BAFTA LA announced last week the launch of its Access for All campaign, a commitment to ensuring that talented individuals are offered a clear pathway to careers in the entertainment industry, uninhibited by background, demographics or personal circumstance.
The campaign will drive funds towards BAFTA LA’s acclaimed scholarship, education and community initiatives, allowing the organization to discover, support and nurture talented professionals.
With initiatives that range from grassroots community events to professional development programs, the Access for All campaign is a call to action for public and industry support as BAFTA LA strives to make equal opportunity a closer reality in our business.
“While BAFTA Los Angeles is widely known for promoting excellence through our screenings, awards and celebrations, Access for All puts focus on our community and talent development programs” said BAFTA LA Chairman Kieran Breen. “Los Angeles is a city that has warmly welcomed Brits with open arms for many years, so it is important to BAFTA that we give something back and use the unique expertise of our membership to provide meaningful support to those now looking to begin their own careers”.
In collaboration with a variety of partners including the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, LAUSD, Washington Preparatory High School, BAFTA LA will publicly showcase opportunities and potential careers in the entertainment industry, both on and off screen. For those actively pursuing their careers, BAFTA LA will offer focused, targeted programs that provide specific developmental support and professional training.
“BAFTA LA has been quietly, but successfully supporting new talents in the LA community for many years, serving as a foot in the door and a pathway to the top for those who deserve the chance to succeed,” said BAFTA Los Angeles CEO Chantal Rickards. “With Access for All, it is time for us to step out from the shadows and ask for support to grow these impactful programs.”
Most recently, BAFTA Los Angeles commissioned British artist Lincoln Townley to create a suite of portraits in celebration of the 2016 British Academy Britannia Award honorees – Jodie Foster, Ricky Gervais, Samuel L. Jackson, Felicity Jones, Ang Lee, and Ewan McGregor. Townley has generously donated these works of art some of which which were sold immediately following the event (28 October) to raise funds for BAFTA Los Angeles’ ongoing educational and community outreach programming under the Access for All campaign. To date, these limited edition prints have already generated $60,000 in donations.
INNER CITY CINEMA will bring the magic of cinema to areas without access to public movie theaters through its initiative. Free public screenings and Q&As will be held throughout the year at county parks in South LA, to capture the imaginations of children and families, raising awareness of the many career opportunities within the industry.
INNER CITY MENTORING will provide over 1000 hours of expert mentorship to the film students at George Washington Preparatory High School. Through stimulating lectures, one-on-one coaching, and collaborative short film projects, this initiative will allow students to experience life on both sides of the camera.
THE HIGH FLYERS PROGRAM will provide 10 inner city high school students who demonstrate the talent and drive to succeed with structured, intensive support and mentorship, connecting them with filmmaking workshops, internships and professional development events. BAFTA LA will also provide safe transportation around the city to attend events and workshops.
BAFTA LA will provide SCHOLARSHIPS for British students at US film schools, with a belief that the world’s most talented emerging filmmakers should have access to the world’s best film education.
The BAFTA US STUDENT FILM AWARDS will expand to identify and celebrate more of the best creative works produced by American and international post-graduate students studying in the United States, connecting promising international students with BAFTA’s membership and programming, 56 Schools across the US participated in 2016 and further expansion is planned for 2017.
The NEWCOMERS PROGRAM will recognize and support 35 rising UK stars who have recently moved to Los Angeles to further their development and career. The program recognizes the long and fruitful legacy of UK talents moving to the US to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and expand their network of peers.
In an effort to preserve the legacy of the industry for future generations, BAFTA Los Angeles will seek to provide access to its HERITAGE ARCHIVE collection of unique one-on-one interviews with legendary British filmmakers. The Archive includes over 200 hours of footage from almost 100 interview subjects including Michael Caine, Malcolm McDowell, Lyn Redgrave, Roger Moore, and Helen Mirren.
