Creative Industries Graduation ceremony for BFBS veterans
Armed forces leavers and veterans retraining for careers in the creative industries were celebrated at a special graduation ceremony on Thursday (28th May). Robert Laycock of Marlow Studios gave the keynote speech.

Graduates from the military charity and media organisation British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) Academy’s Creative Media Production course have trained across all aspects of media production, from camera work, editing, scriptwriting, and production management. The course enables veterans to carry forward their experience and sense of adventure from their armed forces careers into a new chapter of their working lives.

The programme welcomed eight service leavers and veterans who completed a UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries. The cohort brought a wealth of military experience from across the British Armed Forces, including the Royal Logistics Corps, Royal Air Force, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Irish Guards, and Royal Air Force Intelligence and Photography branches.

Graduates heard from Robert about how emerging communication tools and global connectivity are revolutionising the world’s creative economy and empowering storytelling in the 21st century. Robert spoke about the UK’s strengthening role as a leader in creative skills and the wider global economy.

The event marked the final intake of students completing the programme in its current format, with BFBS Academy transitioning to a course format from 2027.

Hosted at BFBS’ HQ in Chalfont Grove, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, the ceremony brought together graduates, their families, and industry guests to recognise the achievements of those beginning bright futures in the sector at a time of rapid technological change and immense opportunity. It was followed by a premiere of the students’ final major projects.

Robert Laycock, Co-founder of Marlow Studios, said:

“It’s been a privilege to join this extraordinary cohort of armed services leavers and veterans as they graduate from their studies at BFBS Academy and to warmly celebrate the start of their careers in the creative industries.

“It’s so inspiring to see how BFBS students have built on distinguished careers in public service - bringing teamwork, discipline, and leadership - to seize the opportunities ahead and tell the stories that matter to them the most.

“Many congratulations to them all - and best of luck in the next part of their adventure!”
Bfbs Academy Creative Media Production Graduates
Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Marlow Film Studios (ref: 22/06443/FULEA).

I am writing in support of the application for Marlow Film Studios, a film studio planned on former landfill next to the A404, within the parish of Little Marlow.

I was really encouraged to read of the latest polling across Bucks showing overwhelming support for the project and for the jobs and economic development that come with it. The opinions of residents across Bucks matters, particularly those who live and work close to the Studio site.

This is a decision that Bucks councillors should be making on behalf our children, and their future. This is a decision about providing them with greater opportunity and wider chances. The next generation urgently need opportunities for careers that keep them within Bucks and allow our towns and villages to flourish as homes for all ages.

Providing sustainable jobs and careers is vital for the long-term prosperity of any community. The growth of the British film industry over recent years has been extraordinary and its future growth is backed by all the political parties. Marlow Film Studios intends to be the future centre for British filmmaking. The fact that we have an industry of this global standing planning to build studios in our county is something we should be proud of. Many of today’s young people want to work in the creative sector.

I am particularly excited at the possibilities it provides for our disadvantaged communities. For local people, the Studios will also be close to one of the more culturally diverse parts of Buckinghamshire. The Studios’ partnerships with institutions such as Buckinghamshire College Group will provide access points to the creative economy for an under-represented diverse community as part of Wycombe’s regeneration challenge.

I understand that all new developments present challenges. But I believe that considerable efforts are being made to manage these. I am pleased to note the financing of the road traffic improvements on the Westhorpe roundabout, the provision of new bus routes, the care being put into providing accessible parkland for residents and a biodiverse environment.

The Studios are being built on a former gravel pit, on land that is no longer suitable for agriculture use. I understand that any decision on Green Belt land needs to illustrate clear benefits to the community that outweigh the impact. Overall, I believe the strong benefits robustly and significantly outweigh the negative considerations, and so I strongly support the planning application.
What will happen to your details: When you click “send” on this form, you will be added to our campaign and we will generate the a letter of support in the form linked above in your name for the Marlow Film Studios planning application. We will share this letter with Buckinghamshire Council councillors and officers, Buckinghamshire Parish Council councillors, Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), and Members of Parliament. These organisations may upload this letter publicly on their planning portals and/or website and will adhere with their Privacy Policies. In particular, we are requesting that Buckinghamshire Council upload these letters to their Public Access website for our application. Any processing of data by Buckinghamshire Council will be in accordance with their Privacy Policy.

You may also submit comments or letters of support directly on the Public Access website.