Tiger Aspect The British Academy of Film and Television Arts will present Peter Bennett-Jones with the Special Award at its annual Television Awards ceremony.
In the gift of the Academy, the Award is being presented to Peter Bennett-Jones in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and for his development of new talent. Previous recipients include Simon Cowell, Jane Tranter, Paul Watson, Paul Green, Adam Curtis and Andy Harries.
John Willis, Chair of the BAFTA Television Committee, said: “Without Peter, British television would have been much less fun. He has developed and inspired some of the finest talents in comedy, as well as masterminded one of our best known production companies. Yet he still found time to help create, and now lead, Comic Relief. His contribution has been immense.”
Peter Bennett-Jones is best known for his contribution to independent television production, talent management and the creation of Comic Relief alongside Richard Curtis.
He is also one of the most respected managers of high-profile British television talent and top industry executives, as well as an executive producer of numerous award-winning programmes.
Born and brought up in Liverpool, Bennett-Jones’ initial plans for a legal career were sidelined at Cambridge University where his work with the likes of Nick Hytner, Jimmy Mulville and Griff Rhys Jones sparked a passion for entertainment.
Following University, Bennett-Jones moved into theatre and then independent television production, becoming Managing Director of Corporate Communications Consultants and TalkBack Productions and a director of theatrical producers Pola Jones Associates. In 1986, he was involved at the beginning of Comic Relief with Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis, and in 1988 he went on to found production company Tiger Television, whose credits include Mr Bean, The Vicar of Dibley, Omagh, Billy Elliott and Charlie and Lola. He stepped down as Chairman of the Tiger Aspect Group earlier this year with over 500 titles broadcast during his tenure.
In 1988, Bennett-Jones also formed PBJ Management to hone UK comedic creative talent including Rowan Atkinson, Lenny Henry, Armando Iannucci, Eddie Izzard and Harry Enfield. PBJ expanded to incorporate KBJ Management, which represents television presenters and journalists, and JBJ Management, which represents new talent.
Keen on further nurturing and supporting talent, Bennett-Jones is now concentrating on his role as Chairman of PBJ and KBJ, as Chair of Trustees at Comic Relief and Sport Relief and as a Board member of the National Theatre.
On receiving the Special Award, Peter Bennett-Jones said: “As a backstage boy I am thrilled by my moment in the BAFTA limelight. My day jobs at Tiger and PBJ have allowed me to do my night job at Comic Relief and I am hugely proud that its importance has been recognised.”
| The Philips British Academy Television Awards will be hosted by Graham Norton from Grosvenor House, London, and broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 22 May. Red carpet and backstage interviews will exclusive to the BAFTA website will be hosted by Zoë Ball and available to watch on the night at www.bafta.org/awards/television. |
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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 Learning & Events programme that offers unique access to some of the world’s most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, 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. For further information, visit www.bafta.org.
