Following applications for the second round of its Reel Impact funding – the Film and TV Charity’s flagship initiative to elevate mid-senior Black and Global Majority talent – the Charity has unveiled its latest cohort of awardees.
This round sees an expansion in awards granted to individuals and organisations based across the UK, spotlighting both organisational innovation and individual ambition.
A total of £133,888 was awarded to eight applicants. Two organisations secured funding to support their organisational development, while two further organisations have been given funding for their work to advance racial equity in the industry.
On the individual front, four creatives have been awarded funds for personal development, with recipients spanning the UK including Northern Ireland, Liverpool and beyond – marking a major step forward in regional representation and industry access.
The two organisations receiving funds to develop their businesses are:
- From Life Prosthetics, an SFX studio based in Dorset which is set to build a new facility that blends digital craft with inclusive design – creating space for Black and Global Majority-led innovation to thrive within the UK’s screen industries.
- Fully Focused, an independent production company dedicated to supporting emerging talent from underrepresented communities, which will use the award to expand their team, strengthen revenue streams and create more paid opportunities – all while continuing to nurture and grow their creative community.
The two organisations receiving funds for their work to advance racial equity are:
- British Arab Writers Group, which will support creatives and storytellers with Arab heritage and backgrounds so that their voices and narratives can be given the space they deserve in the face of growing division and systemic repression.
- Aniboxx Studios, which will use the award to help fund an animation career elevation scheme, Diversimation: “The Senior Shift”, which will help five mid-level professionals from Black and Global Majority backgrounds with senior career advancement skills, mentoring and opportunities to move into senior roles in the animation industry.
The four individuals who have been granted funding for personal development are:
- Ruchika Tagore, based in Liverpool, who will use the award to pursue formal counselling training, with the aim of establishing a role in the TV industry as a qualified welfare specialist and future therapist. Her focus will be on supporting diverse freelancers and on-screen talent.
- Shekhar Bassi, a physically disabled and autistic award-winning screenwriter and director who will use the award to shadow experienced directors in high-end scripted drama, with the aim of bringing Black and Global Majority and diverse perspectives and narratives to the forefront. His goal is to inspire others from similar backgrounds to pursue their ambitions in film.
- Somina ‘Mena’ Fombo, a Bristol-based documentary film director who will use Reel Impact’s support to document women’s sports, celebrating its present, archiving its histories and redefining who tells women’s sports stories.
- Shannon Welby, based in Northern Ireland, who received the award to progress her career as a screenwriter, helping to build her brand, purchase up-to-date equipment and expand her networks.
Marcus Ryder, CEO at the Film and TV Charity, said: “What strikes me about this round of Reel Impact awardees is the sheer variety of approaches they are taking to dismantle structural barriers.
“From building inclusive creative spaces and advancing Arab storytelling, to mentoring future animation leaders and championing wellbeing in our industry, each awardee is bringing fresh, imaginative solutions shaped by their own lived experience.
“It’s this creativity and authenticity that gives me real hope for lasting change in how our industry tackles racism and creates opportunity.”
For this second round of funding, a panel of peer assessors was introduced to make the decisions about who was awarded funding – a diverse mix of experienced industry professionals, and with a range of skills and backgrounds.
Anita Herbert, Reel Impact programme manager, said: “I am delighted with the improvements to the application process and building on the success of the first round. I can’t wait to see the positive impact that our funds will have on the new cohort of applicants over the coming months – they are doing incredible things.”
The third and final round of awards from Reel Impact will be launched early 2026. Keep an eye on the Charity’s social channels for updates.
