HRH The Earl of Wessex to present award created in his name at PGGB Talent Showcase

His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, Royal Patron of The Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB) will bestow the first film and TV industry award created in his name on its inaugural winner next week, at PGGB’s first ever Talent Showcase, presented in association with Disney Studios Content and supported by Entertainment Partners.

Four industry organisations have been shortlisted for The Earl of Wessex Award, which was created last year to recognise those working in the UK film and TV industry who have created “a successful way of inspiring local talent or skills, widening access or being more inclusive.”  They are: youth-led production company Fully Focused; media charity MAMA Youth Project; social change enablers Resource Productions and mental health and wellbeing nonprofit 6ft From the Spotlight.

At a visit to shortlisted charity MAMA Youth Project, HRH The Earl of Wessex said: “Congratulations to all the organisations who have been nominated for this new Award. The finalists are shining examples of how the production industry is attracting more people from different backgrounds to pursue careers in the business. I really hope their stories will help inspire good practice across the industry and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.”

The Earl of Wessex will present the Award to its inaugural winner on Tuesday 24th January at the PGGB Talent Showcase taking place in Central London. The Showcase, which will be hosted by award-winning broadcaster, presenter and change maker Ayo Akinwolere, will celebrate the work of those shortlisted and will also feature a production-focused Career Pathways Panel. It will be attended by more than 250 film and TV industry figureheads, newcomers, students, educators and skills bodies.

Lyndsay Duthie, PGGB CEO, says: “UK film and high end television production is riding high, and it is crucial that we attract emerging talent from all backgrounds to pursue a career in their chosen field, and that we support healthy working environments. Our PGGB Talent Showcase will give our audience of up-and-coming professionals the opportunity to hear from inspirational figures whilst providing a platform to those committed individuals and organisations who are creating positive change.”

Lee Jury, Senior Vice President, Studio Marketing, Disney EMEA, added: “Disney is proud to further its commitment to diversifying the film industry through PGGB’s inaugural Talent Showcase. It’s through social investments and industry collaborations like these that we can really make a difference for today’s underrepresented youth, helping increase access to careers in storytelling and innovation as well as building their talents and skills.”

Joe Francis, SVP, Digital Transformation and EP International says: “Entertainment Partners is thrilled to support the PGGB Talent Showcase and celebrate the organisations being recognized that are bringing a new generation of diverse production professionals to the industry. We are inspired by their efforts and those of the Career Pathway panelists who are helping to build a more inclusive industry.”

For the Career Pathways Panel, six diverse professionals will share accounts of their career journeys and the barriers they overcame to succeed in their differing fields. The panel will comprise: Production Accountant Samuel Ampah (Alliots LLP); Netflix Non-Fiction Production Finance Manager Chikka Anisobi; Nu Boyana Studios’ Head of Post-Production Paula Crickard; Barking & Dagenham Council’s Head of Film Lisa Dee; Production Manager Fay Mohamed (Gangs of London series 2), winner of the 2018 PGGB Spotlight on New Talent Award; and Producer/Executive Producer Roopesh Parekh (Willow, His Dark Materials: The Subtle Knife).

The PGGB Talent Showcase, presented in association with Disney Studios Content and supported by Entertainment Partners, takes place on Tuesday 24th January at the The Savoy, London.