The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles (BAFTA Los Angeles) announced today the recipients of its 2017 Scholarships. The program was expanded from six to eight scholarships this year to provide financial aid to more British students studying in the US, including an additional number of students supported as part of the Pigott/BAFTA Scholarship and the first BAFTA Los Angeles Access for All Scholarship. The total amount awarded nearly doubled this year, offering a total of $65,000 in support.
Each of the Scholars will receive up to $10,000 of financial aid towards their graduate studies. Jack Dudley (USC), Edward Hancox (UT Austin), and Charlotte Wells (NYU Tisch) each received a Pigott/BAFTA Scholarship. Leo McGann (Boston University) received The Nigel Lythgoe Television Scholarship, while Joseph Barker (USC), Carol Brown (USC), and Katharine Stocker (USC), all received BAFTA Los Angeles Scholarships.
Rhys Jones (NYU Tisch) was awarded the first BAFTA Los Angeles Access for All Scholarship, a scholarship named for BAFTA Los Angeles’ new Access for All campaign, which serves as a commitment to ensuring that talented individuals are offered a clear pathway to careers in the entertainment industry, uninhibited by background, demographics or personal circumstance.
“US Film Schools offer some of the best education in the world, but the costs can be prohibitive particularly for international students” said BAFTA Los Angeles Chairman Kieran Breen. “By reducing the financial burden as well as providing year-round support to our scholars, we are honoured to support the next wave of British talents and strengthen the long-standing collaborative spirit between the US and UK industries.
For the past 23 years, the BAFTA Los Angeles Scholarship Program has been supporting students by providing funds and one-of-a-kind access to further educational opportunities to students currently, or soon-to-be studying, in the United States. Past recipients include Simon Kelton (Eddie the Eagle), Sacha Gervasi (Terminal, Anvil! The Story of Anvil, Hitchcock), Joby Harold (Awake, Edge of Tomorrow) and Gil Kenan (Monster House, City of Ember).
The BAFTA Los Angeles Scholarship Program supports students by giving financial support, mentorship opportunities, and access to its year-round screenings and educational events. BAFTA Los Angeles plays a key role in identifying, supporting and nurturing the next generation of film and television professionals, regardless of background or circumstance. The goal of the Scholarship Program is to help address the significant financial challenges faced by those seeking to develop their craft, while ensuring that the fruitful relationship between the US and UK industries continues long into the future. Additional funds have also been raised this year to support a student from Scotland studying in the US.
This initiative bolsters BAFTA Los Angeles’ work within the Access for All campaign, a commitment to ensuring that talented individuals are offered a clear pathway to careers in the entertainment industry, uninhibited by background, demographics or personal circumstance. The campaign will drive funds towards BAFTA LA’s acclaimed scholarship, education and community initiatives, allowing the organization to discover, support and nurture talented professionals.
The scholarships are funded by BAFTA Los Angeles’ events, membership dues, and through donations from individuals and companies. Additional funds for the BAFTA Los Angeles Scholarship Program are graciously provided by Burberry, Nigel Lythgoe, Howard and Tatiana Lipson (Lipson & Co.), and the funds raised through the Access for All initiative, including funds raised at a recent Burns Night Supper. The BAFTA Los Angeles Scholarship Program is part of BAFTA’s wider global scholarship activity, including scholarships in the UK and China. These programs are currently open for applications from British and Chinese nationals. For more information, go to: https://www.bafta.org /supporting-talent/scholarships.
For further information:
Elyse Weissman at SLATE PR
T: 310-461-0114
E: [email protected]
