Open Letter to The Director and Board of Governors of the London Film School

When the news of Alan Bernstein’s abrupt departure as Head of Studies at London Film School spread, it instantly sent shockwaves through our LFS community. With no official announcement from the school’s administration to inform alumni of his leaving, former students - left in the dark - still managed to connect with each other from all over the world to express shock, anger and sadness. It was truly an extraordinary expression of community.

Alan Bernstein was more than the Head of Studies or a tutor for over thirty years, he was a treasure to all of us that had the privilege to listen to his illuminating lectures in Cinema A on directing strategies. Yet, we did not only admire his keen intellect, but also his remarkable sensitivity and compassion. As students often from distant countries and equally those closer to home, Alan was often first point of entry to the school’s culture and tradition of excellence that we came to cherish.

Over the course of the next few days as we scrambled for more specific information about the circumstances surrounding Alan’s situation, we learned of more changes and staff departures that have alarmed us including Kate Wilson (Head of Development), Diana Charnley (Head of Production Design), Becky Shaw (PA to Jane Roscoe), Barry Salt (Term 4 & 5 tutor), Kate Hughes (Head of Marketing), Suzie Gillett (International Relations Manager), Andrea Corbett (Head of Skillset & bursary students), Archie Tait (Head of Workshops) and Howard Thompson (Head of Sound). We have also been in dialogue with current students about their anxiety and frustration over the growing disconnect with the administration, turn over of staff and uncertainty with the direction of the school.

As alumni who have greatly benefited from our experience at LFS, we see ourselves not only as ambassadors and advocates for the school in the global film industry, but also as guardians of its future course. Therefore, we wish to circulate this petition to express our support for the current Student Union who have been in dialogue with the director, Jane Roscoe, and the Board of Governors. In addition, we ask for accountability on these matters that concern all of us in the LFS community.

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If you agree please sign stating your term number or affiliation to the LFS in the comment box and of course please feel free to add your own thoughts.
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To the Attention of the London Film School Director & the London Film School Board of Governors,


When the news of Alan Bernstein's abrupt departure as Head of Studies at the London Film School spread, it instantly sent shockwaves through the LFS community. With no official announcement from the school's administration to inform alumni of his leaving, former students - left in the dark - still managed to connect with each other from all over the world to express shock, anger and sadness. It was truly an extraordinary expression of community.


Alan Bernstein was more than the Head of studies or a tutor for over thirty years, he was a treasure to all of us that had the privilege to listen to his illuminating lectures in Cinema A on directing strategies. Yet, we did not only admire his keen intellect, but also his remarkable sensitivity and compassion. As students often from distant countries and equally those closer to home, Alan was often first point of entry to the school's culture and tradition of excellence that we came to cherish.


Over the course of the next few days as we scambled for more specific information about the circumstances surrounding Alan's situation, we learned of more changes and staff departures that have alarmed us, including Kate Wilson (Head of Development), Diana Charnley (Head of Production Design), Becky Shaw (PA to Jane Roscoe), Barry Salt (Term 4 & 5 tutor), Kate Hughes (Head of Marketing), Suzie Gillett (International Relations Manager), Andrea Corbett (Head of Skillset and Bursary Students), Archi Tait (Head of Workshops) and Howard Thompson (Head of Sound). We have also been in dialogue with current students about their anxiety and frustration over the growing disconnect with the administration, turn over of staff and uncertainty with the direction of the school. 


As alumni who have greatly benefited from our experience at the LFS, we see ourselves not only as ambassadors and advocates for the school in the global film industry, but also as guardians of its future course. Therefore we wish to circulate this petition to express our support for the current Student Union who have been in dialogue with the director Jane Roscoe, and the Board of Governors. In addition we ask for accountability on these matters that concern all of us in the LFS community.


Yours Sincerely, 

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