New creative higher education centre to open in Tobacco Factory

A new purpose-built facility in Southville is poised to help boost the creative sector in the wake of the pandemic through nurturing diverse talent.

boomsatsuma is expanding its higher education offering with the launch of the new centre in the Tobacco Factory, which it is hoped will drive change in the industry and address current skills gaps.

Work is already underway on the two new film studios, screening lecture space, computer suite, games lab, darkroom and specially-designed creative space within the walls of the large brick building on the corner of Raleigh Road and North Street.

The centre will host four creative degree courses, accredited by Bath Spa University, and is set to welcome students from September this year.

The former Imperial tobacco factory building was earmarked for demolition before architect George Ferguson bought it in 1993 and transformed the property into a thriving arts hub, theatre, café and bar.

boomsatsuma director Mark Curtis says the Tobacco Factory proves what can be achieved by and for the people of Bristol.

“This is a significant investment for the future, bringing higher education into this part of the city, which we expect will enrich opportunity in the area to fuel the next creative generation, for film production with a progressive cross over into virtual production and the games industry,” says Mark.

“If you want to see change do something different.”

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Read more: Big screen ambitions for Bristol filmmakers 

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Freya Billington, is the newly appointed course director of boomsatsuma’s two new filmmaking degrees, production and post-production.

Freya says: “In keeping with boomsatsuma’s ethos, this degree has been designed alongside our industry partners to specifically address where the skill shortages are and help develop graduates that are completely prepared and ready for employment.

“The two pathways, production and post-production, allow for students to engage with and develop an understanding of the whole filmmaking process but also specialise up to a professional level in their chosen field. Whilst the studios will be equipped with current industry-standard equipment and software, capping the intake also enables a focus on each student’s individual career and personal development.”

Bristol24/7 partnered with boomsatsuma for the Stories From Our City course to provide opportunities for aspiring filmmakers – photo by Ellie Pipe

boomsatsuma hopes to build on 13 years of delivering post-16 level three diplomas in digital and creative qualifications. The company already has links with organisations in the city, including The Royal Photographic Society, The Bottle Yard Studios, Films @ 59, Ashton Gate Stadium and the Engine Shed. It partnered with Bristol24/7 for the successful Stories from our City project in 2019.

Spaces at the new facility will be limited to 20 people per pathway to ensure personalised teaching and there are plans to proactively collaborate between the degree courses.

Alongside the film degree, the Tobacco Factory will house boomsatsuma’s games art VFX and documentary photography degrees. In addition, the Bristol School of Acting’s new partnership is located in Tobacco Factory Theatres, offering acting for screen and accelerated acting for stage & screen degrees.

The plan is to attract students from across the country, but also within the local area.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Dr Susan McMillan, the head of the school of creative industries at Bath Spa University and a board member of Bristol Creative Industries, says: “I am a huge supporter of boomsatsuma: they are reaching parts that universities and other colleges cannot reach, as well as developing future creative talent in new and exciting ways.

“The creative industries deliver significant economic, social and reputational value to Bristol, the region, and the UK’s economy. The pandemic has had a negative effect on education and severely compromised the future for young people. boomsatsuma and their move to the Tobacco Factory creates a real opportunity to lead on rebuilding our creative sector by nurturing and developing the socially diverse, creative young talent, creative employers will need, post-pandemic.”

Bristol School of Acting’s courses will be hosted in Tobacco Factory and Bottle Yard Studios – photo boomsatsuma

The owner of the building and former Bristol mayor, George, adds: “Education and the creative arts are such strong drivers for positive change and the social and environmental benefits that follow, which is more important than ever as we fight our way out of the dire time that we have all been through.

“Tobacco Factory has always looked to encourage and host enterprises that bring opportunity to this part of the city, and give a platform for the untapped, diverse talent that is all around us. Education will fuel Bristol’s creative community with relevant, local skills, bringing us new messages and viewpoints on life.”

Applications are open for courses at www.boomsatsuma.education

Main photo by boomsatsuma

Read more: boomsatsuma launches creative degrees