BAFTA ‘Breakthrough Brits’ opens for applications

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today opened applications for Breakthrough Brits, which showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent across film, games and television. 

Now in its seventh year, Breakthrough Brits is open to emerging talent.

BAFTA’s flagship new talent scheme opens today and closes 12 June 2019

For the first time applications will be opening to British talent living in the US as well as the UK.

BAFTA’s Breakthrough Brits, who are selected by a cross-industry jury of leading 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 Olivia 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. Previous Breakthrough Brits have gone on to flourish within their respective disciplines, many becoming BAFTA winners and nominees.

Letitia Wright, 2015 Breakthrough Brit and 2019 EE Rising Star Award winner credited the initiative for giving her the courage to continue her career: “A few years ago I saw myself in a deep state of depression and I literally wanted to quit acting. The only thing that pulled me out of that was God, my belief, my faith, my family, and an email from BAFTA saying that they wanted me to be a part of the BAFTA Breakthrough Brits.” 

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “We are incredibly proud of all that Breakthrough Brits has achieved over the past six years and the many talented individuals we have been able to recognise and support. 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, and are delighted be extending this opportunity for the first time to British talent in the US.”

Industry professionals can also recommend someone, BAFTA will then contact the recommended individual to invite them to submit an application before the deadline.

Applications close on Wednesday 12 June 2019. BAFTA’s 2019 Breakthrough Brits will be announced in Autumn 2019.