BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, which was launched in conjunction with Burberry in 2013, is now in its second year. The initiative celebrates and supports the UK’s future stars of film, television and games through a career development program that includes mentoring, guidance sessions and networking opportunities, as well as free access to BAFTA events, over 12 months.
This year’s Breakthrough Brits, chosen by a jury of industry experts, includes: writers Jonathan Asser and Chris Lunt; producer/directors Mike Brett & Steve Jamison, and Marc Williamson; games producers Charu Desodt and Daniel Gray; directors Destiny Ekaragha and Sarah Walker; composer Tandis Jenhudson; presenter Ashley Kendall; actors Katie Leung, Stacy Martin and Callum Turner; game developer Reece Millidge; actor/producer Ray Panthaki; game designer William Pugh; and producer AJ Riach.
Of special note, with regards to this blog’s interests, is director Destiny Ekaragha, whose work has been featured/profiled on S&A since we were first introduced to her, via her short film, "Tight Jeans," back in 2009. She went on to make her feature film directorial debut with the drama "Gone Too Far," written by playwright Bola Agbaje, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival last year.
She’s the only BAFTA "2014 Breakthrough Brit" of African descent that I identified on the list of 18. If I’m wrong about that, I’m sure I’ll be corrected.
In the video at the bottom of this post, you’ll find Destiny’s BAFTA video profile of her, in which she talks about future projects she’s attached to, including a zombie movie!
The full list of BAFTA Breakthrough Brits in 2014 follows:
- Jonathan Asser – Writer
- Mike Brett & Steve Jamison – Producer/Directors
- Charu Desodt – Games producer
- Destiny Ekaragha – Director
- Daniel Gray – Games producer
- Tandis Jenhudson – Composer
- Ashley Kendall – Presenter
- Katie Leung – Actress
- Chris Lunt – Writer
- Stacy Martin – Actress
- Reece Millidge – Game developer
- Ray Panthaki – Actor/Producer
- William Pugh – Game designer
- AJ Riach – Producer
- Callum Turner – Actor
- Sarah Walker – Director
- Marc Williamson – Producer/Director
Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “Breakthrough Brits, launched last year in partnership with Burberry, is BAFTA’s flagship initiative to showcase and support new talent, allowing us to shine a spotlight on outstanding individuals across film, television and games. Our inaugural Breakthrough Brits have enjoyed a truly extraordinary year and now include multi-BAFTA and industry award winners and nominees, and across-the-board success stories.
“BAFTA and Burberry believe passionately in supporting new British talent, and this year’s BAFTA Breakthrough Brits are 18 supremely talented individuals with great futures ahead of them. Over the next year, thanks to the outstanding support of our legacy mentors and partners, they will have the chance to meet with and learn from some of the most renowned names in the film, television and games industries.”
Watch Ekaragha’s BAFTA "Breakthrough Brit" video profile below, and get to know this young, up-and-coming filmmaker who you’ll probably be hearing more about in coming years.
