NFTS Launches Grant Commemorating Publicist Lesley Land

The UK’s National Film and Television School (NFTS) has launched a grant in memory of Channel 4 publicist Lesley Land.

Land, a highly respected publicist who worked for Channel 4, died unexpectedly last December aged 41. She was honored during the In Memoriam section at Sunday night’s BAFTA TV Awards.

Her parents, Anita and Brook Land, have now joined forces with Channel 4 and NFTS to create the Lesley Land Scholarship, which allows participants to complete the school’s MA course in Marketing, Sales and Distribution over two years . The country will fund the scholarship, which will fund the tuition fees.

The master’s program consists of special modules in which the participants are trained in entertainment press and advertising. Alumni of the course have gone on to work at a number of well-known entertainment companies, including BFI, Film4 and Warner Bros. Discovery. Applications for the scholarship are now possible. The first successful student is expected to start their studies in January 2024.

In addition to Channel 4, Land has also worked for Sky, The Outside Organization, Taylor Herring and Planet Hollywood, delivering campaigns for a variety of film and television shows. One of her most recent projects was David Baddiel’s documentary Jew’s Don’t Count, which was particularly close to her heart.

“We are delighted to provide this grant in memory of our beloved Lesley,” said Anita and Brook Land. “The NFTS is a fantastic institution and the perfect place to honor what she has achieved in her all too short life.”

Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon added: “Lesley was a well-loved member of the Channel 4 family and will be sorely missed by her many, many friends and colleagues here and across the industry.” The Lesley Land grant is one wonderfully fitting tribute to a warm, kind and brilliantly talented young woman who had more of an impact on people’s lives than she could ever have imagined.”