providing genuine accessibility and equal opportunities to families and young people in our community who face severe financial and social disadvantage. This carries on from our earlier announcement to deliver a school to the National Film & Television School and 50% affordable housing in partnership with Places for People.”