BAFTA ‘Breakthrough Brits’ partnership with Netflix
May 29, 2019
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced Netflix as the main supporting partner for their flagship talent scheme ‘Breakthrough Brits’, which showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent across film, games and television.
Building on the success of ‘Breakthrough Brits’, now in its seventh year, the partnership with Netflix will help facilitate expansion of the ‘Breakthrough’ initiative globally, working to identify overseas talent in new territories such as India and the US.
BAFTA’s Breakthrough Brits, who are selected by a jury of industry professionals, receive one-to-one mentoring and career guidance, access to BAFTA events and networking opportunities in the UK and internationally. Supporters of the initiative in recent years include actors Oliva Colman and Tilda Swinton, actor-producer Brad Pitt, directors Tom Harper and Barry Jenkins, game designers Brenda Romero and Tim Schafer, and actor-writers Sharon Horgan and Amy Schumer.
Since its launch in 2013, BAFTA Breakthrough Brits has championed over 100 talented newcomers, including actors Florence Pugh, Josh O’Connor, Malachi Kirby, Ray Panthaki and Molly Windsor, composer Segun Akinola, game producer Dan Gray, and directors Destiny Ekaragha and Michael Pearce.
Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “We are excited to partner with Netflix, who share BAFTA’s vision to celebrate and provide opportunities for emerging talent, and look forward to working together to realise our ambitions for ‘Breakthrough’ both in the UK and internationally. Working with the Film, Games and Television industries we will continue to ensure emerging talent have the tools they need to develop skills at the start of their careers. Expanding ‘Breakthrough’ globally will enable creative and cultural exchange and form an international community of talented newcomers who will benefit from bespoke and unique support.”
Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, said: “As an independent charity supporting creative talent, BAFTA is both exceptional and inspiring. We’re proud to support the Breakthrough initiative, helping it to expand around the world and identify new talent. Developing new, more diverse voices is crucial for the future success of our industry and we’re excited to work with BAFTA to create career-changing opportunities for people from all backgrounds.”