Family of Sir Sean Connery reveal plans for new filmmaking centre in Edinburgh

The family of the late Sir Sean Connery have revealed plans for a new filmmaking centre in Edinburgh.

The James Bond actor, from Fountainbridge in the capital, worked as a milkman in the city before his rise to Hollywood stardom.

Sir Sean died in October 2020, aged 90, after starring in films such as Highlander, The Untouchables and Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, becoming one of film’s best-loved stars.

Now his family have revealed plans for the new centre to support Scotland’s screen sector through a partnership between the Sean Connery Foundation and The National Film and Television School (NFTS).

Launching in 2027, the NFTS Sean Connery Institute will aim to discover and develop the next generation of Scottish film and television talent.

The scheme will also establish a permanent home for the NFTS in Scotland for the first time, with the partnership committed to opening a new headquarters in central Edinburgh within the next 18 months.

Sir Sean’s children, Jason and Stephane, said their father was “immensely proud” of his Scottish roots.

On behalf of the Sean Connery Foundation, they added: “Our father believed deeply in fairness, hard work, and supporting talented people in need. He understood that while talent may be distributed equally, opportunity is not, and that those who demonstrate determination and endeavour should have the chance to fulfil their potential.

“He was immensely proud of his Scottish roots, and we know he would be so pleased that we are extending our partnership with the NFTS and deepening our relationship with his home town of Edinburgh.

“After three tremendous years proving what is possible through the work of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, this next chapter allows us to create opportunities for even more talented Scots across the creative, technical and production disciplines that make filmmaking possible.

“We are proud to make this long-term commitment in his name and in keeping with the values he held dear.”

Jon Wardle, director of the NFTS, said: “This is a hugely significant step for the NFTS and represents the next chapter of our commitment to Scotland.

“Nine years ago, our work in Scotland began with a relatively simple ambition: to bring the NFTS’ world-class training closer to Scotland’s screen industry and respond to its skills needs. Since then, thousands of people have been trained, and we have seen firsthand the depth of talent that exists across the country.

“The NFTS Sean Connery Institute will allow us to take that work to an entirely new level. Together with the Sean Connery Foundation, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build on Sean’s legacy and his deep connection to Scotland by creating a genuine pathway into and through the Scottish screen industry.

“By establishing a permanent home in Edinburgh, we are putting down roots and making a long-term commitment to help Scotland’s emerging talent build lasting careers.”