LEADING THE WAY
Following the positive response of last year’s inaugural Agents for Change feature, we’re shining a light on more standout individuals, events and organisations striving to create a more diverse and equal industry.
BFI x BAFTA
The BFI Flare x BAFTA professional development programme, run in partnership with BFI NETWORK, supports six emerging LGBTQIA+ creatives working towards their debuts in film and television. Participants in the talent initiative, now in its 9th year, benefit from industry mentorship and network building, bespoke events and workshops, wellbeing and career coaching, and access to BAFTA Connect, the academy’s membership programme for emerging and mid-level talent.
The programme has supported nearly 60 creatives with alumni including; Amrou Al-Kadhi, Savannah James-Bayly, Dionne Edwards, Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Kayleigh Llewellyn, Aleem Khan, Georgia Oakley, Georgi Banks-Davies, and Paris Zarcilla.
The programme, made possible thanks to National Lottery funding from BFI NETWORK, has received support from industry figures including Andrew Haigh, Russell T Davies, Joey Soloway, Kate Herron, Luca Guadagnino Sir Isaac Julien CBE RA, and Abi Morgan.
This year’s cohort comprises Travis Alabanza, Isabella Bassett, Zak Ghazi-Torbati, Cherish Oteka, Miles Sloman and Charlie Tidmas. See the current cohort and Alumni here.
Diverse Made Media
Diverse Made Media is an award-winning, disabled-led, TV & Film production house that works across digital and broadcast, producing films for brands, agencies and broadcasters.
Through its work, it aims to bridge the gap of diverse, skilled crew that works behind the camera, and, to reflect this, its team consists of highly experienced individuals across every community that have delivered work from Hollywood feature films, high-end TV and work with international blue chips brands.
Founder Chris Lynch is one of the few disabled cinematographers working in the industry at a senior level that has experienced numerous barriers for those with disabilities. He started work on a ground breaking technology to develop the world’s first wheelchair-based camera system that is set to rival platforms such as the Steadicam. It will not only provide a hugely creative platform for the industry, but create new jobs for people with disabilities that haven’t been possible in the past.
www.diversemade.com
Female Film Club
The Female Film Club, founded by Liza van der Smissen and Nicole Lieberman, started as a way to stay connected with filmmakers worldwide during the pandemic. Launched in August 2020, this online members’ club and app helps filmmakers learn, challenge themselves, work on their craft, and create lasting connections.
Almost four years later, members have travelled to collaborate on scripts, formed deep friendships, and experienced significant growth. With thousands of members from over 55 countries, the FFC regularly collaborates with Universal Pictures, Mubi, Curzon, and esteemed filmmakers. The Female Film Club takes a holistic approach and focuses on mindset, network, and skill as its three foundational pillars. Members in the cohorts get to watch films, meet the filmmakers behind them, and connect and grow in weekly online curated events alongside many other benefits. Members in the Networking Space (free) get access to the database of filmmakers and access to selected events. The Summer Cohort closes July 1st and the waitlist is currently open.
femalefilmclub.com
Film Africa
The Royal African Society is delighted to announce that Film Africa, one of the most anticipated and celebrated showcases of African cinema in Europe, will return for its 2024 edition from 25 October to 3 November. This year’s festival promises an exhilarating array of films, virtual events, director Q&As, panel discussions, professional workshops, master classes, school screenings, and family activities. Film Africa’s main objective is to represent various films and filmmakers from Africa and the African diaspora. It only accepts submissions from African and African diaspora filmmakers, for the 2024 installment of the Film Africa Mati Diop’s Dahomey and Abderrahmane Sissako’s Black Tea to Open and Close London’s Biggest Celebration of African Cinema.
www.filmafrica.org
Girls On Film
Girls On Film isn’t just a podcast, but more “a state of mind” said one listener.
Co-founded in 2018 by leading critic, broadcaster and host Anna Smith and creative arts consultant Hedda Lornie Archbold, the podcast quickly established itself as a response to a lack of representation of women and non-binary film critics, leading many listeners to say it changed the way they think about film. Others have said it gave them the confidence to enter the industry.
Girls On Film has produced 175 episodes, including interviews with 12 Oscar winners and a special with cinematographer Ari Wegner. The podcast has been nominated for three awards, hosted its own annual Girls On Film Awards and built an international community, united in the mission to improve the representation of women and non-binary people across the screen industries.
Girls On Film is available on Apple and Spotify
International Collective of Female⁺ Cinematographers
The International Collective of Female⁺ Cinematographers (ICF⁺C) is a group of professional DPs from every corner of the world who are dedicated to the art and craft of telling stories, as well as to helping each other navigate through gender discrimination in the film industry. It creates a supportive and uplifting space through collective aid, industry advocacy, and peer-to-peer mentorship.
This community also provides a comprehensive, searchable list of cinematographers for industry professionals who are seeking to hire incredible and dedicated collaborators, with vast experience and varying specialties. The ICF⁺C podcast and Instagram grant further access to getting to know many of our talented members.
ICF⁺C members hold regular internal meetups and events that provide direct connection with vendors through hands on experience with cutting edge tools and gear, as well as networking events with other equity-minded organizations to allow for in-person connection with potential collaborations.
Look Beyond the List
Look Beyond the List is a resources site for systemically underrepresented groups working behind the camera in scripted TV and film. It is primarily focused on the UK with a worldwide reach. The site includes details of talent lists, support groups, social action links and more to promote inclusivity and equity. We invite those with hiring power in scripted TV and film to throw out preconceptions, to look beyond the CV format, and to think outside of the systemic norms.
In 2024, it is looking to expand the site further with an extensive search function and would love to connect more with like-minded organisations about collaborations and how it can support their great work further.
Keep an eye on its social media channels for further info on an upcoming newsletter and further updates:
https://www.instagram.com/lookbeyondthelist/
www.linkedin.com/company/look-beyond-the-list/
Muslim International Film Festival
The Muslim International Film Festival (MIFF) is a heartfelt initiative with a mission to reclaim and celebrate Muslim identity. Championing the narratives of international Muslim filmmakers and highlighting their compelling stories, MIFF is also a platform for productions inspired by Muslim culture and faith, embracing filmmakers of all backgrounds. MIFF is more than just a showcase of films; it’s a movement toward a more inclusive film industry. By inviting a global audience to view authentic portrayals and varied stories told by the very people who live them, MIFF fosters understanding and empathy, challenging stereotypes and encouraging a broader, more nuanced view of the Muslim experience. It’s a powerful platform for change, promoting not just diversity but deeper insight into the richness of Muslim life and culture. “These are stories that pack a punch, that resonate deep within, and remind us that there’s more that unites us than divides us.”
The 1st MIFF ran May 30 – June 2 at London’s Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, submissions are now open for the 2nd edition of the festival in 2025.
Open Source
Open Source is a directory collating organisations and individuals that support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, wellness and positive working culture in scripted production in UK.
It is shared openly with the industry and also with those seeking opportunities to enter the industry. The aim being to help centralise resources for those who may have barriers to entry, as well as for those who want to source inclusive recruitment partners and stay up-to-date with the latest toolkits and resources.
Bianca Gavin, Head of Production for the Scripted Division at Pulse Films and Chair to the Production Guild of Great Britain, updates the now 49-page document annually since 2017, with the hope that it provides practical support to help foster a positive culture in the workplace, perhaps making this easier to achieve for busy leaders who take on the mission. And simply to celebrate and amplify all the growing good work in this space.
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“I am grateful to both Pulse Films and PGGB for their support, in our shared aims to help contribute to a more inclusive industry and to spotlight Open Source as a practical resource.”
Open Source is available to download here:
Reel Impact
In May, the Film and TV Charity launched Reel Impact, a new programme to support mid to senior level Black and Global Majority individuals, as well as Black and Global Majority-led production companies and organisations working behind the scenes in film, TV, and cinema. The programme aims to address the impacts of systemic racism in the industry, drive greater access to opportunities, build capacity, and support and develop the careers of under-represented talent.
Following its launch in May, with the first of three rounds of grants of up to £10,000 being made available for individuals and £25,000 for organisations, Reel Impact will also be creating partnerships to support skills and leadership development, and networking opportunities. A second round of grants will launch later this year, with a third still to come. Keep an eye on the Charity’s website and sign up its newsletter to keep up to date with launches, news, and details of other campaigns and launches.
filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/reel-impact/
Rise Women in Broadcast
Rise Women in Broadcast is a global force dedicated to advancing women in the broadcast industry. With a reach extending across the UK, Europe, North America, APAC, India and ANZ regions. Rise empowers women through various initiatives. Their award-winning Mentoring Programme provides invaluable guidance, fostering career growth and development. The annual Rise Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements of women in the industry, highlighting their skills and contributions. The C-Suite Programme is an intensive, residential workshop designed to support women transitioning into senior leadership positions. Membership offers access to a vibrant community, including networking events, seminars, workshops, and conferences, enriching professional connections and knowledge sharing.
Additionally, Rise inspires and educates the next generation of talent through the Rise Academy programme, equipping them with the tools and support needed to succeed. Through these efforts, Rise Women in Broadcast drives positive change, promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the dynamic realm of broadcast
risewib.com
Screencraft Works
ScreenCraft Works is a global community for under-represented film & TV production and post-production talent, for international career development.
We offer three core programmes. Our Cross-Border Mentoring programme matches under-represented craft talent across national borders to share knowledge, perspectives and experience. Cross-Border Talks amplify new voices and share global industry knowledge at all career stages and across all craft departments. Cross-Border Networking enables craft talent to make international connections with industry colleagues whom they would not usually meet.
Our community spans 65 countries and all production and post-production craft roles, including camera, editing, producing, production management, animation, sound and composing.
“Being a part of the 2024 Cross-Border Mentoring programme has been a game changer for me and my career; my network has expanded greatly already”, says current mentee, cinematographer and filmmaker Olwethu Jezile from South Africa, who is mentored by British cinematographer Tat Radcliffe.
TV Access Project
Launched in August 2022 in response to the Underlying Health Condition campaign, the TV Access Project (TAP) is an alliance of ten of the UK’s biggest broadcasters and streamers who have pledged to work together to create a substantive and permanent structural shift in the TV industry to ensure provision for Disabled talent.
Its vision is to see full inclusion by 2030- that is to say, a television industry where no Disabled talent is ever excluded because barriers have been removed and equity created.
The heart of this is ambitious co-creation between disabled people and the wider industry to deliver sustainable solutions with buy-in for and from everyone.
Project Lead, Heloise Beaton said “The power of TAP is the pooling of resources and expertise from broadcasters and streamers working alongside the incredible disabled talent in the TV industry, together we are finding real and lasting solutions.”
Jack Thorne said, “Being a part of TAP is one of the highlights of my professional life. The difference for disabled artists is tangible and already being felt – if we get to where we want to get the difference will be revolutionary.”
Women in lighting
Women in Lighting is an inspirational and global digital platform that profiles women working in the field of lighting and lighting design to help encourage, support and inspire the next generation. It promotes and celebrates the career path of female designers, artists, engineers, manufacturers and educators across architecture, science, art and entertainment.
WIL has used social activism to highlight and challenge unconscious bias in lighting industries via a strong social media presence that has built a large following. The project is also supported by individual women in 79 different countries. Ambassadors for WIL are a driving force for the project and create standalone local initiatives and partner globally for broader initiatives. They are also a point of contact in each location for anyone seeking to find out more about the project. The project has evolved to form an international connected community that shares information, support and knowledge.
womeninlighting.com
Women in Virtual Production
WiVP, spearheaded by Christina Nowak and Catherine Crawley, stands at the forefront of a revolution in the virtual production landscape, driving forward a vision of empowerment and inclusivity. The Women in Virtual Production group, a dynamic community of passionate professionals, has experienced remarkable growth, with our membership soaring to over 430 members in just four months. This surge underscores the evident demand and thriving community for recognition and collaboration within the virtual production industry. Our collective presence signifies a powerful force driving positive change and advancing representation in the field.
At WiVP, our mission is to empower women in virtual production, elevate their voices, and foster a supportive environment for professional development. Through networking opportunities, events, and insightful discussions, we aim to address the lack of representation and support for women in this rapidly evolving industry.
Looking ahead, we are poised for exciting collaborations aimed at furthering industry standards and diversity, including potential partnerships with industry leaders like Susan Zwerman, The editor of the VES Handbook of Virtual Production Handbook. The WiVP’s vibrant community will be poised to contribute to second volume, amplifying representation of female voices within virtual production. Together, we are forging new paths and driving meaningful change in the industry.
For more information, visit: www.linkedin.com/company/womeninvirtualproduction
To see last year’s Agents for Change piece, visit bit.ly/agentsforchange2023. We’ll be running the feature again in 2025 so please get in touch with us on zoe@britishcinematographer.co.uk and robert@britishcinematographer.co.uk if you would like to be included in the next instalment.
