Eliot's Final Blog
Well, I didn’t think I’d be writing this! Officially I am now the proud owner of a shiny and ridiculously heavy BAFTA for the Breakthrough Talent Award.
It’s incredible - I seriously, seriously didn’t expect to win. Even when I saw the cameras at my table I was preparing myself for the grateful loser face, hoping that they wouldn’t spot any disappointment.
I heard my name, then cheers and applause and big hugs from my mum and dad who were sat on the table behind me. Then another hug from Ian Smith, the Television Workshop director, and another from Jon East, director of Summerhill. Then I was up there accepting the award! (I managed to thank everyone but the Workshop who got me to where I’m at and I hope this award will help them survive another year).
BAFTA / Richard KendalAfter a quick interview backstage [see the post below], I returned to the main room where everybody was full of congratulations and compliments and praise. I managed to get a picture with loads of people – Danni Minogue, the Chuckle Brothers, Jeremy Edwards, Keith Chegwin, that woman off Smart, Barney the CBBC presenter.
And then it was dancing ‘til two with my mum and dad and sister (some good tunes – I was quite surprised – even a bit of soul – I’m named after Otis Redding!).
Next day, back to Notts and to the reactions of all my mates and other family. Even had a laugh with some of the teachers about my first blog – and got the extension to the essay deadline! At my drama workshop they were all made up about it and really pleased for me. I’m having a celebration party this weekend for friends and family.
BAFTA / Richard KendalOn the Tuesday after the BAFTA, I was working on a Pizza Hut commercial directed by Shane Meadows (I was in Once Upon a Time in the Midlands) and he was dead happy for me. I was only a walk on – although got to be a waiter! – but that’s the way it goes. It’s a bit like the scorer for Histon against Leeds United – next day he was back to being a postman!
And then Tuesday night I was reading for a part in a new play we are doing called The Heights. It’s a bit deep, though I actually made some intelligent comments.
The BAFTA will be a big help to my acting career. Something I can put on my CV. And It’ll get my name out there (as well as the Workshop). It’s definitely changed my perception about myself – I’ve always wanted to act and always knew I had a bit of talent but to be recognised for my acting by something as big as a BAFTA!!!
Anyway, I’ll always keep it real and keep my feet firmly on the ground. Thank you BAFTA for an amazing evening and an amazing award.
Eliot, Thursday 4 December
Watch Eliot's backstage interview http://web.bafta.tv/Childrens08/Interviews_Breakthrough_Talent.flv||470||300
Brad's Final Blog
I keep looking back at the BAFTA awards night and thinking, wow!
The evening was amazing and, just like Josh, I too was very happy to have met Rachel Stevens (and I couldn’t believe I also met Geri Halliwell and Danni Minogue). It was great to meet my fellow Breakthrough Talent nominees and see the people I had only ever read about on the iinternet.
I’d like to congratulate Eliot on the win, he seemed like a really nice person and I’d like to wish him and all the other nominees the best for the future. I’d also like to thank Disney Channel again for all the opportunities they have given me over the past year.
Since I got home it’s back to the DIY home-studio! I’m continuing to write songs and create them in my spare time and I’ll keep working to achieve my goals over the next year.
Thank you all so much.
Brad, Wednesday 3 December
Akin's Final Blog
The week later... I think ill call it 2AB. 2 days After Bafta.
My desk at work is still empty. No golden mask… no Winners certificate. All I have are memories and one of those Bafta trophies made of Chocolate.
Despite the disappointment of not winning, I had a great evening. The BAFTA team put together a splendid event and I’m certainly more than delighted that I got nominated in the first place.
Since the ceremony I’ve had to face my army of adoring fans… someone had to tell them I didn’t win. Interestingly enough I still got an e-mail from someone today congratulating me for my BAFTA nomination.
It’s all back to anonymity now. I get ignored in the lifts… and the corridors at work . On hearing of my BAFTA fate, my neighbours have reverted back to their usual behaviour. When they smile at me, it’s not quite as broad as before.
But that’s just how I like it.
Akin, Tuesday 2 December
Josh's Final Blog
Well, there we go! I didn’t win, BUT I did meet Rachel Stevens, which very much made up for it! Bit of an unfulfilled dream of mine since I was about twelve (unfulfilled until last night that is!).
It was absolutely incredible to be there and I enjoyed every minute of it - it was an amazing night, which I’ll never forget. Congratulations Eliot, I look forward to seeing more of you on our screens...
I went with my best mate Mitchell and my girlfriend Michaela, who have always been absolutely integral to my film making over the years. I’ve known Mitchell for over ten years, and have been making films with him for over ten years too. He wrote and produced with me (and starred in) my film Possession last year. I produced my most recent film Shadow Observers with Michaela, who has always completely supported me and my films ever since school, when we were all in the same drama group. She has acted in and taken on the roles of many crew members in several of my films to date. Thank you so much both of you.
We arrived a bit too early to catch all the cameras taking photos of people arriving to the ceremony, so after about half an hour, we went outside and came in again on the red carpet, which was pretty cool. For the rest of the night, we just kept looking around the room thinking how great it was to be in the company of all these talented people, not to mention being actually included in the nominations of this hugely prestigious event. I felt very proud to be part of it.
It was great to meet my fellow nominees (and winner) Brad and Eliot (sorry I missed you Akin, really enjoyed watching your stuff), and hopefully our paths will cross again one day.
I just want to quickly thank BBC Blast – thank you for all your help and support over the years - you’ve opened up many doors for me and it’s been brilliant working with you. I’m looking forward to seeing Blast go from strength to strength. Thank you Hannah too - it was great to meet you last night!
I’d also like to thank all my friends who’ve always supported me with films over the years - you know who you are! Thank you especially to the wonderfully talented and brilliant cast and crew of Shadow Observers. Till the next one! Finally I’d like to thank my family. I’m very lucky to have such an amazingly supportive family, and such wonderful people surrounding me. In particular, my Uncle Peter and Mum Susanna. Without your constant and unwavering support over the years, I’m sure I never would have been nominated for a BAFTA, and never would have achieved many other things. Thank you so much!
I’m gonna keep making the films. My plan for the moment is to focus on my acting training, and make another short before I graduate in 2010, and then afterwards I’m hoping to get a feature I’ve been writing off the ground. That’s the plan anyway.
Thank you BAFTA. Hopefully see you again one day...
Josh, Monday 1 December
Winner Interview
Children's TV presenter Barney Harwood caught up with Eliot moments after stepping off stage with his Break-Through Talent BAFTA.
And the winner is...
I almost missed it amongst the flurry of photographers in the Press Room but the BAFTA goes to...
ELIOT-OTIS BROWN WALTERS
George Sampson was on hand to present the coveted Award.
Many congratulations to Eliot.
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Rob Cawston, Sunday 30 September
Live from the Awards
Four weeks after the nominations were announced the BAFTA web team is waiting expectantly in the Awards Press Room.
BAFTA / Richard KendalPresenter Keith Chegwin and The Saturdays are rehearsing onstage and there are lots of people running around adding the last minute touches before guests start arriving on the red carpet.
I’ll be in the Press Room with the website team all night uploading pics from the red carpet as well as posting the winners online as soon as the ceremony finishes.
I always start to get nervous at this point but I can’t imagine what it’s like for our four Break Through talent nominees. Their blogs here have given us a real insight into how it feels to be a first-time BAFTA nominee – from finding out the news to deciding what to wear.
I’ve been wanting to let them know who’s won but the first I’ll know myself is when the winner makes his way backstage to meet the waiting press.
Good luck to all – Josh, Akin, Eliot and Brad.
Rob Cawston, Sunday 30 November
Akin's blog - #3
I am for the life of me still wondering how some people found out about my BAFTA nomination. I'm still getting e-mails from the strangest corners of the world.
Some have been very cryptic, others a lot more wholesome and congratulatory... and at least one was a not very well disguised cuss. This person actually said something along the lines of: "you may as well not go, as you obviously wont win."
That said, I decided to post one of the last e-mails I received from a very tall man I know. I hope he doesn’t mind me doing a cut-and-paste of his e-mail but Mr Tibbs (obviously that’s not his real name) is someone I have known for not too many years, but whose opinion I really respect. The mail is at moments hard to unravel, but I kinda got the message.
"Akin, I still remember you as an unmarried, childless, bored promo producer doing his 33rd Sponge Bob promo and inhabiting a desk that was a wall of tapes and shrine to 'can be arsedom'... but that was a lifetime ago, or was it simply last week and time has flown by?
Anyway, just to say many congrats on a richly deserved recognition of talent that is, has and will grow and will help you find much more success and glory in the future. I shall of course continue to call his royal highness Sir Akin of Wonderment and Delight. Enjoy it, whoever wins."
Thanks Mr Tibbs... and indeed everyone who has ever embarrassed my by bringing up the big B in conversation.
And by the way, I still haven’t written my speech.
Akin, Saturday 29 November
Eliot's Blog - #1
OK - sorry my blog is a touch late but it was either this or getting another detention for not handing in my GCSE coursework.
And then there’s my performance in the showcase for The Television Workshop - my drama group. I’m doing a duologue from Roy Williams’ Baby Girl in which I play a 13 year old who has got this girl pregnant but she’s not that keen on admitting the child is his. Apparently my character smells like old people!!
Anyway, the BAFTA! It’s all been a bit unreal since I found out. Ian, who runs The Television Workshop, rang me about three weeks ago and told me the news. I was on the computer at the time so I was able to see from checking the BAFTA website that he wasn’t lying! I was a bit confused at first as I thought the award was decided by a viewers vote. I was planning to go round our estate to persuade my mates and neighbours to vote for me so when I found out that it was a BAFTA panel it was a massive relief that it was in their hands. Still bricking it, though.
School still don’t really know. I’ve told the odd teacher (and believe me there are some odd teachers at my school!), but one or two have found out from the whispers going round. The recent article in our local paper - the Nottingham Evening Post - has blown my cover now, though. My mates have been dead supportive. They are really happy for me and of course my mum, dad and grandparents were the first to know (and are well happy).
I know you are supposed to say this but I’m really just pleased to be nominated. I’ve not counted myself out but I’m not building my hopes up. That way I won’t feel so gutted when someone else gets the award. In a way I’ve already won a BAFTA as The Television Workshop won the Special Award in 2005 and I’ve been there since I was seven (I was actually six when I auditioned but don’t tell Ian!).
Getting my outfit has been a laugh. I’ve even hired a tux with all the trimmings. What’s with these cufflinks? Never had to use them before. Mum’s got this posh frock and even my dad’s had to get a suit - he’s fed up that he can’t wear his tracky! Usually I prefer tracky bottoms and a hoodie but I can’t see me steeping up on stage dressed in my normal clothes so just for the BAFTAs I’ll go posh!
Seriously, this is the biggest thing to happen to me. It’s going to be an amazing night. Even though it’ll be back to business as usual on Monday - GCSE course work doesn’t stop just ‘cos you’ve been nominated for a BAFTA. Although, if I get it, I might be able to persuade my teachers to give me an extension on my essay deadlines.
And if I don’t get the Breakthrough Talent Award, Summerhill - the programme I was in - is up for Best Drama so I’ve got a double chance. Trouble is it’s up against Young Dracula, The Revenge Files of Alistair Fury and The Sarah Jane Adventures - all of which have got my mates from the Workshop in them. Now I’m making myself nervous. Just need to sort out these cufflinks.
Eliot-Otis, Friday 28 Novemeber
Josh's Blog - #3
It’s the Wednesday before the BAFTA awards ceremony, and it’s all becoming very real now, especially since that video has gone up showing the work of all the nominees...(although it still hasn’t sunk in!).
I agree with Brad - it’s so hard to concentrate on anything else!
I’m pretty sure I know what I’m going to wear, although I think a last minute shopping trip to Bluewater with my girlfriend on Saturday might be on the cards.
I’m trying to think of something cool to say to finish the blog, but my mind’s frozen with excitement. All I can think of is... see you at the BAFTAs! (Bit corny I know, but this time I actually am going to the BAFTAs.)
Josh, Wednesday 26 November
Brad's Blog - #3
I'm so nervous! The weeks have just rushed by since I heard about the BAFTA nomination - I'm sitting here with the biggest butterflies in my tummy and have absolutely no idea how I'll manage to concentrate at school this week.
My first taste of performing was in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical. I found that I loved the excitement of performing live, and I had great fun trying to master the art of tap dancing (which was no easy task as I began with two left feet and the inability to sway in time!).
However, nothing can measure the buzz I got from my first taste of music and television work. My ultimate passion has always been for music, although I’ve always had a great love of acting. Disney Channel UK has given me the opportunity to pursue both. I can’t wait for the evening of the awards ceremony, just to be there will be such an amazing experience - I never ever imagined this could happen to an ordinary Cumbrian lad like me...
Brad, Monday 24 November
Brad's Blog - #2
It still seems so unbelievable that I am sitting here writing about being one of this year’s nominees for a British Academy Children’s Award.
I’m lucky to have had such a varied career so far; my first experience was musical theatre which was just amazing. With Disney channel UK I have had fantastic opportunities - I’ve learnt how to present, play the guitar, sing in the style of pop-rock and even become an aspiring sound engineer and I’m so grateful.
My ultimate passion has always been for music and sound. I have enjoyed every minute in the studio recording ‘As the Bell Rings’, ‘Right Time’ and ‘Here I Am’, and with the generosity of my good friend Matt and the help from Jess at Scream Management, I’ve been experimenting in recording and song writing at home. My dream goal is to achieve a recording contract, record an album and ultimately go on tour. That would be so cool.
Brad, Wednesday 18 November
Akin's Blog - #2
This is a lift conversation I had with a work mate (let’s call him Dave)
DAVE: What’s it like being nominated for a Bafta?
ME: Err, well ...it’s kind of cool to be recognised (trying to sound modest).
DAVE: Do we get to call you ‘Sir Akin’ anytime we address you.
ME: I haven’t won anything yet (still trying harder to be modest).
DAVE: ...Or maybe ‘Bafta nominee Akin?’
ME: I’m just...
DAVE: Or better still ‘The honourable Bafta Nominee Akin’.
ME: (I give him a ‘this is getting silly’ look)
DAVE: Do you at least get to walk on a red carpet, sleep with a celebrity, sell your story and release a single by Christmas... for charity?
ME: (me smiling embarrassingly... hoping lift arrives at my stop very quickly).
DAVE: Have you at least written your acceptance speech?
Well, I haven’t written one yet. Indeed not only have I not written one yet, I haven’t thought about writing one yet.
And the only reason why I haven’t considered the idea of an acceptance speech is the feeling that if I actually contemplate winning- which I have to in order to write an acceptance speech- I will somehow Jinx it.
I have at moments on the Bus or Train thought about the long walk... the 5-10 seconds walking from seat to the podium to accept the Bafta, sweat across your brow, mouth desert dry. 5-10 seconds of trying not to stumble, trip, break into song, fart, puke, pass out.
There are a million ways it could all go wrong - and trust me I have thought every one of them. And that’s before we get to the acceptance speech. Do I just grab the gorgeous trophy and run back to my seat? I do have terrifying visions of me up there giving a prototype Internet wedding speech; of being dragged screaming of stage after accidentally using a lethal cocktail of obscenities; of having the Bafta stripped off me for bringing dishonour upon the Academy.
Or do I simply take the trophy, thank the Academy and leg it?
Fear as you can tell is a terrible terrible thing.
Akin, Tuesday 18 November
Josh's Blog - #2
After I heard the news from BAFTA, as soon as I put down the phone, I began to ring as many people as I could. I already knew what a huge deal it was, but I think it's only when you start telling people that you really realise - when you hear yourself say "I've been nominated for a BAFTA".
Some people reacted immediately, and some took a bit of time to really hear it – “Can you say that again, Josh? It sounded like you said you’d been nominated for a BAFTA.” But everyone was a mix of stunned, amazed and happy, and I was all of those things.
Now that it had become real, I suddenly thought about the night of the ceremony, and how I’d need to find something better to wear than the suit I wore to my Year 11 Leaver’s Ball more than four years ago. I thought about whether or not I should prepare a speech…just in case. Would that be pushing it? Having thought that, maybe I should also prepare my best “happy-for-the-winner, even-though-I-didn't-win” face, and a clap to go with it.
At the moment I’m also training to be an actor at Rose Bruford College, and for our final week before Christmas, we have to perform a political speech we’ve worked on. So surely that would help if I had to make an acceptance speech, I thought? Although, maybe it wouldn’t be a good idea accepting my break-through talent award as Stalin. Whatever happens, it’s incredible just to be nominated. And as my brother said to me on the phone – a BAFTA nomination will stay with you for life – it can’t be taken away from you. I’m very excited about the ceremony!
Josh, Monday 17 November
Read all comments Post your opinion
Akin's Blog - #1
I knew I was in trouble when people I hadn’t spoken to in ages started to leave messages on my phone.
It started off with the odd message from people that worked in the media, and now it has snowballed into screaming teenagers hurling themselves at me in front of Oxford Street tube station. In fact, I now live in mortal dread of perfect strangers walking up to me and maniacally asking for my autograph - okay I exaggerate a bit, but you get the idea: people have been really nice and congratulatory towards me on hearing or reading of my BAFTA nomination.
My wife hasn’t helped matter either. She had told my 'dirty big secret' to the next door neighbour, the double glazing guy and the child minder. Now their smiles are a little broader and their eyes brighten up just a little more when they say hi in the morning.
Akin, Monday 10 November
Brad's Blog - #1
I'm still in shock and can't believe that I've been nominated for the 'Breakthrough Talent' category of the kids BAFTAs Awards!
It all seems so overwhelming to be nominated for such a prestigious award and I never thought something like this would happen to me. When I heard about the nomination I was amazed and it still hasn’t sunk in. To be recognised for doing something you are passionate about makes it all worthwhile and I feel so lucky to be one of the nominees this year especially as I've enjoyed ever minute of it!
Disney Channel has given me the opportunity to try so many different things - from my role as Dylan in As the Bell Rings, to being a presenter on High School Musical: You're the Star, to singing a cover track for Camp Rock! I'm really thankful to them and their input and guidance - I've learned so much! It also wouldn't have been possible without my agent at Scream Management who works tirelessly to realise my dreams and ambitions.
It’s been a rollercoaster ride of a year and I would like to give thanks to my family and friends for supporting me and keeping my feet firmly on the ground! I'm counting down the days to the awards ceremony...
Brad, Tuesday 11 November
Josh's Blog - #1
When I first heard that I had been nominated for a Children's BAFTA for Break-through Talent, it didn’t quite sink in, and it still hasn't!
I’ve been making films ever since I was six years old, when my cousins and I would nick my uncle’s video camera for a day and go off and film something. None of us really knew what we were doing, or why we were doing it, apart from knowing we had a brilliant time when we made a film.
I’m now twenty, and have just finished my latest short film, Shadow Observers, and whilst my life and films have changed rather a lot in fourteen years (at least I really hope they have...), what has remained constant is that same excitement and contentment that comes to me when I’ve made a film.
What’s so great about being nominated for a BAFTA? Aside from it sounding pretty cool of course. I think it’s this: for a while I’ve been sure in myself that what I’ve been doing all these years was the right thing to do, but now I’ve also got this huge nod of appreciation that agrees with me, and what a nod to have! When you’re working towards breaking into one of the toughest industries, it’s surely the ultimate nod of appreciation you can have. It’s nice to know I’m on the right track.
Josh, Tuesday 11 November
The Break-through Bloggers
What does it feel like to be nominated for a BAFTA? Do people start treating you differently? And, what on earth can you wear to the Awards ceremony?
Follow the thoughts and feelings of the four Break-through talent nominees as they record their experiences in our BAFTA blog. Get an exclusive insight into how it feels to be a nominated - from speading the news to getting ready for the biggest night of their lives on Sunday 30 November.
Our Break-Through talent nominees:
| AKIN AKINSIKU - Head of Graphics Nickelodeon/Art Director Akin is now well on his way to realising his childhood dream of becoming a superhero! Arriving at Nickelodeon via MTV and VH1 his work includes the Kids Choice Awards, the BAFTA-winning short film Big Green Thing and a best-selling graphic novel, The Manga Bible. |
| JOSH ALWARD - film maker, BBC Blast Josh is a 19 year old film maker who won the Blast Film Bursary in January 2008 with his film Possession. Making films since he was 10, he proved himself a promising new talent and is now working with BBC Drama to create his next project. |
| ELIOT-OTIS BROWN WALTERS - actor Eliot began his acting career aged seven and was soon spotted by Shane Meadows for Once Upon a Time in the Midlands. His many acting roles include appearances in Bernard's Watch, Outlaw, The Bill, Doctors, Casualty as well as playing Ryan in BBC's Summerhill. |
| BRAD KAVANAGH - Disney Channel talent Brad is a multi-talented 15-year-old from Cumbria who sings, dances, acts and presents. In his first year of television Brad has begun a promising music career, presented several key shows for Disney and starred in As the Bell Rings. |
The Children's Awards: An Introduction
BAFTA / Marc HobermanProgramme-makers, directors, video game developers and online editors are today faced with huge challenges as they aim to educate and entertain children whose viewing skills and choices are already extremely sophisticated.
This makes the Academy's role in recognising and rewarding excellence in Children's entertainment all the more vital and challenging.
This year's EA British Academy Children's Awards will take place on Sunday 30 November 2008 to celebrate excellence in all forms of children's moving image entertainment, whether in film, television, video games or online.
While the annual Awards are voted for by BAFTA members (including film-makers, programme-makers and games developers), the Academy also gives children a voice. The BAFTA Kids' Vote
will empower children to vote for their favourite film, TV programme, video game or website experience of the past 12 months. The film selection will likely derive from (1) Certificate of U/PG/12/12A films on release from 1 August 2007 and 31 July 2008, (2) Box office takings, (3) Intent of films to entertain a family audience. The rest of the selection will be made from the top-rated children's programmes, the best-selling children's video games and the most visited children's websites. Only children aged 16 and under will be eligible to vote.
In addition BAFTA is again partnering with CBBC on the second children's film-making initiative to inspire and enable children to make their own films and tell their own stories. CBBC me and my movie, in association with BAFTA
launched on June 10 2008.
On the CBBC website children can access an original 3D interactive space filled with film-making tips. The competition is also being supported by film-making events and workshops across the country. A super jury comprising BAFTA experts, film-makers, writers and children's presenters will decide the final four nominations and the winner. The final four will all be invited to attend BAFTA's Children's Awards on November 30 at the London Hilton at which the prize will be awarded. Last year's winning film was The Unwelcome Stranger by 14-year-old Rosalind Peters.
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Reginald, 26 November Post your comment