BFI launches two professional development programmes to benefit British talent

Matimba Kabalika (third right) hosts a BFI NETWORK panel at BAFTA Guru Live 2016

The NETWORK @Flare scheme offers five emerging LGBT filmmakers the opportunity to develop industry knowledge and professional connections while gaining an overview of LGBT features entering the marketplace. Meanwhile, the NETWORK X BAFTA Crew programme will connect emerging UK talent with writers, directors and producers preparing to make their first feature films – more details about both programmes, which are now open to applications, can be found below.

BFI NETWORK@FLARE Mentorships in partnership with BAFTA – For a second year, BAFTA will support delivery and provide mentors for BFI NETWORK@FLARE, the LGBT Mentorship Programme, which aims to offer emerging Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender-identified filmmakers the opportunity to develop industry knowledge, professional connections, and a deeper understanding of the landscape for LGBT film. The programme is structured around a professional relationship with a senior figure from the industry and engagement in a year of BFI Flare and BFI London Film Festival screenings, and a wide range of filmmaker-focused and social events and talks. Applications are open now and close Sunday 19 February.

BFI NETWORK X BAFTA Crew – BAFTA is working with the BFI to enhance the BAFTA Crew professional network and masterclass programme by connecting emerging ‘below-the-line’ talent from around the UK with writers, directors and producers on the way to making their first feature films. BAFTA Crew involves live and online masterclasses and networking sessions with BAFTA winners and nominees, and actively encourages participation from individuals from under-represented groups. Applications for BFI NETWORK X BAFTA Crew, and for BAFTA Crew Games are now open and close on Wednesday 22 March. Find out more.

The programmes are launched at the same time as research from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in partnership with BFI and Creative Skillset, examining the career success factors of film, television and games practitioners from under-represented groups. 

The research involved interviews with professionals from under-represented groups, as well as interviews and focus groups with employers, heads of departments and talent agents. The resultant report, entitled ‘Succeeding in the film, television and games industries: Career progression and the keys to sustained employment for individuals from under-represented groups’ is now available online.

In December, BAFTA announced that it is adding the BFI Diversity Standards – created and adopted by the BFI across its Lottery funding in2014 – to the eligibility criteria for the Outstanding British Film and Outstanding debut by a British Writer, Director of Producer categories of the Film Awards in 2019. The BFI’s standards can be applied to on-screen representation, project leadership and industry access, as well as audience development and have also been adopted by Film4 and BBC Films.