London, 9 April: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and Creative Skillset have today announced the BAFTA Creative Skillset Guest Lecture Programme for 2014. The series of lectures, which ran for the first time in 2013, will see some of the UK’s leading craftspeople in film, television and games share their knowledge and expertise with students on Creative Skillset accredited courses across the UK.

This year’s programme begins with six-time BAFTA nominee Ivana Primorac (_Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Anna Karenina_) discussing the craft of hair and make-up design, today (Wednesday 9 April), at Arts University Bournemouth. Next up will be BAFTA-nominated editor Úna Ní Dhonghaíle (_Ripper Street, The Tunnel_) at Ravensbourne in London. Across the year up to six lectures will be held, including screenwriting at Sunderland University, directing for television at Teesside University, documentary producing at University of West Scotland, and an additional lecture planned at University of Bradford.

The Guest Lecture Programme emphasises the importance of developing creativity alongside business and technical skills. Each lecture is tailored to the university’s needs and is given by BAFTA-winning and BAFTA-nominated talent. Speakers on the programme in 2013 included BAFTA-winning screenwriter Neil McKay (_Appropriate Adult, Mo_), Siobhan Reddy studio director at the BAFTA-winning games studio Media Molecule (_LittleBigPlanet_), and BAFTA-winning director of photography Rob Hardy (_The Invisible Woman, Shadow Dancer_).

Tim Hunter, Director of Learning and Events at BAFTA, said: “The Guest Lecture Programme provides students with an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from industry practitioners and to gain understanding of the practical uses of the skills they are acquiring. BAFTA has unique access to a wealth of talent, who generously volunteer their time [through our Give Something Back campaign] to enthuse the next generation of film, television and games practitioners at the very start of their careers.”

Kate O’Connor, Executive Director of Creative Skillset, said: “We are excited to be supporting the BAFTA Creative Skillset Guest Lecture Programme once again this year. This is a great way to bring the brightest creative and technical ‘behind the scenes talent’ from the world of film, television and games together to inspire the next generation of creative and technical talent.”

For further information, please contact:
Rosie Mann / Hollie Rendall
Tel: 020 7010 0843 / 020 7010 0829
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

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, scholarships 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 http and www.bafta.org/guru.

About Creative Skillset

Creative Skillset empowers the Creative Industries to develop skills and talent; we do this by influencing and shaping policy, ensuring quality and by securing the vital investment for individuals to become the best in their field and for businesses to grow. As the industry skills body for the Creative Industries, we work across film, television, radio, animation, visual effects, games, fashion, textiles, advertising, marketing communications and publishing.