Research commissioned by BAFTA and Creative Skillset with the BFI highlights key areas for supporting a diverse workforce and career progression
Findings announced as BAFTA opens applications for several skills development and showcasing initiatives
London, 7 February: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today published a research report, commissioned in partnership with Creative Skillset and the BFI, that examines the career success factors of film, television and games practitioners from under-represented groups. BAFTA is using the findings to inform several initiatives, which are now open for applications.
The research, which is the first of its kind, involved interviews with professionals from under-represented groups, as well as interviews and focus groups with employers, heads of departments and talent agents. The resultant report, entitled ‘Succeeding in the film, television and games industries: Career progression and the keys to sustained employment for individuals from under-represented groups’ is available at http://bit.ly/BAFTACareersReport2017.
The study found that a number of factors play a part in enabling professionals from under-represented groups to sustain their career, regardless of their role. These include:
- ongoing learning and skills development;
- building relationships with potential champions and collaborators;
- developing strategies to overcome negative experiences.
The research confirmed that company structures, recruitment practices and mind-sets do create additional barriers, but the good news is that employers acknowledged the role that they and the wider industry can play in removing such obstacles. The report concludes by setting out current and planned activity from BAFTA, Creative Skillset and the BFI to support a more diverse workforce over the long term.
Based on the findings, BAFTA is developing new initiatives, practices and policies, and enhancing existing ones, to address the points highlighted. In December, BAFTA announced that it is adding the BFI Diversity Standards to the eligibility criteria for the Outstanding British Film and Outstanding debut by a British Writer, Director of Producer categories of the Film Awards in 2019. The Standards can be applied to on-screen representation, project leadership and industry access, as well as audience development. Other initiatives from BAFTA include:
BAFTA Elevate – A new bespoke programme that aims to elevate individuals from under-represented groups to the next stage of their career. In 2017 BAFTA Elevate will support a group of female directors seeking to progress in high end-television and feature films. The programme will include networking, introductions, mentoring, and expert workshops focussed on personal development. BAFTA Elevate is delivered in association with Pia Pressure, a production company that champions female filmmakers. Applications are open now until Monday 13 March at www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/bafta-elevate.
BFI NETWORK X BAFTA Crew – BAFTA is working with the BFI to enhance the BAFTA Crew professional network and masterclass programme by connecting emerging ‘below-the-line’ talent from around the UK with writers, directors and producers on the way to making their first feature films. BAFTA Crew involves live and online masterclasses and networking sessions with BAFTA winners and nominees, and actively encourages participation from individuals from under-represented groups. Applications for BFI NETWORK X BAFTA Crew, and for BAFTA Crew Games, open tomorrow (Wednesday 8 February) and close on Wednesday 22 March at http://guru.bafta.org/opportunities/baftacrew.
Guru Labs at Guru Live – Aspiring film, TV and games talent with up to one years’ professional experience will have the chance to receive a day of bespoke one-to-one meetings and small gatherings with top industry speakers at BAFTA’s Guru Live event for career starters in May. Guru Live, an extension of BAFTA Guru (www.bafta.org/guru), BAFTA’s online resource, will run from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 May at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly in London, and will feature masterclasses, panels and keynote talks by professionals including many who are from a group under-represented in their field. Applications for Guru Lab tickets, at a subsidised price of £40, are open now until Wednesday 1 March at http://bit.ly/GuruLabs. Bursaries are available to support travel expenses for applicants in financial hardship.
BFI NETWORK@FLARE Mentorships in partnership with BAFTA – For a second year, BAFTA will support delivery and provide mentors for BFI NETWORK@FLARE, the LGBT Mentorship Programme, which aims to offer emerging Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender-identified filmmakers the opportunity to develop industry knowledge, professional connections, and a deeper understanding of the landscape for LGBT film. The programme is structured around a professional relationship with a senior figure from the industry and engagement in a year of BFI Flare and BFI London Film Festival screenings, and a wide range of filmmaker-focussed and social events and talks. Applications are open now at http://bit.ly/FlareMentorships17 and close on Sunday 19 February.
Tim Hunter, Director of Learning and Events at BAFTA, said: “We welcome the findings of this research which, in examining the factors that help individuals from under-represented groups succeed, also puts into sharp focus some of the issues that can create a barrier to success. Alongside our partners we are working to reduce and remove those barriers. BAFTA events and initiatives offer support for progression through all stages of an individual’s career. We encourage anyone with a talent and passion for film, television or games to apply to take part.”
– Ends –
Notes to Editors:
The main research involved anonymous in-depth interviews with professionals, all from one or more groups under-represented in their field – women, those from a BAME group, disabled people, or individuals from a lower socio-economic background – who have successfully maintained their careers in film, television or games.
Named case study participants:
Riz Ahmed – Actor (Four Lions, Nightcrawler, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)
Ron Bailey – Sound mixer (The Mummy Returns, M.I. High, Silent Witness)
Amanda Foster – Stunt artist (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Edge of Tomorrow)
Des Gayle – Independent game developer and producer (FIFA franchise, Life Is Strange, Quarterback Club)
Jinx Godfrey – Editor (Man on Wire, Project Nim, The Theory of Everything)
Naomie Harris – Actor (28 Days Later, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Skyfall, Spectre, Moonlight, Collateral Beauty)
Jordan Hogg – Drama director (Coronation Street, Casualty, The Evermoor Chronicles)
Jet Omoshebi – Senior colourist (The Night Manager, Da Vinci’s Demons, Great Expectations)
Caroline O’Reilly – Script supervisor and producer (Band of Brothers, An Education, In the Heart of the Sea, Foyle’s War, Doc Martin)
Helana Santos – Games programmer (LA Cops, Epic Mickey 2, Ace of Spades, The Cat that Got the Milk, The Button Affair)
For further information, please contact:
Charlotte Inett at freuds
T: +44 (0)20 3003 6350
Soleil Zuanich at freuds
T: +44 (0)203 003 6489
For images, logos, accreditation, transcripts and more, visit www.bafta.org/press.
