Mid-level documentary and specialist factual creatives are to receive a career boost in the latest iteration of diverse talent programme Bafta Elevate.
Bafta and partner Dunhill have opened applications for up to 20 places on the two-year scheme, which is open to development producers, producers, directors and producer-directors working in TV and documentary features.
Candidates from underrepresented groups, including minority ethnic, disabled and/or low socio-economic backgrounds, can apply and at least half of the places will go to women.
The scheme aims to address a range of factors that are narrowing of opportunity in these factual roles, identified in more than 40 roundtables and masterclasses held by Bafta with figures across the industry in the past 18 months.
These include the impact of social mobility and lack of financial privilege as a barrier to progression; the effect of budgetary pressures on commissioning decisions and risk-taking; and the difficulty of maintaining sustainable careers in the absence of formal structures and career pathways.
This year’s scheme is backed by individuals including Amy and Senna [pictured] director Asif Kapadia, broadcaster and actor Reggie Yates and campaigning group We Are Doc Women.
Kapadia, who was born in London to parents of Indian heritage, highlighted how he felt his “outsider” status has helped him professionally.
“I speak more than one language, I have grown up with an understanding and respect of different cultures, customs, faiths, ways of thinking. Through my work I been fortunate to travel the world. I use all this experience in my work.
“I hope Bafta Elevate can give people with stories like mine the agency, profile and backing to be an outsider but be on the inside - our experience makes us special, that's our superpower.
“To use what makes us unique to tell stories which emotionally engage, and maybe change the way people think and behave. It's not just the right thing to do; it's integral to the relevance and success of documentary filmmaking.”
Now in its fifth iteration, Bafta Elevate has previously targeted producers, writers, actors and female directors.
Applications for this year’s scheme close at 1pm on 18 October. For more information and to apply, click here
