Pierpoline takes over from Kathryn Busby.
US producer Joyce Pierpoline is taking over as the second chair of Bafta North America’s board of directors, succeeding inaugural lead, Kathryn Busby.
Pierpoline is founder of New York and Paris-based Pierpoline Films, serves as chair of Bafta North America’s Film Committee and is co-founder of the Producers Guild of America’s Women’s Impact Network, which promotes gender equality in the industry.
Her production credits include Mediha, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Doc NYC 2023 and Sundance 2007 premiere, Teeth.
The Bafta North America Board will also have a new member – David Linde — CEO of Participant,...
US producer Joyce Pierpoline is taking over as the second chair of Bafta North America’s board of directors, succeeding inaugural lead, Kathryn Busby.
Pierpoline is founder of New York and Paris-based Pierpoline Films, serves as chair of Bafta North America’s Film Committee and is co-founder of the Producers Guild of America’s Women’s Impact Network, which promotes gender equality in the industry.
Her production credits include Mediha, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Doc NYC 2023 and Sundance 2007 premiere, Teeth.
The Bafta North America Board will also have a new member – David Linde — CEO of Participant,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The British Academy has appointed award-winning producer Joyce Pierpoline as the chair of BAFTA North America’s board of directors.
Pierpoline — whose credits include Doc NYC winner “Mediha,” “Angelica” and Sundance-winning cult classic “Teeth” — succeeds Kathryn Busby, who was given the newly-created role in January 2022 after BAFTA united its New York and Los Angeles entities.
“I am delighted to take over the role of chair of BAFTA North America from Kathryn Busby, who carried out such brilliant work during her tenure,” said Pierpoline, who is also the founder of Pierpoline Films, serves as chair of BAFTA North America’s Film Committee and is co-founder of the Producers Guild of America’s Women’s Impact Network, promoting gender equality in the industry. “I’m looking forward to the future of BAFTA North America and will continue working with my colleagues on the board to ensure that BAFTA’s charitable work reflects...
Pierpoline — whose credits include Doc NYC winner “Mediha,” “Angelica” and Sundance-winning cult classic “Teeth” — succeeds Kathryn Busby, who was given the newly-created role in January 2022 after BAFTA united its New York and Los Angeles entities.
“I am delighted to take over the role of chair of BAFTA North America from Kathryn Busby, who carried out such brilliant work during her tenure,” said Pierpoline, who is also the founder of Pierpoline Films, serves as chair of BAFTA North America’s Film Committee and is co-founder of the Producers Guild of America’s Women’s Impact Network, promoting gender equality in the industry. “I’m looking forward to the future of BAFTA North America and will continue working with my colleagues on the board to ensure that BAFTA’s charitable work reflects...
- 1/8/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Joyce Pierpoline has been appointed chair of BAFTA North America’s Board of Directors. She succeeds Kathryn Busby.
Pierpoline’s credits include Mediha, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Doc NYC 2023, Angelica (2016), and Sundance-winning Teeth (2007). She founded Pierpoline Films based in New York and Paris, serves as chair of BAFTA North America’s Film Committee, and is co-founder of the Producers Guild of America’s Women’s Impact Network.
Also joining the BAFTA North America board today is David Linde, CEO of Participant. Linde has previously served as the CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films, chairman of Universal Pictures, and co-founded Focus Features. Continuing their BAFTA North America executive board terms are actor Elliot Knight as Deputy Chair, Betsy Rodgers as Secretary, and Josephine Coyle as Treasurer.
The extended BAFTA North America board includes Alexis Alexanian...
Pierpoline’s credits include Mediha, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Doc NYC 2023, Angelica (2016), and Sundance-winning Teeth (2007). She founded Pierpoline Films based in New York and Paris, serves as chair of BAFTA North America’s Film Committee, and is co-founder of the Producers Guild of America’s Women’s Impact Network.
Also joining the BAFTA North America board today is David Linde, CEO of Participant. Linde has previously served as the CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films, chairman of Universal Pictures, and co-founded Focus Features. Continuing their BAFTA North America executive board terms are actor Elliot Knight as Deputy Chair, Betsy Rodgers as Secretary, and Josephine Coyle as Treasurer.
The extended BAFTA North America board includes Alexis Alexanian...
- 1/8/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Signora Volpe is heading back to Italy.
The series, which stars Emilia Fox as a British spy in Italy, has been renewed for Season 2 at AMC Networks’ Acorn TV.
It comes a year after the series launched three feature-length episodes. It is produced by ITV Studios-backed production company Route 24, which is behind Sky’s The Midwich Cuckoos.
Season 2 finds former British spy Sylvia Fox, played by Emilia Fox, even more deeply in love with Italy, and with life in the picturesque medieval town of Panicale. Contrary to her sister Isabel’s expectations, Sylvia appears to have lost her nomadic instincts, and after a year of living in Panicale, is fast becoming part of the local community. Sylvia spends her time reconnecting with her sister and restoring a gorgeous but crumbling old house in the hills. But old habits die hard, and though Sylvia might have left her job at MI6 behind,...
The series, which stars Emilia Fox as a British spy in Italy, has been renewed for Season 2 at AMC Networks’ Acorn TV.
It comes a year after the series launched three feature-length episodes. It is produced by ITV Studios-backed production company Route 24, which is behind Sky’s The Midwich Cuckoos.
Season 2 finds former British spy Sylvia Fox, played by Emilia Fox, even more deeply in love with Italy, and with life in the picturesque medieval town of Panicale. Contrary to her sister Isabel’s expectations, Sylvia appears to have lost her nomadic instincts, and after a year of living in Panicale, is fast becoming part of the local community. Sylvia spends her time reconnecting with her sister and restoring a gorgeous but crumbling old house in the hills. But old habits die hard, and though Sylvia might have left her job at MI6 behind,...
- 6/7/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Signora Volpe is poised to be another breakout hit for Acorn TV.
The streaming service today revealed the official trailer and premiere date for the three-part detective drama series starring Emilia Fox.
The series was filmed on location in the stunning Lazio and Umbria regions in Italy, and will make its debut Monday, May 2, on Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streamer devoted to British and international television.
Episodes will continue to debut on Mondays through May 16.
"To the casual observer, there’s nothing remarkable about Sylvia Fox (Fox) - an intelligent, confident woman in her forties, she tends to keep quiet about her formidable linguistic abilities, impressive knowledge of weaponry, and skills as a markswoman," reads the official description of the series.
"Questions about her professional life are met with bland answers about an unspectacular career in the Civil Service."
"Which is only very slightly true – because until recently, Sylvia was a high-ranking British spy.
The streaming service today revealed the official trailer and premiere date for the three-part detective drama series starring Emilia Fox.
The series was filmed on location in the stunning Lazio and Umbria regions in Italy, and will make its debut Monday, May 2, on Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streamer devoted to British and international television.
Episodes will continue to debut on Mondays through May 16.
"To the casual observer, there’s nothing remarkable about Sylvia Fox (Fox) - an intelligent, confident woman in her forties, she tends to keep quiet about her formidable linguistic abilities, impressive knowledge of weaponry, and skills as a markswoman," reads the official description of the series.
"Questions about her professional life are met with bland answers about an unspectacular career in the Civil Service."
"Which is only very slightly true – because until recently, Sylvia was a high-ranking British spy.
- 4/5/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Starz Original Programming President Kathryn Busby is to chair BAFTA’s new-look North America Board, with actor Elliot Knight and ThunderChild CEO Karl Stewart set as Deputy Chairs.
Deadline revealed in 2020 that BAFTA would be merging its LA and New York entities in the U.S., with former BAFTA LA CEO Matthew Wiseman promoted to Executive Director and Head of North America and former BAFTA New York Director, Lisa Harrison, becoming Director of Operations, North America.
The UK awards body officially confirmed the new structure and board today and said it will unify the New York and LA entities, “strengthening its global mission and delivering greater benefits to members.”
Busby, who succeeded Christina Davis at Starz this week, and Knight will also join BAFTA’s Board of Trustees, which is chaired by London-based BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar.
“With the election of Kathryn Busby as chair of our new North America board,...
Deadline revealed in 2020 that BAFTA would be merging its LA and New York entities in the U.S., with former BAFTA LA CEO Matthew Wiseman promoted to Executive Director and Head of North America and former BAFTA New York Director, Lisa Harrison, becoming Director of Operations, North America.
The UK awards body officially confirmed the new structure and board today and said it will unify the New York and LA entities, “strengthening its global mission and delivering greater benefits to members.”
Busby, who succeeded Christina Davis at Starz this week, and Knight will also join BAFTA’s Board of Trustees, which is chaired by London-based BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar.
“With the election of Kathryn Busby as chair of our new North America board,...
- 1/5/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BAFTA is expanding its North American operations with the launch of a single North America board, which unites the organization’s New York and Los Angeles entities.
Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz, has been appointed the inaugural chair of the board. She will be joined by actor Elliot Knight and Karl Stewart, CEO of Thunder Child and president of 1TwentyFour as deputy chairs.
The single united board aims to strengthen BAFTA’s “global mission to inspire, support and celebrate across film, games and television, delivering greater benefits to its membership, programme participants and audiences wherever they are,” according to the organization.
Matthew Wiseman, BAFTA Los Angeles’s CEO has been promoted to executive director and head of North America while Lisa Harrison, BAFTA New York’s director, becomes director of operations for North America.
Betsy Rodgers, SVP of business & legal affairs at IFC Entertainment and Rlje Films,...
Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz, has been appointed the inaugural chair of the board. She will be joined by actor Elliot Knight and Karl Stewart, CEO of Thunder Child and president of 1TwentyFour as deputy chairs.
The single united board aims to strengthen BAFTA’s “global mission to inspire, support and celebrate across film, games and television, delivering greater benefits to its membership, programme participants and audiences wherever they are,” according to the organization.
Matthew Wiseman, BAFTA Los Angeles’s CEO has been promoted to executive director and head of North America while Lisa Harrison, BAFTA New York’s director, becomes director of operations for North America.
Betsy Rodgers, SVP of business & legal affairs at IFC Entertainment and Rlje Films,...
- 1/5/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Hanna actress Cherrelle Skeete has joined Sky Original drama The Midwich Cuckoos, which is in production in the UK.
Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard) and Max Beesley (The Outsider) lead the eight-part modern-day adaptation of John Wyndham’s sci-fi novel of the same name. The series is written by David Farr, the British writer behind The Night Manager and Hanna, and centers on a British town where women fall pregnant with alien children.
Produced by ITV Studios-backed Route 24 and Snowed-In Productions in association with Sky Studios, Sasha Hails, Namsi Khan, and Laura Lomas are co-writers. Alice Troughton (Baghdad Central) is the lead director, with Jennifer Perrott (Gentleman Jack) serving as director. Exec producers are Marc Samuelson and Robert Cheek for Route 24 and Ruth Kenley-Letts and Neil Blair for Snowed-In Productions. Series producer is Eliza Mellor.
Skeete, who has joined in a supporting role, was most recently seen in Amazon...
Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard) and Max Beesley (The Outsider) lead the eight-part modern-day adaptation of John Wyndham’s sci-fi novel of the same name. The series is written by David Farr, the British writer behind The Night Manager and Hanna, and centers on a British town where women fall pregnant with alien children.
Produced by ITV Studios-backed Route 24 and Snowed-In Productions in association with Sky Studios, Sasha Hails, Namsi Khan, and Laura Lomas are co-writers. Alice Troughton (Baghdad Central) is the lead director, with Jennifer Perrott (Gentleman Jack) serving as director. Exec producers are Marc Samuelson and Robert Cheek for Route 24 and Ruth Kenley-Letts and Neil Blair for Snowed-In Productions. Series producer is Eliza Mellor.
Skeete, who has joined in a supporting role, was most recently seen in Amazon...
- 6/23/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV Studios Sets Up Shop In Spain With Netflix Exec
Cattleya, the ITV Studios-backed Italian producer behind Gomorrah, is launching Spanish subsidiary Cattleya Producciones and has hired Netflix’s Arturo Díaz as managing director. The company will be ITV Studios’ first scripted producer in Spain. Díaz was a director of local language originals at Netflix, working on shows including Las Chicas de Cable, the streamer’s longest-running non-u.S. series. Cattleya Producciones will be overseen by Cattleya founder and co-ceo Riccardo Tozzi, alongside his co-CEOs Giovanni Stabilini and Marco Chimenz. Lisa Perrin, managing director of international production at ITV Studios, will also have oversight of the outfit. ITV Studios will distribute its drama series internationally.
Sky Sets Cast For ‘The Midwich Cuckoos’
Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard), and Max Beesley (The Outsider) are to lead the cast of Sky’s modern-day adaptation of John Wyndham’s sci-fi novel The Midwich Cuckoos. The...
Cattleya, the ITV Studios-backed Italian producer behind Gomorrah, is launching Spanish subsidiary Cattleya Producciones and has hired Netflix’s Arturo Díaz as managing director. The company will be ITV Studios’ first scripted producer in Spain. Díaz was a director of local language originals at Netflix, working on shows including Las Chicas de Cable, the streamer’s longest-running non-u.S. series. Cattleya Producciones will be overseen by Cattleya founder and co-ceo Riccardo Tozzi, alongside his co-CEOs Giovanni Stabilini and Marco Chimenz. Lisa Perrin, managing director of international production at ITV Studios, will also have oversight of the outfit. ITV Studios will distribute its drama series internationally.
Sky Sets Cast For ‘The Midwich Cuckoos’
Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard), and Max Beesley (The Outsider) are to lead the cast of Sky’s modern-day adaptation of John Wyndham’s sci-fi novel The Midwich Cuckoos. The...
- 4/28/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
British actor Emilia Fox (“Silent Witness”) is set to star as a disillusioned U.K. spy who becomes a sleuth in Italy in “Signora Volpe,” a detective drama commissioned by AMC Networks’ Acorn TV that will start shooting in Italy in May.
The show comprising three 90-minute installments is being produced by ITV Studios-backed production company Route 24, with Italy’s ITV-owned Cattleya providing the Italian production service.
“Signora Volpe” is created and written by Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths (“Midsomer Murders) who are also its executive producers. Emilia Fox will play the lead named Sylvia who after years as an M16 operative winds up in a village in Umbria to visit her sister Isabel played by Tara Fitzgerald (“Game of Thrones”) and there becomes involved in a murder investigation.
As she starts her new life in Italy, Sylvia finds that trouble follows her wherever she goes. Motivated by her passion for justice,...
The show comprising three 90-minute installments is being produced by ITV Studios-backed production company Route 24, with Italy’s ITV-owned Cattleya providing the Italian production service.
“Signora Volpe” is created and written by Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths (“Midsomer Murders) who are also its executive producers. Emilia Fox will play the lead named Sylvia who after years as an M16 operative winds up in a village in Umbria to visit her sister Isabel played by Tara Fitzgerald (“Game of Thrones”) and there becomes involved in a murder investigation.
As she starts her new life in Italy, Sylvia finds that trouble follows her wherever she goes. Motivated by her passion for justice,...
- 4/27/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Ang Lee will be presented with an honorary BAFTA Fellowship during the org’s Film Awards on Sunday, April 11.
Taiwanese filmmaker Lee has been responsible for several ground-breaking blockbusters including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Life Of Pi. He has won four BAFTAs including Best Director for Brokeback Mountain, Best Film for Sense And Sensibility, and both of those awards for Crouching Tiger.
Previous recipients of the BAFTA Fellowship include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor and Stanley Kubrick. Kathleen Kennedy received the prize at last year’s awards.
“Ang Lee is a master of his craft. He is an incredibly versatile, daring and exceptional filmmaker who effortlessly moves between genres,” said BAFTA Film Chair Marc Samuelson. “His films have been truly ground-breaking both in terms of their technical expertise and for the subject matters he tackles. His pioneering work in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain...
Taiwanese filmmaker Lee has been responsible for several ground-breaking blockbusters including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Life Of Pi. He has won four BAFTAs including Best Director for Brokeback Mountain, Best Film for Sense And Sensibility, and both of those awards for Crouching Tiger.
Previous recipients of the BAFTA Fellowship include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor and Stanley Kubrick. Kathleen Kennedy received the prize at last year’s awards.
“Ang Lee is a master of his craft. He is an incredibly versatile, daring and exceptional filmmaker who effortlessly moves between genres,” said BAFTA Film Chair Marc Samuelson. “His films have been truly ground-breaking both in terms of their technical expertise and for the subject matters he tackles. His pioneering work in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain...
- 4/6/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Noel Clarke will be the 2021 recipient of the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 74th Ee British Academy Film Awards.
The award will be presented on Apr. 10 as part of the Ee BAFTA Film Awards opening night ceremony in London.
Clarke wrote and starred in the feature film Hood trilogy, “Kidulthood” (2006), “Adulthood” (2008) and “Brotherhood” (2016), and directed the latter two. The films focused on the lives of troubled teenagers turned adults living in West London. He received the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2009.
In 2007, Clarke co-founded his own production company, Unstoppable Entertainment, later joining with fellow actor/producer Jason Maza. Since then, the company has produced over 10 feature films including Jessica Hynes’ directorial debut “The Fight.” In 2018, the company joined with All3Media and launched Unstoppable Film and Television to expand their remit to include television.
Under this expanded banner, Clarke co-created and stars in Sky One’s hit original drama “Bulletproof” with Ashley Walters,...
The award will be presented on Apr. 10 as part of the Ee BAFTA Film Awards opening night ceremony in London.
Clarke wrote and starred in the feature film Hood trilogy, “Kidulthood” (2006), “Adulthood” (2008) and “Brotherhood” (2016), and directed the latter two. The films focused on the lives of troubled teenagers turned adults living in West London. He received the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2009.
In 2007, Clarke co-founded his own production company, Unstoppable Entertainment, later joining with fellow actor/producer Jason Maza. Since then, the company has produced over 10 feature films including Jessica Hynes’ directorial debut “The Fight.” In 2018, the company joined with All3Media and launched Unstoppable Film and Television to expand their remit to include television.
Under this expanded banner, Clarke co-created and stars in Sky One’s hit original drama “Bulletproof” with Ashley Walters,...
- 3/29/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Noel Clarke, the British multi-hyphenate behind the Hood franchise and the hit TV series Bulletproof, will receive this year’s Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema honorary award at the BAFTAs.
Clarke will pick up the prize as part of the BAFTA Film Awards Opening Night ceremony on Saturday, April 10. He will be the only winner picking up their award in person on the night. As previously reported, the BAFTAs are dividing into two events this year, with the main ceremony on Sunday, April 11.
An actor, producer, writer and director, Clarke won the Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ for his performance in the play Where Do We Live at the Royal Court, and then broke into the big screen with his successful Hood trilogy. The three movies – Kidulthood (2006), Adulthood (2008) and Brotherhood (2016), the latter two of which Clarke directed – were successful at the UK box office. Clarke also received the...
Clarke will pick up the prize as part of the BAFTA Film Awards Opening Night ceremony on Saturday, April 10. He will be the only winner picking up their award in person on the night. As previously reported, the BAFTAs are dividing into two events this year, with the main ceremony on Sunday, April 11.
An actor, producer, writer and director, Clarke won the Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ for his performance in the play Where Do We Live at the Royal Court, and then broke into the big screen with his successful Hood trilogy. The three movies – Kidulthood (2006), Adulthood (2008) and Brotherhood (2016), the latter two of which Clarke directed – were successful at the UK box office. Clarke also received the...
- 3/29/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Clara Amfo, Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary will host the Ee BAFTA Film Awards, which for the first time, will take place over a weekend on April 10 and 11.
Amfo, a popular BBC Radio 1 presenter, will host the awards’ opening night on April 10, and will be joined by a yet-to-be-announced panel of guests who will discuss the creative process using footage from nominated films. Eight BAFTA winners will be revealed on the night, as will the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema recipient, who will be at the Royal Albert Hall for the only in-person moment of the show. The program will be broadcast on BBC Two.
Meanwhile, presenters Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary will host the second night of the awards, on April 11, which will be broadcast on BBC One. They will be joined by a small group of presenters at the Royal Albert Hall, as well as additional...
Amfo, a popular BBC Radio 1 presenter, will host the awards’ opening night on April 10, and will be joined by a yet-to-be-announced panel of guests who will discuss the creative process using footage from nominated films. Eight BAFTA winners will be revealed on the night, as will the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema recipient, who will be at the Royal Albert Hall for the only in-person moment of the show. The program will be broadcast on BBC Two.
Meanwhile, presenters Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary will host the second night of the awards, on April 11, which will be broadcast on BBC One. They will be joined by a small group of presenters at the Royal Albert Hall, as well as additional...
- 3/24/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Two shows will be broadcast on the BBC on successive nights.
TV and radio presenters Edith Bowman, Dermot O’Leary and Clara Amfo will share hosting duties for the 2021 Bafta Film Awards, which are split across two events on the weekend of April 10 and 11.
As previously for the individual ceremony, both shows will be pre-recorded, with a combined running time of three hours across the two broadcasts.
Amfo will host the Bafta Film Awards Opening Night, which will air on BBC Two on Saturday April 10. She will be joined by a panel of soon-to-be-announced guests; the programme will screen behind-the-scenes footage from the nominated films,...
TV and radio presenters Edith Bowman, Dermot O’Leary and Clara Amfo will share hosting duties for the 2021 Bafta Film Awards, which are split across two events on the weekend of April 10 and 11.
As previously for the individual ceremony, both shows will be pre-recorded, with a combined running time of three hours across the two broadcasts.
Amfo will host the Bafta Film Awards Opening Night, which will air on BBC Two on Saturday April 10. She will be joined by a panel of soon-to-be-announced guests; the programme will screen behind-the-scenes footage from the nominated films,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
BAFTA has confirmed further details of its 2021 Film Awards ceremony, which will be divided into two events taking place April 10 and 11, with both shows broadcast live on the BBC.
Clara Amfo will host the ‘BAFTA Film Awards Opening Night’ on Saturday April 10, live on BBC Two. A total of eight BAFTA winners will be unveiled alongside a showcase of the nominated films, with behind-the-scenes footage highlighting the creative process. The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award will be the only in-person awards moment on the first night. Amfo will be live from the Royal Albert Hall and will be joined by panel of to-be-announced guests.
On Sunday April 11, Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary will host the full BAFTA Film Awards, live on BBC One. The pair are stepping up from their regular red carpet gig to full hosting duties. They will be joined by a small group of presenters in...
Clara Amfo will host the ‘BAFTA Film Awards Opening Night’ on Saturday April 10, live on BBC Two. A total of eight BAFTA winners will be unveiled alongside a showcase of the nominated films, with behind-the-scenes footage highlighting the creative process. The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award will be the only in-person awards moment on the first night. Amfo will be live from the Royal Albert Hall and will be joined by panel of to-be-announced guests.
On Sunday April 11, Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary will host the full BAFTA Film Awards, live on BBC One. The pair are stepping up from their regular red carpet gig to full hosting duties. They will be joined by a small group of presenters in...
- 3/24/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
“We did create that level playing field we were desperate to create,” said Bafta CEO Amanda Berry.
Amanda Berry, CEO of Bafta, and Marc Samuelson, chair of the Bafta Film Committee, have welcomed this year’s nominations which come after a year of soul-searching by the organisation.
This was spurred by last year’s nominations which were widely deemed unrepresentative of the wealth of films and talent on offer. Bafta subsequently launched a far-reaching and ongoing overhaul of its membership and voting procedures. One of the main changes to the voting process has been the introduction of juries and chapter...
Amanda Berry, CEO of Bafta, and Marc Samuelson, chair of the Bafta Film Committee, have welcomed this year’s nominations which come after a year of soul-searching by the organisation.
This was spurred by last year’s nominations which were widely deemed unrepresentative of the wealth of films and talent on offer. Bafta subsequently launched a far-reaching and ongoing overhaul of its membership and voting procedures. One of the main changes to the voting process has been the introduction of juries and chapter...
- 3/9/2021
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
What a difference a year makes. After last year’s BAFTA film nominations sparked outrage due to a lack of diversity, the organization’s top brass couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s dramatic U-turn in nominations.
Speaking to Deadline, BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar and film committee chair Marc Samuelson both hailed the list as one of the most discerning nomination lists to date, highlighting a strong British presence, an increase in female representation and a breadth of non-English language titles.
“In spite of a pandemic, it’s been an extraordinary year for film,” Majumdar told us. “50 films have been nominated this year, compared to 39 that were nominated last year, and there’s a real breadth and range of films that we’ve shone a spotlight on. Plus, there are really strong British elements to it, which is brilliant in a global context.”
British indie title Rocks, directed by British helmer Sarah Gavron,...
Speaking to Deadline, BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar and film committee chair Marc Samuelson both hailed the list as one of the most discerning nomination lists to date, highlighting a strong British presence, an increase in female representation and a breadth of non-English language titles.
“In spite of a pandemic, it’s been an extraordinary year for film,” Majumdar told us. “50 films have been nominated this year, compared to 39 that were nominated last year, and there’s a real breadth and range of films that we’ve shone a spotlight on. Plus, there are really strong British elements to it, which is brilliant in a global context.”
British indie title Rocks, directed by British helmer Sarah Gavron,...
- 3/9/2021
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominations for the 2021 Ee British Academy Film Awards have been announced by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). This year’s BAFTA Film Awards ceremony was set to take place February 14, but the organization pushed the awards to April 11 after the Academy announced it was delaying the Oscars telecast to the end of April. The BAFTAs were the first major awards ceremony to push back its 2021 ceremony date following the Oscars delay.
“This change from the previously announced date of Feb. 14 acknowledges the impact of the global pandemic and accommodates an extended eligibility period. Further details on the ceremony will be announced later in the year,” BAFTA said in a statement at the time. “The date for the 2022 Film Awards, announced last year as 13 February, is currently under consideration as part of the Awards Review, and any changes will be published once the Review has been completed,...
“This change from the previously announced date of Feb. 14 acknowledges the impact of the global pandemic and accommodates an extended eligibility period. Further details on the ceremony will be announced later in the year,” BAFTA said in a statement at the time. “The date for the 2022 Film Awards, announced last year as 13 February, is currently under consideration as part of the Awards Review, and any changes will be published once the Review has been completed,...
- 3/9/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
In January 2016, the hashtag that changed the awards landscape — #OscarsSoWhite — forced the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to evaluate not only their membership but the way Hollywood makes movies. Then came 2020, the year that tested the Hollywood industry from business operations to simple creative expressions. The mood among commenters on social media responses to analysis articles and predictions is often “Hollywood giving itself awards is not what this country needs” and/or “movies, what movies?”
Variety interviewed the heads and leaders of the four most important award shows: the Oscars, SAG, BAFTA and Golden Globes to see where their organizations are in regard to bringing diversity to their organizations and work there still is to be done. David Rubin, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, Krishnendu Majumdar, Chair of BAFTA, Marc Samuelson, Chair of the Film Committee at BAFTA and Meher Tatna,...
Variety interviewed the heads and leaders of the four most important award shows: the Oscars, SAG, BAFTA and Golden Globes to see where their organizations are in regard to bringing diversity to their organizations and work there still is to be done. David Rubin, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, Krishnendu Majumdar, Chair of BAFTA, Marc Samuelson, Chair of the Film Committee at BAFTA and Meher Tatna,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
No sign of when UK cinemas will be able to reopen.
Films entered for all categories in this year’s Bafta Film Awards can now open in cinemas or ona streaming platform at any time up until December 31, 2021 due to the ongoing closure of UK theatres because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is the latest change to Bafta eligibility rules that apply for this year only.
Previously, films needed to have a release date of no later than April 9, 2021 but could appeal if they needed to change the date. Bafta has removed the need to appeal so all films can move freely.
Films entered for all categories in this year’s Bafta Film Awards can now open in cinemas or ona streaming platform at any time up until December 31, 2021 due to the ongoing closure of UK theatres because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is the latest change to Bafta eligibility rules that apply for this year only.
Previously, films needed to have a release date of no later than April 9, 2021 but could appeal if they needed to change the date. Bafta has removed the need to appeal so all films can move freely.
- 1/25/2021
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has extended its eligibility period for the 2021 Film Awards.
On Monday, BAFTA’s film committee decided that due to the continuing impact of Covid-19, U.K. cinema closures and the limited availability of cinema screens, entered titles scheduled to release before the eligibility cut-off of April 9 will be automatically eligible if they release within the 2021 calendar year without the need for an appeal.
A theatrical release is not required for the 2021 awards.
“All of us at BAFTA are aware of the incredibly difficult year everyone across the industry has had. We have made multiple changes to our eligibility criteria at various stages of the pandemic in recognition of these extraordinary circumstances,” said Marc Samuelson, chair of the BAFTA film committee.
“Given the current situation in the U.K. with cinemas remaining closed, we felt extending the eligibility period was the right thing to do.
On Monday, BAFTA’s film committee decided that due to the continuing impact of Covid-19, U.K. cinema closures and the limited availability of cinema screens, entered titles scheduled to release before the eligibility cut-off of April 9 will be automatically eligible if they release within the 2021 calendar year without the need for an appeal.
A theatrical release is not required for the 2021 awards.
“All of us at BAFTA are aware of the incredibly difficult year everyone across the industry has had. We have made multiple changes to our eligibility criteria at various stages of the pandemic in recognition of these extraordinary circumstances,” said Marc Samuelson, chair of the BAFTA film committee.
“Given the current situation in the U.K. with cinemas remaining closed, we felt extending the eligibility period was the right thing to do.
- 1/25/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BAFTA has decided to extend the eligibility period for its Film Awards this year, with the org now allowing titles to release at any point in 2021 and still be eligible for the upcoming ceremony in April.
Previously, April 9 was the cut-off for releases. Even though the awards body has relaxed its rules regarding the theatrical component of a release, that timeline was still looking unrealistic due to the ongoing pandemic situation, with the UK in full lockdown since December and likely to remain so for at least another month.
BAFTA had announced it would allow release date appeals “under the most exceptional of circumstances” but this will no longer be necessary for distributors.
The deadline to submit titles has passed so the tweak will not allow for any last-minute entries, it does however reduce the possibility of a crush of releases around March-April, when cinemas could be open again.
Films...
Previously, April 9 was the cut-off for releases. Even though the awards body has relaxed its rules regarding the theatrical component of a release, that timeline was still looking unrealistic due to the ongoing pandemic situation, with the UK in full lockdown since December and likely to remain so for at least another month.
BAFTA had announced it would allow release date appeals “under the most exceptional of circumstances” but this will no longer be necessary for distributors.
The deadline to submit titles has passed so the tweak will not allow for any last-minute entries, it does however reduce the possibility of a crush of releases around March-April, when cinemas could be open again.
Films...
- 1/25/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome International Insider readers, Jake Kanter with you today. Take a walk with me through some of the biggest stories of the week. Want to get in touch? I’m on jkanter@deadline.com, or my DMs are open on Twitter. And sign up here to get this delivered to your inbox every Friday.
BBC Studios’ Stuttering CEO Search
Friday must-read: Top of your agenda this week is an International Insider exclusive on BBC Studios’ hunt for a new CEO. The bottom line is this: After an ambitious and wide-ranging six-month search, sources say that BBC director general Tim Davie is no closer to landing the big name he desires.
Who’s said no: Running Doctor Who producer BBC Studios remains one of the most prized jobs in the British industry, but it has proved to be the wrong role or the wrong time for a number of high-profile candidates,...
BBC Studios’ Stuttering CEO Search
Friday must-read: Top of your agenda this week is an International Insider exclusive on BBC Studios’ hunt for a new CEO. The bottom line is this: After an ambitious and wide-ranging six-month search, sources say that BBC director general Tim Davie is no closer to landing the big name he desires.
Who’s said no: Running Doctor Who producer BBC Studios remains one of the most prized jobs in the British industry, but it has proved to be the wrong role or the wrong time for a number of high-profile candidates,...
- 1/15/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
As BAFTA prepares for its first Film Awards since concluding its sweeping diversity review last fall, the organization is rolling out “conscious voter” training ahead of its first round of voting.
Voting in round 1 begins Jan. 12 and closes Jan. 26, and will be followed by an inaugural longlist of all categories set to be published Feb. 4. The initiative forms part of a concerted drive towards a more transparent awards season.
BAFTA unveiled the results of its diversity review in September to encouragement from the industry, which welcomed many of the 120-plus changes. Among them was the aforementioned longlisting round across all categories that aims to level the playing field in acting and directing, in particular; an expansion of the outstanding British film category to 10 nominations; and the introduction of 1,000 new members from underrepresented groups.
BAFTA has received 258 film entries this year — just slightly under the 269 entries in 2020, which was a record year.
Voting in round 1 begins Jan. 12 and closes Jan. 26, and will be followed by an inaugural longlist of all categories set to be published Feb. 4. The initiative forms part of a concerted drive towards a more transparent awards season.
BAFTA unveiled the results of its diversity review in September to encouragement from the industry, which welcomed many of the 120-plus changes. Among them was the aforementioned longlisting round across all categories that aims to level the playing field in acting and directing, in particular; an expansion of the outstanding British film category to 10 nominations; and the introduction of 1,000 new members from underrepresented groups.
BAFTA has received 258 film entries this year — just slightly under the 269 entries in 2020, which was a record year.
- 1/12/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The wheels are now in full motion on an awards season set to be like no other. Campaigning has begun in earnest (check out Deadline’s Contenders events which are jam-packed with buzzy titles and talent) and the Gothams are already in the rear-view mirror. Over at BAFTA HQ, voting begins today, with initial longlists for each category published February 4.
Alongside pandemic disruption, the 2021 BAFTAs will be held after a year of introspection at the awards body, which took flak in 2020 for disappointing diversity numbers from its nominations. The org, which has 10,000 members worldwide including 7,000 who vote for Film, could hardly be accused of inaction under new chairman Krishnendu Majumdar, who took the reins in June. Significant changes were implemented to its voting procedures – including longlists for all categories with gender parity ensured for Best Director and ‘conscious voting’ videos for members – all of which are designed to boost diversity...
Alongside pandemic disruption, the 2021 BAFTAs will be held after a year of introspection at the awards body, which took flak in 2020 for disappointing diversity numbers from its nominations. The org, which has 10,000 members worldwide including 7,000 who vote for Film, could hardly be accused of inaction under new chairman Krishnendu Majumdar, who took the reins in June. Significant changes were implemented to its voting procedures – including longlists for all categories with gender parity ensured for Best Director and ‘conscious voting’ videos for members – all of which are designed to boost diversity...
- 1/12/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Pact Appointments
UK producers group Pact has appointed See-Saw Films’ TV chief Hakan Kousetta as Pact Chair for the next two years. Kousetta succeeds All3Media COO, Sara Geater, who stands down at the end of the year having served the maximum four-year term as Chair. During her tenure, Geater has overseen Pact’s re-negotiation of Terms of Trade with all of the domestic broadcasters, and played a key role in Pact’s Covid-19 response. The newly elected Pact Council Members are:
• Alex Jones, Red Planet Pictures – re-elected
• Claire Mundell, Synchronicity Films – re-elected
• Gwenda Carnie, Cardiff Productions, re-elected as National Representative for Wales
• Jacqueline Moreton, FremantleMedia – newly elected
• Jane Kelly, Big Mountain Productions, newly elected as National Representative for Northern Ireland
• Jane Muirhead, Raise The Roof Productions, uncontested and re-elected as National Representative for Scotland
• Kate Norrish, Hillbilly Films & Television – newly elected
• Laura Marshall, Icon Films – re-elected
• Marc Samuelson, Route 24 – re-elected
• Nicky Bentham,...
UK producers group Pact has appointed See-Saw Films’ TV chief Hakan Kousetta as Pact Chair for the next two years. Kousetta succeeds All3Media COO, Sara Geater, who stands down at the end of the year having served the maximum four-year term as Chair. During her tenure, Geater has overseen Pact’s re-negotiation of Terms of Trade with all of the domestic broadcasters, and played a key role in Pact’s Covid-19 response. The newly elected Pact Council Members are:
• Alex Jones, Red Planet Pictures – re-elected
• Claire Mundell, Synchronicity Films – re-elected
• Gwenda Carnie, Cardiff Productions, re-elected as National Representative for Wales
• Jacqueline Moreton, FremantleMedia – newly elected
• Jane Kelly, Big Mountain Productions, newly elected as National Representative for Northern Ireland
• Jane Muirhead, Raise The Roof Productions, uncontested and re-elected as National Representative for Scotland
• Kate Norrish, Hillbilly Films & Television – newly elected
• Laura Marshall, Icon Films – re-elected
• Marc Samuelson, Route 24 – re-elected
• Nicky Bentham,...
- 12/8/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. producers body Pact has appointed See-Saw Films’ COO for television, Hakan Kousetta, as its chair for the next two years.
The executive’s appointment was uncontested during the recent Pact council elections.
Kousetta succeeds All3Media COO Sara Geater, who will step down at the end of the year having served the maximum four-year term as chair. During her tenure, Geater oversaw Pact’s re-negotiation of terms of trade with all the domestic broadcasters, and played a crucial role in Pact’s Covid-19 response this year, working with industry partners and government officials to help ensure production could get up and running again.
Emmy-winning Kousetta joined See-Saw Films in 2014 to co-run its TV division and has overseen the finance and production of many films and television programs. He has been co-chair of Pact’s film policy group for the past two years and currently sits on the Pact council.
The executive’s appointment was uncontested during the recent Pact council elections.
Kousetta succeeds All3Media COO Sara Geater, who will step down at the end of the year having served the maximum four-year term as chair. During her tenure, Geater oversaw Pact’s re-negotiation of terms of trade with all the domestic broadcasters, and played a crucial role in Pact’s Covid-19 response this year, working with industry partners and government officials to help ensure production could get up and running again.
Emmy-winning Kousetta joined See-Saw Films in 2014 to co-run its TV division and has overseen the finance and production of many films and television programs. He has been co-chair of Pact’s film policy group for the past two years and currently sits on the Pact council.
- 12/8/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BAFTA Execs To Speak At British Urban Film Festival
Exclusive: The British Urban Film Festival (Buff) has set BAFTA Chair Krishnendu Majumdar and BAFTA Film Committee Chair Marc Samuelson for a 90-minute ‘in conversation’ session at this year’s festival, which is taking place later than usual and online as a result of the coronavirus lockdown. The pre-recorded Q&a, titled The Changing Faces of BAFTA, will be moderated by Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe and streamed via the festival’s website next month. Viewers will be able to submit questions in advance of the Zoom session via the Buff Facebook page. Actor and producer Femi Oyeniran will once again helm the annual Buff awards ceremony. Winners last year included Noel Clarke, Terry Pheto and Aki Omoshaybi. The festival’s full program is due to be announced in coming weeks.
Sbs Begins “Most Ambitious Drama Yet”
Oz broadcaster Sbs has begun its “most...
Exclusive: The British Urban Film Festival (Buff) has set BAFTA Chair Krishnendu Majumdar and BAFTA Film Committee Chair Marc Samuelson for a 90-minute ‘in conversation’ session at this year’s festival, which is taking place later than usual and online as a result of the coronavirus lockdown. The pre-recorded Q&a, titled The Changing Faces of BAFTA, will be moderated by Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe and streamed via the festival’s website next month. Viewers will be able to submit questions in advance of the Zoom session via the Buff Facebook page. Actor and producer Femi Oyeniran will once again helm the annual Buff awards ceremony. Winners last year included Noel Clarke, Terry Pheto and Aki Omoshaybi. The festival’s full program is due to be announced in coming weeks.
Sbs Begins “Most Ambitious Drama Yet”
Oz broadcaster Sbs has begun its “most...
- 11/18/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Other new appointments include former BFI London Film Festival director Clare Stewart.
Bafta has announced a raft of new appointments to its film committee, including Oscar-winning director Asif Kapadia and actor Riz Ahmed.
Kapadia, the filmmaker behind documentaries Amy and Senna, has been elected to the committee alongside Clare Stewart, a former director of the BFI London Film Festival and BFI Flare: London Lgbtqi+ Film Festival.
Ahmed, the Emmy award-winning star of The Night Of, Rogue One and Mogul Mowgli, has been appointed as a co-opted member, which are selected by the committee and approved by Bafta’s board.
Other...
Bafta has announced a raft of new appointments to its film committee, including Oscar-winning director Asif Kapadia and actor Riz Ahmed.
Kapadia, the filmmaker behind documentaries Amy and Senna, has been elected to the committee alongside Clare Stewart, a former director of the BFI London Film Festival and BFI Flare: London Lgbtqi+ Film Festival.
Ahmed, the Emmy award-winning star of The Night Of, Rogue One and Mogul Mowgli, has been appointed as a co-opted member, which are selected by the committee and approved by Bafta’s board.
Other...
- 10/28/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
A major awards overhaul by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is being heralded by the U.K. industry as a “bold plan” that may finally spark enduring change.
In an interview with Variety, BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar described the new rules as a “wholesale cultural change” that has been in the works for seven months. “We want to have a positive impact on the wider industry, but it’s important to put our own house in order,” says Majumdar.
BAFTA’s changes, which will apply to the 2021 awards, follow an extensive industry review of the org following the 2020 Film Awards, which were based on all-white acting nominations and zero female director nods, and drew outrage across the British industry in January. Ever since, BAFTA has been steadfast in promising change, and on Thursday, it delivered.
Landmark initiatives — of 120 changes in total — include an expansion of the...
In an interview with Variety, BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar described the new rules as a “wholesale cultural change” that has been in the works for seven months. “We want to have a positive impact on the wider industry, but it’s important to put our own house in order,” says Majumdar.
BAFTA’s changes, which will apply to the 2021 awards, follow an extensive industry review of the org following the 2020 Film Awards, which were based on all-white acting nominations and zero female director nods, and drew outrage across the British industry in January. Ever since, BAFTA has been steadfast in promising change, and on Thursday, it delivered.
Landmark initiatives — of 120 changes in total — include an expansion of the...
- 9/24/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
BAFTA today revealed more than120 changes to its voting, membership and campaigning processes as it published the findings of an in-depth seven-month Awards Review. The British org began the review to address diversity standards after controversy erupted earlier this year over its 2020 BAFTA Film Awards nominations, which featured zero non-white acting contenders and an all-male directing field.
Some of the major tweaks announced Thursday involve increasing the number of nominees in the directing and acting categories, including a directing longlist to be made up equally of men and women. The membership is also due to greatly expand over the next few years and a new voting round has been added.
BAFTA Chair Krishnendu Majumdar calls this “a watershed moment for BAFTA. The Academy has never opened itself up like this before. The sessions with contributors were tough, chastening, captivating and very moving… This is a reappraisal of our values and the culture of BAFTA.
Some of the major tweaks announced Thursday involve increasing the number of nominees in the directing and acting categories, including a directing longlist to be made up equally of men and women. The membership is also due to greatly expand over the next few years and a new voting round has been added.
BAFTA Chair Krishnendu Majumdar calls this “a watershed moment for BAFTA. The Academy has never opened itself up like this before. The sessions with contributors were tough, chastening, captivating and very moving… This is a reappraisal of our values and the culture of BAFTA.
- 9/24/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
In an effort to increase the diversity of its membership and its nominations, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will dramatically increase its membership numbers and make more than 100 changes to its voting process for the upcoming 2021 film awards, the organization announced on Thursday.
The changes include a new round of “longlists” that will narrow the field in all categories; requirements that voters watch all the films on a longlist before voting in the nominations round; more nominations in the acting, directing and Outstanding British Film categories; the availability of all competing films on a viewing portal for members; and stricter campaign rules to limit the advantage for films with larger marketing budgets.
As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did in the wake of its #OscarsSoWhite backlash, BAFTA will also embark on a major expansion of its membership aimed at adding 1,000 members from under-represented groups.
The changes include a new round of “longlists” that will narrow the field in all categories; requirements that voters watch all the films on a longlist before voting in the nominations round; more nominations in the acting, directing and Outstanding British Film categories; the availability of all competing films on a viewing portal for members; and stricter campaign rules to limit the advantage for films with larger marketing budgets.
As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did in the wake of its #OscarsSoWhite backlash, BAFTA will also embark on a major expansion of its membership aimed at adding 1,000 members from under-represented groups.
- 9/24/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has unveiled the results of a historic seven-month diversity review, which includes the expansion of the outstanding British film category to 10 nominations; a key longlisting round across all categories that aims to level the playing field in acting and directing in particular; and the introduction of 1,000 new members from underrepresented groups.
The review, which has been independently verified, came in response to the lack of diversity in the 2020 Film Awards — which in January unveiled a much-criticized roster of all-white acting nominations — but its remit expanded to include other aspects of the org and its awards. All changes, which amount to 120 in total and span everything from voting to awards campaigning, have been approved unanimously by the BAFTA board.
Key changes are below:
Membership
• Membership expanding to target 1,000 new members from under-represented groups over the next two years. This process will be...
The review, which has been independently verified, came in response to the lack of diversity in the 2020 Film Awards — which in January unveiled a much-criticized roster of all-white acting nominations — but its remit expanded to include other aspects of the org and its awards. All changes, which amount to 120 in total and span everything from voting to awards campaigning, have been approved unanimously by the BAFTA board.
Key changes are below:
Membership
• Membership expanding to target 1,000 new members from under-represented groups over the next two years. This process will be...
- 9/24/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Bafta aims to be more British, more respresentative and more welcoming.
The UK’s Bafta Film Awards is completely revamping its voting methods in all major categories, expanding the number of films to be nominated for outstanding British film and limiting how distributors can promote their titles to members as part of a radical overhaul of every aspect of the organisation.
It is also planning to invite 1,000 new members from under-represented groups to become members at a “heavily discounted” rate.
The aim is to ensure the film awards more equitably reflect the UK film industry, all eligible films, woman directors,...
The UK’s Bafta Film Awards is completely revamping its voting methods in all major categories, expanding the number of films to be nominated for outstanding British film and limiting how distributors can promote their titles to members as part of a radical overhaul of every aspect of the organisation.
It is also planning to invite 1,000 new members from under-represented groups to become members at a “heavily discounted” rate.
The aim is to ensure the film awards more equitably reflect the UK film industry, all eligible films, woman directors,...
- 9/24/2020
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
In today’s Global Bulletin, U.K. film bodies respond to AMPAS’ new diversity requirements, ITV details its upcoming virtual TV festival, For Film’s Sake announces the 13 projects selected for its inaugural Attagirl lab, Mexico’s Pixelatl and Cartoon Network Latin America announce their third annual Girl Power winner, Switzerland’s Zurich Film Festival reveals its 2020 Hashtag sidebar, and full casting for Canadian comedy series “Lady Dicks” is confirmed.
Representation
The U.K.’s leading film bodies have weighed in on the Oscars’ recently announced diversity requirements. On Tuesday, following several years of a membership drive designed to increase diverse representation, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced new eligibility standards requiring enhanced diversity in both above and below the line talent.
“We welcome AMPAS’s announcement of representation and inclusion standards inspired by our own BFI Diversity Standards,” said British Film Institute chief executive Ben Roberts.
Representation
The U.K.’s leading film bodies have weighed in on the Oscars’ recently announced diversity requirements. On Tuesday, following several years of a membership drive designed to increase diverse representation, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced new eligibility standards requiring enhanced diversity in both above and below the line talent.
“We welcome AMPAS’s announcement of representation and inclusion standards inspired by our own BFI Diversity Standards,” said British Film Institute chief executive Ben Roberts.
- 9/9/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
All categories other than best picture will be held to current eligibility requirements.
All best picture contenders for the Oscars will be required to meet representation and inclusion standards from 2024, said the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday (September 8).
The initiative falls under the auspices of equity and inclusion initiative Academy Aperture 2025 and also places the onus on a contender’s distributor or financier with regard to apprenticeships, and marketing, publicity, and distribution departments.
Scroll down for full details
All categories other than best picture will be held to their current eligibility requirements. Films in the specialty...
All best picture contenders for the Oscars will be required to meet representation and inclusion standards from 2024, said the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday (September 8).
The initiative falls under the auspices of equity and inclusion initiative Academy Aperture 2025 and also places the onus on a contender’s distributor or financier with regard to apprenticeships, and marketing, publicity, and distribution departments.
Scroll down for full details
All categories other than best picture will be held to their current eligibility requirements. Films in the specialty...
- 9/9/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: David Farr, the British writer behind The Night Manager and Hanna, is developing an adaptation of John Wyndham’s sci-fi novel The Midwich Cuckoos for Comcast-owned European broadcaster Sky.
Deadline can reveal that Farr is working to turn the novel into an eight-part series after it was the inspiration for two movies last century, both of which were titled Village Of The Damned.
The TV remake is housed at ITV Studios-backed Route 24, which is run by Arlington Road producer Marc Samuelson, and Snowed-In Productions, the sister company of Bronte Film and Television, which produces J.K Rowling dramas including The Casual Vacancy and Strike.
Wyndham’s 1957 story centers on the sleepy English village of Midwich, where a strange sequence of events culminates in the community’s women falling pregnant with alien children with glowing eyes and otherworldly powers. It ranks alongside The Day Of The Triffids as...
Deadline can reveal that Farr is working to turn the novel into an eight-part series after it was the inspiration for two movies last century, both of which were titled Village Of The Damned.
The TV remake is housed at ITV Studios-backed Route 24, which is run by Arlington Road producer Marc Samuelson, and Snowed-In Productions, the sister company of Bronte Film and Television, which produces J.K Rowling dramas including The Casual Vacancy and Strike.
Wyndham’s 1957 story centers on the sleepy English village of Midwich, where a strange sequence of events culminates in the community’s women falling pregnant with alien children with glowing eyes and otherworldly powers. It ranks alongside The Day Of The Triffids as...
- 7/3/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Temporary changes take into consideration months of cinema closures due to the ongoing virus crisis.
Bafta has made temporary changes to its eligibility rules for the 2021 film awards, taking into consideration months of cinema closures due to the ongoing virus crisis.
The rule changes have been introduced to ensure titles which had an intended theatrical release are not penalised due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on UK cinemas, which have remained closed since March 20.
The changes, which have been made following consultation with the industry, will be reviewed at the end of July to take into consideration any further changes around film production,...
Bafta has made temporary changes to its eligibility rules for the 2021 film awards, taking into consideration months of cinema closures due to the ongoing virus crisis.
The rule changes have been introduced to ensure titles which had an intended theatrical release are not penalised due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on UK cinemas, which have remained closed since March 20.
The changes, which have been made following consultation with the industry, will be reviewed at the end of July to take into consideration any further changes around film production,...
- 6/16/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
In step with the Oscars, BAFTA has announced temporary changes to its film eligibility rules for the 2021 awards. Scroll down for the full list of changes.
The changes are in response to Covid-19 and the lack of theatrical releases with most UK cinemas still closed. Movies that were released on VOD instead of their intended theatrical run will be eligible, for example.
The changes will be reviewed at the end of July 2020, taking into consideration “the constantly evolving circumstances of film production, distribution and exhibition”.
BAFTA announced last night that, in line with the postponement of the Oscars, next year’s Film Awards will be held on Sunday April 11 2021, a change from the previously announced date of 14 February.
Marc Samuelson, Chair of the Film Committee, commented: “We have pushed back by two months to give all films the best possible chance to be released and considered properly. As cinemas gradually...
The changes are in response to Covid-19 and the lack of theatrical releases with most UK cinemas still closed. Movies that were released on VOD instead of their intended theatrical run will be eligible, for example.
The changes will be reviewed at the end of July 2020, taking into consideration “the constantly evolving circumstances of film production, distribution and exhibition”.
BAFTA announced last night that, in line with the postponement of the Oscars, next year’s Film Awards will be held on Sunday April 11 2021, a change from the previously announced date of 14 February.
Marc Samuelson, Chair of the Film Committee, commented: “We have pushed back by two months to give all films the best possible chance to be released and considered properly. As cinemas gradually...
- 6/16/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
BAFTA has laid out new, temporary eligibility requirements for the upcoming 2021 edition of the annual Film Awards.
The new rules, which come less than 24 hours after BAFTA moved the awards by two months in line with the Oscars, will be reviewed at the end of July, once a clearer picture emerges for U.K. cinemas. Theaters, which closed the week of March 16, are expected to reopen on July 4, and Cineworld confirmed today that its U.K. screens will be back in operation for July 10.
Under the new BAFTA eligibility requirements, titles that had been theatrically released when cinemas closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and consequently had their release period curtailed, will be eligible regardless of the number of qualifying screenings they had.
Meanwhile, films whose confirmed theatrical release date, as determined by the Film Distributors’ Association, has fallen during the three-month cinema lockdown will be eligible if their release...
The new rules, which come less than 24 hours after BAFTA moved the awards by two months in line with the Oscars, will be reviewed at the end of July, once a clearer picture emerges for U.K. cinemas. Theaters, which closed the week of March 16, are expected to reopen on July 4, and Cineworld confirmed today that its U.K. screens will be back in operation for July 10.
Under the new BAFTA eligibility requirements, titles that had been theatrically released when cinemas closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and consequently had their release period curtailed, will be eligible regardless of the number of qualifying screenings they had.
Meanwhile, films whose confirmed theatrical release date, as determined by the Film Distributors’ Association, has fallen during the three-month cinema lockdown will be eligible if their release...
- 6/16/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BAFTA has come out in support of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ new standards for representation, with hopes that a uniform set of diversity requirements can apply to both the Oscars and BAFTA Awards.
Marc Samuelson, chair of BAFTA’s film committee, tells Variety, “BAFTA has worked for the last three years with the BFI, and has been consulting with AMPAS, with the hope being that between the three organizations, we can create standards that will apply everywhere.
“It means that all of the various awards can be subject to passing diversity standards. That should in turn galvanize the progress of diversity across the whole industry,” said Samuelson.
AMPAS on Friday revealed plans to assemble a task force of industry leaders “to develop and implement new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility by July 31, 2020.” A quarterly viewing process for members to increase year-round exposure to films,...
Marc Samuelson, chair of BAFTA’s film committee, tells Variety, “BAFTA has worked for the last three years with the BFI, and has been consulting with AMPAS, with the hope being that between the three organizations, we can create standards that will apply everywhere.
“It means that all of the various awards can be subject to passing diversity standards. That should in turn galvanize the progress of diversity across the whole industry,” said Samuelson.
AMPAS on Friday revealed plans to assemble a task force of industry leaders “to develop and implement new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility by July 31, 2020.” A quarterly viewing process for members to increase year-round exposure to films,...
- 6/12/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
BAFTA has named a 12-strong steering group that will lead a review of its voting processes in a bid to address a lack of diversity in its nominations.
This year, the awards body caught flak for unveiling a crop of nominations featuring no non-white actors and an all-male director field. This led the body to contact its membership expressing the “frustrating” lack of diversity.
Deadline broke the news that BAFTA was set to conduct a “thorough review” of its procedures in response to the #BAFTAsSoWhite backlash and calls from orgs including Directors UK to address the issue.
The review will cover nominations and voting process, the role of distributors, the campaigning process, and the makeup of BAFTA’s membership and ultimately how these processes and conditions might be improved. It will focus on the film awards but will also consider BAFTA’s TV, craft and games ceremonies.
The steering group,...
This year, the awards body caught flak for unveiling a crop of nominations featuring no non-white actors and an all-male director field. This led the body to contact its membership expressing the “frustrating” lack of diversity.
Deadline broke the news that BAFTA was set to conduct a “thorough review” of its procedures in response to the #BAFTAsSoWhite backlash and calls from orgs including Directors UK to address the issue.
The review will cover nominations and voting process, the role of distributors, the campaigning process, and the makeup of BAFTA’s membership and ultimately how these processes and conditions might be improved. It will focus on the film awards but will also consider BAFTA’s TV, craft and games ceremonies.
The steering group,...
- 5/12/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The initial findings and recommendations are expected by the end of summer 2020.
Bafta has unveiled the members of its new steering group leading a review into the much-publicised lack of diversity at this year’s Bafta film awards.
The group will be chaired by Bafta deputy chair Krishnendu Majumdar. The other members are:
Kathryn Busby – executive vice president of TriStar Television Noel Clarke – actor, writer, director, producer Sadia Habib – academic and co-founder RizTest Anna Higgs – head of entertainment media partnership, northern europe Facebook Nahrein Kemp – film and TV executive, Film London, runs Equal Access Network Kate Lee – founder and partner,...
Bafta has unveiled the members of its new steering group leading a review into the much-publicised lack of diversity at this year’s Bafta film awards.
The group will be chaired by Bafta deputy chair Krishnendu Majumdar. The other members are:
Kathryn Busby – executive vice president of TriStar Television Noel Clarke – actor, writer, director, producer Sadia Habib – academic and co-founder RizTest Anna Higgs – head of entertainment media partnership, northern europe Facebook Nahrein Kemp – film and TV executive, Film London, runs Equal Access Network Kate Lee – founder and partner,...
- 5/12/2020
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has unveiled a new steering group to lead a major review to help improve representation in its film awards, after widespread criticism for their lack of diversity earlier this year.
BAFTA’s film awards in February were overshadowed by a major diversity debate after no actors of color were included in any of the major acting categories, and no women were nominated in the best director category.
Seeking to tackle the issue head on, BAFTA said on Tuesday that the new steering group will “lead the review of the processes and conditions which contributed to a lack of diversity in some of the categories in this year’s British Academy Film Awards.”
The review will cover the nominations and voting process, the role of distributors, the campaigning process, the makeup of BAFTA’s membership and, ultimately, “how these processes and conditions...
BAFTA’s film awards in February were overshadowed by a major diversity debate after no actors of color were included in any of the major acting categories, and no women were nominated in the best director category.
Seeking to tackle the issue head on, BAFTA said on Tuesday that the new steering group will “lead the review of the processes and conditions which contributed to a lack of diversity in some of the categories in this year’s British Academy Film Awards.”
The review will cover the nominations and voting process, the role of distributors, the campaigning process, the makeup of BAFTA’s membership and, ultimately, “how these processes and conditions...
- 5/12/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
#BAFTAsSoWhite was not the hashtag that BAFTA brass was hoping would trend on Twitter within minutes of nominations being announced.
Yet there it was: an incensed public response to a slate that, for the fourth time in a decade, yielded all-white nominees in the four top acting categories, including two apiece for actresses Margot Robbie and Scarlett Johansson — at the expense of heavily buzzed contenders including Lupita Nyong’o, Golden Globe winner Awkwafina and even British star Cynthia Erivo.
Erivo would scoop an Oscar nomination days later, making the BAFTA omission all the more jarring.
In a bitter irony, the inaugural nominees for the new casting award — BAFTA’s one well received move this year, it seems — included Sarah Crowe for “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” a Dickens adaptation that has received praise for its diverse, color-blind ensemble led by former BAFTA winner Dev Patel.
When none of its individual actors made the cut,...
Yet there it was: an incensed public response to a slate that, for the fourth time in a decade, yielded all-white nominees in the four top acting categories, including two apiece for actresses Margot Robbie and Scarlett Johansson — at the expense of heavily buzzed contenders including Lupita Nyong’o, Golden Globe winner Awkwafina and even British star Cynthia Erivo.
Erivo would scoop an Oscar nomination days later, making the BAFTA omission all the more jarring.
In a bitter irony, the inaugural nominees for the new casting award — BAFTA’s one well received move this year, it seems — included Sarah Crowe for “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” a Dickens adaptation that has received praise for its diverse, color-blind ensemble led by former BAFTA winner Dev Patel.
When none of its individual actors made the cut,...
- 1/29/2020
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is presenting Andy Serkis with its Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 73rd Ee British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Feb. 2 in London.
The organization said Thursday that it was honoring the British actor, producer and director for his pioneering work on performance capture and for widening “the parameters of what it means to be an actor in the 21st century.”
Serkis’ accomplishments in the field include the creation of such characters as Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” series, Caesar in “The Planet of the Apes” trilogy, the titular gorilla in 2005’s “King Kong” and as Supreme Leader Snoke in the recent “Star Wars” films.
“As a leading actor in performance capture, Andy Serkis has been integral to the development of this remarkable digital technology, which allows filmmakers to bring to life amazing characters that...
The organization said Thursday that it was honoring the British actor, producer and director for his pioneering work on performance capture and for widening “the parameters of what it means to be an actor in the 21st century.”
Serkis’ accomplishments in the field include the creation of such characters as Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” series, Caesar in “The Planet of the Apes” trilogy, the titular gorilla in 2005’s “King Kong” and as Supreme Leader Snoke in the recent “Star Wars” films.
“As a leading actor in performance capture, Andy Serkis has been integral to the development of this remarkable digital technology, which allows filmmakers to bring to life amazing characters that...
- 1/23/2020
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
The British Academy is scrambling for answers after BAFTA Awards nominations, announced early last week, included no actors of color in the main categories and a selection of exclusively male director noms. As the hashtag #BaftasSoWhite gained traction, many members within the organization as well as those in the wider industry have suggested it is time for a change in the way nominees are chosen.
The question isn’t whether worthy films from women directors and diverse talent exist — it’s whether they’re getting seen by voters, says Andrew Chowns who heads industry body Directors U.K. “For me, this an issue about BAFTA’s voting system,” he says, noting that BAFTA nominations chosen by peer groups are more inclusive. “Some of the award categories are jury decisions, and it is noticeable they are more diverse in their makeup,” he explains. “The question for BAFTA is have they got...
The question isn’t whether worthy films from women directors and diverse talent exist — it’s whether they’re getting seen by voters, says Andrew Chowns who heads industry body Directors U.K. “For me, this an issue about BAFTA’s voting system,” he says, noting that BAFTA nominations chosen by peer groups are more inclusive. “Some of the award categories are jury decisions, and it is noticeable they are more diverse in their makeup,” he explains. “The question for BAFTA is have they got...
- 1/15/2020
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts came under fire for featuring wall-to-wall white nominees across its four main acting categories, a result that sparked not only #BAFTAsSoWhite outrage across Twitter, but also encouraged the BAFTAs to review their nomination process. In a recent interview with The Guardian, filmmaker Steve McQueen, who won both the BAFTA Award for Best Film and the Academy Award for Best Picture for “12 Years a Slave” in 2014, said that he, too, is “fed up” with the process.
“After a while you get a bit fed up with it. Because if the BAFTAs are not supporting British talent, if you’re not supporting the people who are making headway in the industry, then I don’t understand what you are there for,” the British filmmaker said. McQueen is calling out the BAFTAs amid a year rife with diverse talent in eligible films.
“After a while you get a bit fed up with it. Because if the BAFTAs are not supporting British talent, if you’re not supporting the people who are making headway in the industry, then I don’t understand what you are there for,” the British filmmaker said. McQueen is calling out the BAFTAs amid a year rife with diverse talent in eligible films.
- 1/13/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Until Issa Rae and John Cho announced “Harriet” star Cynthia Erivo as a nominee for best actress for the 92nd Academy Awards, it was looking increasingly likely that the Oscars were heading for a repeat of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy that drove the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences four years ago to aggressively begin diversifying its membership.
Instead, Erivo saved the Academy from the embarrassment of yet another slate of all-white acting nominees — but just barely.
This year’s Oscar nominations for acting still managed to shut out a wealth of highly regarded performances by actors of color who did earn nominations for several other lead-up awards.
Those include Awkwafina in “The Farewell” (best actress winner at the Golden Globes and nominee at the Critics’ Choice Awards), Jennifer Lopez in “Hustlers”, Eddie Murphy in “Dolemite Is My Name” (best actor nominee at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards...
Instead, Erivo saved the Academy from the embarrassment of yet another slate of all-white acting nominees — but just barely.
This year’s Oscar nominations for acting still managed to shut out a wealth of highly regarded performances by actors of color who did earn nominations for several other lead-up awards.
Those include Awkwafina in “The Farewell” (best actress winner at the Golden Globes and nominee at the Critics’ Choice Awards), Jennifer Lopez in “Hustlers”, Eddie Murphy in “Dolemite Is My Name” (best actor nominee at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards...
- 1/13/2020
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
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