NFTS Announces Death Of Nik Powell

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has announced the death of its former Director and friend Nik Powell.

Nik who had been receiving treatment for cancer, died on Thursday 07 November in Oxford surrounded by his family.

Nik was Director of the NFTS from 2003 before stepping down in 2017. He had a distinguished career in the media industry, firstly in music as co-founder of Virgin Records and subsequently as a producer of several award-winning films.

Under his leadership, Nik oversaw a transformation of the NFTS, helping it gain recognition as one of the best film schools in the world.

NFTS Director Jon Wardle said: "I spent five incredibly happy years working with Nik as his deputy. He was a good friend and I will miss him hugely. He told me recently how his work to support and develop NFTS students to reach their full potential was probably the professional achievement he was most proud of. The culmination of his work at the School was recognised in 2018 when together we collected the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award. Nik leaves an unrivalled legacy and no one has done more than him to set the bar high. We will continue to strive for the future success of the School in his honour."

Roger Morris, Managing Director of Elstree Studios, said: "I had worked with Nik on and off since his Virgin days with Richard Branson in 1973. Nik and Richard co-founded Virgin. Back then as an independent film director I was making music videos for Virgin and almost went into partnership with them for a film and video company. In the 80’s Nick now parted from Virgin and started Palace Pictures. I joined Palace in 1984. The films that Nik Powell and Steve Woolley made at Palace have become iconic, The Crying Game, Scandal, Mona Lisa and many others.

"In 1988, we set up the Powerstation for BSB, it was for its short life a very successful Music Channel, it had a great team of presenters including a newcomer Chris Evans. Nik was great at setting up a team. Many of the Palace Team have gone on to become well-known in the Film and TV industry including Robert Jones, Daniel Battsek, Norman Humphrey and many others, too many to mention.

"After the demise of Palace, Nik became head of the National Film & Television School, a role that he undertook with a passion, lifting the profile and aspirations at the NFTS to a new level, helping create a new stream of Film, TV and Animation talent, Directors, writers and cinematographers.

"It was a privilege to work with him, and for him and support him in his endeavours. I regard him as truly inspirational and a great loss to the Creative Industries and a great loss as a friend. My very best wishes go to his family at this sad time."

The NFTS will share plans to commemorate Nik in due course and our condolences go to his family and many friends.