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BAFTA Cymru announces ‘An Audience with Michael Sheen’

4 March 2015
BAFTA CYMRU, CARDIFF,  29/09/2013HUW JOHN

Award-winning Welsh actor to discuss career and Wales’ creative industries at event at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Wales, BAFTA Cymru, has today announced An Audience with Michael Sheen, an event at which the BAFTA nominated Welsh actor will offer insights into his career to date. The event will take place at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly in London on 11 March 2015, and is an example of the types of events BAFTA Cymru produces for industry and public audiences in Wales.

Hannah Raybould, Director of BAFTA Cymru, said: “BAFTA Cymru is delighted to celebrate the work of one of Wales’ foremost actors and keen supporters of new talent with this special event. Michael’s internationally-recognised career to date is an inspiration to those aspiring to work in the film and television industries, and by hosting this event we hope to raise the profile of the outstanding creative talent in Wales as well as discussing our proposal for supporting career starters in the industry with our key partners, BAFTA Cymru-winners and other supporters attending the evening.”

Michael Sheen, who is originally from Newport and grew up in Port Talbot, South Wales, is known for his work on 60+ screen projects both in the UK and the US.

He has received nominations for his work from BAFTA for his roles in The Queen, Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa! and Dirty Filthy Love, the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Golden Globes for Masters of Sex. Michael Sheen also received The Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year at the BAFTA Los Angeles 2010 Britannia Awards.

In 2013, he won the British Academy Cymru Actor Award for The Gospel of Us, a contemporary re-telling of the Passion story which took place across Port Talbot, with the public as its cast, crew and heroes.

Michael Sheen said; “I am honoured and hugely looking forward to being able to share an evening at BAFTA. It's always a pleasure to be involved with an organization that does so much for film and television both at home and abroad."

Michael Sheen is also known as an active ambassador for UNICEF, an avid supporter of children’s rights and of various initiatives that encourage young people of all backgrounds in their aspirations to work in film and television.

BAFTA Cymru: An Audience with Michael Sheen will be hosted by Heat Magazine's Boyd Hilton. During the event Sheen will be presented with a Jeroboam of Champagne Taittinger signed by last year’s BAFTA Cymru-winners for auction by the Special Needs Activity Club in Port Talbot.

The event which is supported by the Welsh Government, Menter a Busnes and Champagne Taittinger, will also include a networking reception for VIP guests, offering a taste of the best of Welsh food and beverage produce.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said; “Michael Sheen is a shining example of the talent that exists in Wales and I am delighted that our flourishing creative industries sector is allowing Welsh talent, both in front of and  behind to camera to develop their skills and build their careers in Wales while making a significant contribution to the Welsh Economy. 

The Creative Industries are thriving in Wales. We are not resting on our laurels however, and attracting even more high-quality TV and film productions to Wales is an essential part of our strategy to grow the industry. We have had numerous international successes with da Vinci’s Demons, Atlantis, Doctor Who and Sherlock, to name but a few and these are cementing Wales’s reputation as a major player for creative industries.”

Myrddin Davies, Manager of the Cywain project at Menter a Busnes which supports the development of new products and markets for agricultural and fishery products said; “We are pleased to be part of this event which not only is a platform for our creative industries but also a showcase for Welsh food and drink products.”

Public tickets for the event are sold out, but a podcast will be available later on the month on the BAFTA Guru online learning channel (www.bafta.org/guru)

For information about BAFTA Cymru’s events programme and membership go to www.bafta.org/wales

About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round, international programme of learning events and initiatives that offers unique access to some of the world’s most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles and New York. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. To access the best creative minds in film, television and games production, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.