BAFTA Unveils Inaugural 'Breakthrough Brits' List In Film, TV & Games

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is delighted to announce the first ever BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, in partnership with Burberry. The 17 talented newcomers, who are making a name for themselves within film, television or games, will be celebrated at a showcase event on Monday 21 October.

The BAFTA Breakthrough Brits - chosen by a jury of industry experts - were named today as: actors Paul Brannigan, James Floyd, Tom Holland, Ade Oyefeso, Chloe Pirrie, and Sharon Rooney; writers/directors Rowan Athale and Zam Salim; writer Dominic Mitchell; game developers Oliver Clarke, Mitu Khandaker and Dan Pearce; game designers Rex Crowle and Sophia George; broadcaster Arthur Williams; and producers Ed Barratt and Nisha Parti. Find out more about the Breakthrough Brits.

John Willis, Chairman of BAFTA, who chaired the jury after an open call for nominations, said: "Through BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, we want to turbocharge the careers of really talented people right across the spectrum of the creative industries; people who are just at the point of breaking through to the next level and becoming really serious players in their industry, and could benefit from the help, support, encouragement and nurturing that an organisation like BAFTA can give them."

Juror FeliciTy Jones commented: "I think the standard is excellent. It feels like there's just an incredible array of talent, and it's really important that it's encouraged through this kind of initiative."

Juror Eddie Redmayne added: "It's a genius initiative and one of those great ideas that makes you think "why hadn't it happened before?"

Juror Shane Meadows agreed: "The initiative is amazing, and what's really nice about it is that it's not just actors or it's not just directors; there's game designers and producers and writers."

BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, in partnership with Burberry, is a new initiative to celebrate and support the UK's future stars of film, television and games. The talented newcomers will be invited to a day of networking sessions and inspirational talks from leading industry figures at BAFTA's headquarters, 195 Piccadilly, in London on Monday 21 October. The day will conclude with an evening reception at Burberry's global flagship store, 121 Regent Street, and those selected will Go On to receive a year of free access to BAFTA events as well as mentoring and guidance sessions as they move into the next stage of their careers. A special publication featuring the 'Breakthrough Brits' will be distributed to industry and to career-starters across the country.

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