You are here

BAFTA Seeks Writers From Under-represented Groups for Career Development Initiative

25 April 2018
BAFTA Elevate Banner

BAFTA Elevate 2018 is now open for applications

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has opened applications for its annual ‘BAFTA Elevate’ initiative, which aims to elevate individuals from under-represented groups to the next stage of their career.

This year the initiative is seeking 15 writers with at least one on-screen credit or commission who wish to progress in film and television. The areas of under-representation covered include disability, gender, race, sexual orientation and people from lower socioeconomic groups. For full entry criteria, and to apply, go to: www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/bafta-elevate.

BAFTA Elevate was developed in response to the under-representation of particular groups in key industry professions. Participants are selected by a panel of industry experts to receive a bespoke 12-month programme of support including networking opportunities, introductions, mentoring, tailored panel discussions, masterclasses and workshops focused on professional development.

In 2017, the first year of the initiative, BAFTA supported 15 experienced female directors who have since secured additional directing credits on feature films and television shows in the UK and US.  For details of the 2017 participants visit: http://www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/elevate/elevate-female-directors-....

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA said “We are immensely proud of the achievements of the female directors who took part in the first year of BAFTA Elevate, and we will continue to support them as their careers develop. In its second year, BAFTA Elevate will champion writers from a wide range of groups under-represented in our workforce, ensuring that all stories have the opportunity to be told.”

Mariayah Kaderbhai, BAFTA’s Film Programme Manager, said:  “We’re looking for talented screenwriters who are facing obstacles, based on their background or circumstances, which are preventing them from reaching the next level in their career. Through BAFTA Elevate we’ll showcase them to the industry and we’re assembling an array of leading industry practitioners to work with them to overcome barriers and truly reach their potential.”

Applications for the new BAFTA Elevate programme for under-represented writers are open now at: www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/bafta-elevate. The deadline for entries is Friday 25 May at 17.00.

 

Note to Editors:

BAFTA Elevate was informed by the findings of a research report, commissioned by BAFTA in partnership with Creative Skillset and the BFI, that examined the career success factors of film, games and television practitioners from under-represented groups. To read the report, published in February 2017, visit BAFTA Careers Report 2017

 

For further information please contact:

Lisa Richards at BAFTA
T: +44 (0)20 7292 5863
E: [email protected]

Niyi Akeju at BAFTA
T: +44 (0)20 7292 5865
E: [email protected]

About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For advice and inspiration from the best creative minds in working in film, games and television, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.