BAFTA, Netflix partner to take talent scheme global

Netflix has boarded BAFTA’s flagship new talent scheme Breakthrough Brits, replacing Burberry as the initiative’s main supporting partner.

BAFTA plans to build on the Breakthrough Brits scheme with Netflix, expanding the Breakthrough initiative globally and working to identify overseas talent in new territories such as India and the US.

In its seventh year, Breakthrough Brits showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent across film, games and television.

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 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 newcomers, including actors Florence Pugh, Letitia Wright, Josh O’Connor, Malachi Kirby, Ray Panthaki and Molly Windsor, composer Segun Akinola, game producer Dan Gray, and directors Destiny Ekaragha and Michael Pearce.

BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry 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.”

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos added: “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.”

BAFTA said further details of the Breakthrough initiative’s expansion into global territories will be announced at a later date.

Applications for Breakthrough Brits are now open. Industry professionals can also recommend someone by contacting [email protected]. Applications close on Wednesday, 12 June.

Pictured above: BAFTA Breakthrough Brits 2018