- Applications open to study film, television or games at selected UK institutions
- Previous recipients include BAFTA-winner and Oscar nominee Daisy Jacobs
London, 23 February: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today opened applications to the BAFTA Scholarship Programme, which assists talented UK nationals in need of financial support to study a post-graduate course in film, television or games in the UK. Applications for the 2015-16 academic year open today with a deadline of Friday 12 June. Application info available here >
Previous BAFTA Scholarship recipients include director Daisy Jacobs, who this year won a BAFTA and was Oscar-nominated for her short animation The Bigger Picture, which was her graduation project at the National Film and Television School. The BAFTA scholarship enabled Daisy to take the final year of her course: “I couldn’t have made The Bigger Picture without the BAFTA scholarship. It’s as simple as that,” said Jacobs, who also received mentoring support from BAFTA member and cinematographer Tristan Oliver (Chicken Run, ParaNorman).
Each BAFTA Scholar receives up to £10,000 towards their course fees for a year, mentoring support from a BAFTA member, and free access to BAFTA events around the UK. In return, the scholarship recipients share their learning experiences on BAFTA Guru, BAFTA’s online learning resource, and participate in BAFTA outreach to young people.
For a third year, three students will each receive one of the Prince William Scholarships in Film, Television and Games, supported by BAFTA and Warner Bros. These scholarships, an integral element of Warner Bros. Creative Talent, Warner Bros.’ investment in UK creative industries’ skills and training, are awarded in the name of HRH The Duke of Cambridge in his role as President of BAFTA. The recipients will have their fees funded by Warner Bros. and will additionally receive a short funded work placement within the Warner Bros. group of companies, access to a Warner Bros. mentor, and invitations to a series of industry masterclasses.
Sara Putt, Chair of BAFTA’s Learning and Events Committee, said: “We believe that talented individuals, whatever their background, should have the opportunity to succeed in our industries. That is why, in addition to offering financial support, BAFTA provides free access to our industry events, and one-to-one mentoring from some of the leading figures in film, television and games. Daisy Jacobs’ success at this year’s BAFTAs and Oscars demonstrates just how important it is to ensure that promising talent isn’t allowed to slip through the net, whether directors, actors or below-the-line craftspeople.”
Josh Berger CBE, President & Managing Director, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland & Spain, said: “This special partnership with BAFTA allows us to give talented students, who otherwise may not have been able to pursue their chosen careers, invaluable insight and experience – along with all-important financial support. Last year’s Prince William Scholars excelled and, having taken full advantage of the opportunities made available to them, are already making their way into the industry. We’re enormously proud of them, and look forward to working with the next recipients of these prestigious scholarships.”
The BAFTA Scholarship Programme, which is now in its fourth year, is part of BAFTA’s charitable activity to support talented people at all stages of their career in film, television and games. The recipients will be selected by a panel of industry professionals following an open call to UK nationals applying for eligible UK courses.
The BAFTA Scholarship Programme has been made possible by the generous support of the Academy Circle, individual donors and Warner Bros.
The programme in the UK is part of BAFTA’s wider global scholarship activity, which in 2014 saw the first BAFTA Scholarship Programme in Hong Kong. BAFTA Los Angeles has an active Scholarship Program that includes the new Pigott/BAFTA Scholarship, offering financial support and mentorship to British graduate students studying in the US. Previous recipients include Sacha Gervasi (Hitchcock, The Terminal), Gil Kenan (Monster House) and Oscar Sharp, who was nominated for a BAFTA this year with his short film The Kármán Line. BAFTA Los Angeles is currently accepting scholarship applications via their webstie. The BAFTA New York Media Studies Scholarship Program supports students pursuing media studies at undergraduate and graduate level institutions within the New York City area.
Note to Editors
The Bigger Picture, directed and written by BAFTA scholarship recipient Daisy Jacobs, was named best British Short Animation at the EE British Academy Film Awards, and was nominated in the Short Film (Animated) category at the Oscars.
Find out more about the British Short Animation winner in 2015 >
Further Information
For further information, please contact Kindred…
Daisy Jestico | T: 020 7010 0807 | E: [email protected]
Hollie Rendall | T: 020 7010 0829 | E: [email protected]
