We are looking for candidates working in film, games or television who, at the time of application:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Are working in the UK
- Have been primarily residing in the UK
- Writers, producers, performers and directors working in scripted film and television, and documentary film, are eligible if they have completed at least one, but no more than two, projects on which they had a lead or impactful role. Please note that a completed version of your work will need to be available to us by 31st July in order to be considered.
- Craft and technical, unscripted television and games applicants are eligible if they have completed at least one project on which they had a lead or impactful role
- Have had a professional credit on a piece of work that has been released in the UK either theatrically, on a streaming service, commissioned by a major platform, broadcast on a UK television channel or had a game first published or released in the UK between 1 June 2023 and 1 September 2024 (or is reasonably expected to at the time of application). Subsequent platform releases or ports are not eligible. Features that have been screened at BAFTA-qualifying film festivals are also eligible in lieu of theatrical release1.
We welcome applications from all craft areas and particularly practitioners from under-represented groups in the industry, in any role, who have faced barriers to their progression. If you have any queries about your eligibility, please check with the team by emailing ([email protected]).
Breakthrough participants may already be established in their field but have ‘broken through’ into a lead creative role. All applicants should demonstrate how BAFTA Breakthrough will help them progress to the next stage of their career, what industry support Breakthrough can provide that they haven’t accessed elsewhere and how it might impact their role as a future leader in the industry.
1Films without a UK theatrical release or SVOD may qualify if they have screened in the Official Selection at a minimum of one international or British film festival between 1 June 2023 and 1 Sept 2024.
Eligible festivals are listed below for ease and are based on eligibility for our Outstanding Debut Award.
BRITISH - Belfast Film Festival/ Edinburgh International Film Festival/ Glasgow Film Festival/BFI London Film Festival/ Sheffield International Documentary Festival (Doc/Fest)/ Leeds International Film Festival/ Open City Documentary Festival/ Oska Bright Film Festival
INTERNATIONAL - Berlin International Film Festival/ Busan International Film Festival/ Cannes Film Festival (Director's Fortnight, Official Competition/Un Certain Regard)/ Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival/ International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam/ Locarno Film Festival/ International Film Festival Rotterdam/ San Sebastián International Film Festival/ Sundance Film Festival/ South by Southwest (SXSW)/ Telluride/ Toronto International Film Festival/ Tribeca/ Venice.
