Bafta Breakthrough 2022 applications open for entry across the UK

BAFTA announces applications opening across the UK for BAFTA Breakthrough 2022, the arts charity’s flagship talent initiative in partnership with Netflix.  

The initiative, previously known as Breakthrough Brits, has been running in the UK since 2013 and in the US and India since the global expansion in 2020. BAFTA Breakthrough is a global new talent initiative that showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent in film, games and television. 

Krishnendu Majumdar, chair of BAFTA said: “Each year we see an incredible array of applications for BAFTA Breakthrough, with those selected for the initiative developing their careers in many ways and some even going on to win a BAFTA. I’m delighted that Netflix is supporting BAFTA Breakthrough for a fourth year, a company that shares our passion for supporting creatives at a pivotal moment in their journeys through the film, games and television industries. I encourage anyone with ambitions to progress their careers to apply, especially those working in games, those with craft-based roles, and individuals from underrepresented groups.”

Anne Mensah, VP Netflix Original Series said: “At Netflix we’re deeply committed to bold storytelling and are proud to support BAFTA Breakthrough and the next generation of visionary creators.It’s especially thrilling to see the emerging talent we work with recognised by BAFTAand the wider creative industry. We believe that great stories can come from anywhere, and are delighted to support this global initiative which provides a platform and opportunities for rising stars around the world.”

Since its launch in 2013, BAFTA Breakthrough has championed over 160 talented newcomers, including: 

• Performers Bukky Bakray, Paapa Essiedu, Letitia Wright, Jessie Buckley, Florence Pugh, Lydia West, George Robinson, Josh O’Connor, Abubakar Salim and Lauren Ridloff
• Games creatives Chella Ramanan, Segun Akinola, Gemma Langford, Joanna Haslam and Alex Kanaris-Sotiriou
• Writers and Directors Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht, Charlie Covell, Rose Glass, Stella Corradi, David Proud and Destiny Ekaragha, amongst many others

Previous Breakthrough alumni have gone on to flourish within their respective disciplines, many becoming BAFTA winners and nominees. Previous Breakthrough winners at this year’s Film, Games, Craft and TV Awards included Aisha Bywaters, Kayleigh Llewellyn and PC Williams.

Supporters of the initiative in recent years include actors Olivia Colman, Tilda Swinton, Zawe Ashton, actor-producer Brad Pitt, directors Tom Harper, Barry Jenkins and Asif Kapadia, game designers and developers Brenda Romero, Hideo Kojima, Tim Schafer, actor-writers Sharon Horgan, Amy Schumer and writer-director Amma Asante.

As the main supporting partner for the fourth year on BAFTA Breakthrough, Netflix continues to provide integral support in the global expansion. BAFTA and Netflix share a joint vision to celebrate and provide opportunities for emerging talent across the world, bringing together international communities across global networks, in order to develop and support stories and voices from different cultures.  

BAFTA Breakthrough selects and identifies new talent through a cross-industry jury of leading professionals and BAFTA works closely alongside local cultural bodies in each region to ensure they advise and deliver the necessary support. The successful Breakthrough applicants will receive one-to-one mentoring and career guidance, full voting membership of BAFTA, free access to BAFTA events and screenings for 12 months, both in the UK and internationally. Networking opportunities will be made available digitally across the globe for Breakthrough participants in all regions, enhancing cross-cultural connections and collaboration. 

Applications for BAFTA Breakthrough in the UK and the USA are now open. To apply, visit: https://apply.bafta.org/entrant/index.php 

Industry professionals can also recommend someone by providing details of their recommended candidate. BAFTA will then contact the recommended individual to invite them to submit an application before the deadline. To recommend someone, visit: www.bafta.org/breakthrough-recommendations  

Applications for Breakthrough UK will close on Tuesday 28 June and USA on Tuesday 5 August. BAFTA Breakthrough 2022 participants will then be announced in Autumn 2022.

For more information about BAFTA Breakthrough in partnership with Netflix, visit: http://www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/breakthrough