BAFTA to put the spotlight on producers, supporting those from under-represented backgrounds, including minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
BAFTA has opened applications for the next Elevate, its industry initiative which supports individuals from under-represented backgrounds, who have faced barriers to career progression in the screen industry. Now in its fourth edition, Elevate will champion talented producers in both scripted and unscripted disciplines, working across film and television.
Mariayah Kaderbhai, Head of Programmes at BAFTA, said: "Elevate was created and designed with a practical approach to support and raise the profile of those working in film and television, from underrepresented groups and backgrounds. We hope one day we won’t need Elevate, in the meantime we can help nurture, profile and support practitioners progress in their careers and help build a fully inclusive and representative UK film and TV industry. Authentic representation on screen can only occur when we have a workforce that truly reflects the society we live in.
Elevate has been designed in response to research conducted by BAFTA and based on direct responses from industry. We have sought out gaps where we can profile, platform and support talent to progress in their careers, breaking down barriers and showcasing talent, regardless of their background. To date, Elevate has served cohorts that support a more diverse and inclusive talent pool in above-the-line crafts, it seems only natural to feature producers next – and our research supports this. I cannot wait to get started on working with the next cohort.”
In addition, Nespresso Professional has been welcomed as BAFTA Elevate’s official coffee partner for 2022. With a strong commitment to celebrate practitioners within the arts, Nespresso Professional is aligned with BAFTA's key aim to nurture talent and will provide support to all honourees taking part in the programme.
Selected participants will receive a bespoke 24-month programme of support including networking opportunities, introductions, tailored panel discussions, masterclasses and workshops focused on professional development. Previously running as a year-long programme, this year's extended Elevate sees BAFTA's commitment to supporting talent from under-represented backgrounds assured that they will really impact the British screen industries in a meaningful way.
Elevate has advocated for more than 50 talented practitioners, including actors Amir El-Masry (Limbo), Anjli Mohindra (Bodyguard), Tommy Jessop (Line of Duty), writers Suhayla El-Bushra, Rachel De-Lahay, Tahsin Guner and directors, Christiana Ebohon-Green, Lisa Clarke and Lindy Heymann. Previous Elevate alumni have gone on to flourish within their respective disciplines, and build a career path that they want.
Applications for the new BAFTA Elevate programme for under-represented producers are open now at: www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/bafta-elevate.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday 30 March at 5pm.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Dingile Kasote, Press Officer
T +44 (0)20 7292 5863
Note to Editors:
BAFTA Elevate was informed by the findings of a research report, conducted by BAFTA, in consultation with industry practitioners, broadcasters, productions companies, PACT and the BFI. The findings of this report have defined the focus, eligibility and criteria for this edition of BAFTA Elevate. BAFTA Elevate is a research based initiative, examining areas of underrepresentation in the film and television industries. Visit our supporting talent page to find out more about Nepresso Professional here: www.bafta.org/about/supporting-talent/partners#nespresso-professional
About BAFTA
BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts - 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 more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).
