BAFTA announces 900 new members joining since 2020

WEBWIRE – Friday, March 18, 2022

Actors Vanessa Kirby, Brad Pitt and Micheal Ward, directors Waad Al-Kateab and Lulu Wang, games composer Woody Jackson and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge are among those who have recently joined BAFTA’s global membership 

BAFTA ‘Connect’ – the new tier of membership for those at an earlier stage of their career – opens today as part of BAFTA’s drive for a more inclusive, open membership 

BAFTA has announced today that over 900 industry professionals have joined its global membership since 2020 as the arts charity continues to work towards growing an inclusive membership representing the very best of the film, games and television industries. 

Also today, BAFTA has opened applications for its new membership tier, Connect, specifically created for emerging and mid-level professionals across the UK and North America to join BAFTA at an earlier point in their careers. Connect offers creatives working in film, games and television the opportunity to strengthen professional networks and access a range of career development activity, including networking opportunities, workshops and masterclasses, as well as make use of the redeveloped space at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. 

Successful applicants for Connect will join new full members including: Akua Gyamfi, Anna Dick, Bobby Krlic, Brad Pitt, Caroline O’Neill, Fiona Shaw, Isobel Waller-Bridge, Jennifer Hampson, Kate Herron, Lulu Wang, Mark Bridges, Micheal Ward, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Roger Clark, Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Vanessa Kirby, Waad Al-Kateab and Woody Jackson. Individuals selected for BAFTA’s flagship new talent initiatives, Breakthrough and Elevate, are also welcomed as new members.  

Krishnendu Majumdar, Chair of BAFTA, said: “BAFTA continues to be committed to driving more inclusive industries and promoting unheard voices in the screen arts. Members are at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for talented people to join our global membership, whether they’re in the earlier stages of their careers or have more experience. I encourage anyone who shares our values to apply.” 

Waad Al-Kateab said: “As a journalist and filmmaker, I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of BAFTA’s global community. By joining, I had the opportunity to meet and connect with professionals from all different backgrounds and walks of life, as well as to connect with people who, like me, are passionate about ensuring our creative screen industries authentically shape and reflect the world around us.”   

As part of the Review in 2020 BAFTA announced proactive steps to increase diversity within its membership and become a more diverse, inclusive and representative organisation. Since September 2020, BAFTA has invited over 500 people from underrepresented groups across film, games and television to join its membership and is on target to invite 1,000 in two years. 

ENDS

Notes to editors 

The 900 new full members will vote in the awards. Details of full membership eligibility criteria is available at www.bafta.org/about/membership  

Applications across all membership levels are now open and are actively encouraged from individuals from groups or communities that are currently underrepresented in the screen industries, especially people with disabilities. Applications are also encouraged from those based outside London. Applications for film and television closes on 31 March, and for games on 28 April. 

BAFTA’s new membership tier, Connect, opens for applications today. Applications close on 28 April.  

Successful applicants for Connect will have two to four credits as main team practitioners or have up to five years’ professional experience in film, games or television. Details of Connect membership eligibility criteria is available at www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/bafta-connect  

About BAFTA

BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).

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