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BAFTA Seeks Actors from Under-Represented Groups

29 July 2019

Applications for career development initiative ‘BAFTA Elevate’ are now open.

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.

For the first time, the initiative is seeking Actors from under-represented backgrounds, including but not limited to: disability, race, sexual orientation and people from lower socioeconomic groups. Applicants should have at least one on-screen credit or commission and wish to progress in film and television.

Now in its third year, 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.

Our 2018/19 programme supported a group of writers who are progressing their careers in film or television, with an exciting repertoire of credits between them including Ackley Bridge, Riviera, Netflix’s The Eddy and Hulu’s upcoming Four Weddings and a Funeral remake. The inaugural programme - for female directors seeking to progress in high end television and features - continues to support 15 talented women, who have since secured additional directing credits on feature films and television shows in the UK and US.  

Mariayah Kaderbhai, BAFTA’s Head of Programmes, said:  “It is fantastic to be returning for a third year with BAFTA Elevate, having already seen talented writers and female directors benefit from the initiative. We are proud to continue our work this year through elevating Actors who face obstacles in their careers, helping them to overcome far too common barriers and reach their full potential, irrespective of their background.”

Applications for the BAFTA Elevate programme for under-represented Actors are now open. For full entry criteria and to apply visit: http://bit.ly/BAFTAElevate2019

The deadline for entries is Tuesday 10 September 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 http://bit.ly/BAFTACareersReport2017.

For more information on BAFTA Elevate and its previous participants visit: http://bit.ly/BAFTAElevate2019

For further information and high res imagery, please contact:

Sophie Dudhill, Press Officer at BAFTA
T: +44 (0)20 7292 5863
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.