How Does BAFTA Choose Its Breakthroughs? A Glimpse Into Finding Tomorrow’s Top Talent

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As a humble observer of the ever-evolving world of entertainment, I find myself utterly captivated by the stories of these remarkable individuals who have been recognized by the prestigious BAFTA Breakthrough program. Their journeys, filled with passion, resilience, and an unyielding drive to create, serve as a testament to the power of human spirit and determination.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but be amazed by the stories of rising stars who were once unknown but later became our beloved A-list celebrities. Just like Florence Pugh, Josh O’Connor, and Tom Holland, who were all highlighted by the BAFTA Breakthrough initiative before they reached their current stardom.

This British arts charity’s renowned program for nurturing new talent, funded by Netflix, doesn’t just discover promising actors; it also elevates the unsung heroes behind film and TV productions – individuals working in roles like writing, design, casting, music composition, and many more – from diverse backgrounds. To boost their careers, this initiative provides support. Notably, its backers include prominent figures such as Olivia Colman, Tilda Swinton, and Brad Pitt.

For over 10 years (prior to 2020, it was known as Breakthrough Brits), the cohorts from the U.K. and U.S. have been granted immediate access to a world full of opportunities. Could they be the stars of Disney+’s upcoming blockbuster series in the future?

You might not be aware that Ambika Mod, known for her role in Netflix’s “One Day,” and Nicôle Lecky, writer and executive producer of “Mood” and the upcoming BBC show “Wild Cherry,” were both chosen for the BAFTA Breakthrough U.K. 2022. It’s also possible you didn’t know that Bella Ramsey, famous for their role alongside Pedro Pascal in “The Last of Us,” was on the Breakthrough list from last year. Mawaan Rizwan of BBC Three’s “Juice” and “Baby Reindeer” breakout Nava Mau are part of the 2024 cohort, which was announced on Thursday.

When The Hollywood Reporter inquired about whether being on the list impacted his career, Bao Nguyen, the rising U.S. star and documentary filmmaker of 2021, confidently responded, ‘Absolutely.’ He prefers to let his art and films represent him, rather than actively promoting himself.

Speaking about The Greatest Night in Pop (2024), Nguyen shares: “At various functions, individuals would present me as an Emerging Talent. Then, everyone would exclaim, ‘Wow, that’s such a highly regarded program.’ After people recognized me as an Emerging Talent, there was undoubtedly a sense of respect and prestige they bestowed upon me.

Letitia Wright, Malachi Kirby, Jessie Buckley, and Paapa Essiedu are among the actors selected to participate in this program, along with others such as reality TV producer Coco Jackson, game creators Segun Akinola, Dan Gray, Gemma Langford, directors Rose Glass, Stella Corradi, Destiny Ekaragha, and Michael Pearce.

The main cast of Rye Lane includes Vivian Oparah, known for Sex Education, George Robinson from various projects, Luke Hull who worked on Chernobyl as a production designer, and Bethany Swan, the hair and makeup artist from I May Destroy You. This team is noteworthy because it is diverse.

Ade Rawcliffe, head of the Learning, Inclusion & Talent Committee at BAFTA, additionally serves on the board and attended meetings for Breakthrough U.K.’s executive group this year. “When I began my career in the industry,” Rawcliffe shared with THR, “I seldom saw individuals who resembled me on screen, and there weren’t many behind the camera either.” The statistics indicate progress, but they also demonstrate that we still have a significant distance to cover. We acknowledge that more effort is required, which is why programs like Breakthrough are so crucial.

BAFTA’s Breakthrough program also partners with other institutions for workshops and networking opportunities, allowing participants to mingle with influential figures in the industry. Rawcliffe adds, “It elevates one’s profile… It instills confidence.” By associating with individuals who have previously achieved success, you will receive guidance on overcoming challenges. Essentially, BAFTA serves as a bridge, linking you to experienced professionals who are willing to share their expertise due to its status as an esteemed Academy.

As a gamer, I often wonder about the process behind selecting the Breakthroughs at BAFTA. With countless applications flooding their system, it’s impressive how they manage to narrow it down to barely more than 30 exceptional contenders for both the U.K. and U.S. lists.

In the U.K., the Academy shifted from using juries to committees of experienced professionals in the field to assess applications, providing more time for the selection team to thoroughly review each submission. Applicants are asked to discuss their impact on their Breakthrough project (the key work that propels an application, such as a film, TV show, or game), their goals for the program, and their desired changes within the industry.

Rawcliffe elaborates, “We strive to extend our reach as far and wide as we can. We aim to discover individuals who may not have been recognized before, allowing us to tap into the best potential talent. Not only do we seek those who have already succeeded, but also those who we believe will maximize their opportunities. In recent years, many applicants have expressed their passion for contributing to the industry beyond just their work; they’ve shared their desire to support others and utilize their influence.

When it comes to selecting individuals for BAFTA Breakthrough, we aim to strike a balance between recognized faces and lesser-known talents within the industry. This balance is important as we strive to reflect both the general population and the industry itself. We have familiar names who are often in front of the camera, but also lesser-known individuals who work behind the scenes, equally contributing to the industry’s growth and development.

Anne Mensah, Vice President of U.K. Content at Netflix, remarks that the breakthrough has solidified its graduates as the upcoming generation of creative talent, both on-screen and off. ‘Netflix has been fortunate to work with some who have gone through this program,’ she says, ‘but there are many more who are making a significant impact across the industry as exceptional storytellers of our era.’

It’s clear in recent times that BAFTA stands as the U.K.’s most prominent film academy, boasting a membership exceeding 12,000 and enjoying similar renown to organizations like AMPAS (the Academy Awards) or the Television Academy in the U.S. The BAFTA Film Awards in February have grown increasingly significant, often serving as a strong indicator of who and what will ultimately win at events such as the Oscars or SAG Awards. For instance, Cillian Murphy’s victory for “Oppenheimer” and Emma Stone’s best actress award for “Poor Things”, both this year, were followed by successes at other prestigious awards shows. Similarly, Justine Triet’s sweep of the best original screenplay category for “Anatomy of a Fall” earlier this year also hinted at future accolades.

Rawcliffe agrees wholeheartedly. “It’s increasingly vital to secure a BAFTA award and be acknowledged by BAFTA, which is why every supporting initiative matters significantly. We aim to leverage the quality and influence of awards to drive wider change within the industry.

Nguyen asserts that his advantages have remained robust amidst the tumultuous climate of the modern entertainment industry: “Though I graduated from the program a year or two back, I still lean on BAFTA for their guidance. Their alumni network is quite powerful, and I frequently communicate with numerous peers from my group.

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2024-11-21 19:27