BAFTA Calls For Applications For 'Breakthrough Brits' In Film, Television & Games

For a second year, BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, in partnership with Burberry, will showcase and support the next generation of creative British talent.

Breakthrough Brits
London, 2 April: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced that it is inviting applications, as well as nominations from the industry, for BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, in partnership with Burberry; an initiative that celebrates and supports the UK's future stars of film, television and games. The selected Breakthrough Brits will be revealed at an evening reception at the Burberry global flagship store, 121 Regent Street, in the autumn.

Following the success of the inaugural BAFTA Breakthrough Brits in 2013, a panel of industry professionals will again select up to 20 talented newcomers to receive in-depth career guidance and mentoring, as well as free access to BAFTA events, as they move into the next stage of their careers. After their introduction at the event at Burberry, the honourees will take part in their first career development sessions at BAFTA's headquarters, 195 Piccadilly in London, on Monday 17 November.

Individuals who would like to be considered for the honour must submit an online application at http://bit.ly/Breakthrough-Brits by 10am on Monday 9 June. Industry professionals can nominate an individual before the deadline by contacting breakthrough@bafta.org. BAFTA will then contact the nominated individual to invite them to submit an application.

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: "I'm delighted that we're working with Burberry to deliver our Breakthrough Brits initiative once again this year. Over the past six months it's been wonderful to see our inaugural honourees attending our events, spending time with their mentors and gaining ever more recognition from their peers. We're looking forward to identifying the next group of up-and-coming film, television and games professionals and bringing their incredible talents to everyone's attention."

Since being named a Breakthrough Brit in 2013, game developer Dan Pearce has gained a BAFTA nomination for Best Debut Game at this year's British Academy Games Awards. Describing the influence of the initiative, he said: "Since becoming a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit, I have released two games. Both have been helped by the increased credibility granted by Breakthrough Brits. The initiative also helped immensely in setting up contact between me and the people who were integral to getting one of those games out."

BAFTA also introduced actress and 2013 Breakthrough Brit Sharon Rooney to her comedy heroes Victoria Wood and Olivia Colman. Speaking about her experience as a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit, she said: "It's been brilliant, really brilliant. Not only is it an honour but it's also concrete evidence from BAFTA that they believe in you ... I feel like it's helped so much with not only my performances but also with my confidence and belief in myself."

Proposed candidates for BAFTA Breakthrough Brits must be UK nationals at the start of their career who are making a name for themselves as a performer or in a craft specialism within film, television or games, and have a credit on at least one production with a theatrical release, broadcast or publication in the UK between August 2013 and August 2014. For the full entry criteria, and to submit an application, go to: http://bit.ly/Breakthrough-Brits.

A cross-industry jury of leading figures will select the successful Breakthrough Brits from a shortlist created by separate sub-committees of film, television and games professionals.

A special publication featuring the Breakthrough Brits will be distributed to industry and to career-starters across the country.

About BAFTA
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round Learning & Events programme that offers unique access to some of the world's most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles and New York. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. For further information, visit www.bafta.org , and to access the best creative minds in film, TV and games production visit www.bafta.org/guru .

About Burberry
Burberry, established in 1856, is an iconic British brand synonymous with innovation and craftsmanship. Based in London, the brand has a global reputation for pioneering design and fabrics. By exploring unique brand innovations such as Burberry Acoustic, Art of the Trench and fully immersive runway shows, Burberry continues to connect heritage with cutting-edge technology and digital media. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BRBY.L) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.

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