The family of Sir Sean Connery has announced plans for a new filmmaking centre in Edinburgh. It will be named after the James Bond actor, who worked as a milkman in the Scottish capital before becoming a Hollywood star. His children say they want it to provide training for the next generation of Scotland's film and TV talent and help them build lasting careers.
They said their father "understood that while talent may be distributed equally, opportunity is not, and that those who demonstrate determination and endeavour should have the chance to fulfill their potential". They have unveiled plans to open the NFTS Sean Connery Institute in Edinburgh city centre within the next 18 months. It is the product of a partnership between the Sean Connery Foundation and the National Film and Television School (NTFS).
It would be a new, permanent home for the NTFS, which would deliver training, as well screenings, masterclasses and events. Sir Sean's children said their father was "immensely proud" of his Scottish roots and he would be pleased they were deepening their relationship with Edinburgh. They said: "Our father believed deeply in fairness, hard work, and supporting talented people in need." And they added: "We are proud to make this long-term commitment in his name and in keeping with the values he held dear." NTFS director, Jon Wardle, said: "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." Sir Sean was born in Edinburgh 1930 went on to play Bond in six films.
He also appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Hunt for Red October. He won an Oscar in 1988 for his performance as Jim Malone in The Untouchables. In October 2020 Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time", his son said.
The Sean Connery Foundation was set up in late 2022 with the aim of supporting emerging Scottish talent primarily in film-making and golf. It has worked with the NTFS since 2023 on the Sean Connery Talent Lab - an intensive year-long development programme bringing together emerging Scottish writers, directors, producers, cinematographers and editors. Sir Sean's son Jason is also the co-owner of First Stage Studio a film studio based in Edinburgh's Port of Leith.
The studio has homed multiple productions including Edinburgh set Netflix show Department Q. What stories would you like BBC News to cover from Edinburgh, Fife and the east of Scotland?
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