The Duke of Cambridge, president of BAFTA, has made a visit to mark the re-opening of its central London headquarters and to learn how the newly refurbished building will help increase support to the British television and film industry.
The Academy provides young people with a chance to build careers in the film, games, and television industries. During the visit, the organisation unveiled plans for the Prince William BAFTA Bursary fund, aimed at helping talented individuals, who are struggling financially to pursue careers in the screen industries.
The Duke met with scholarship recipients to hear how funding through BAFTA has helped them progress their careers, saying during his visit: “I am hugely proud of BAFTA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that young talent from all walks of life are given every possible opportunity to build and develop successful careers in the film, games and television industries/”
“The redevelopment of 195 Piccadilly has created fantastic new learning spaces to ensure that future generations can receive the support they need to thrive.”
This year, Elevate, BAFTA’s year-long industry support and activity program will open to scripted and non-scripted producers who are from minority ethnic backgrounds, low-socioeconomic backgrounds, or those who are disabled. In addition, BAFTA revealed Connect, a new discounted tier of membership for emerging and mid-level professionals.
The Duke played a game created by Young Game Designers competition finalist, Harry Petch. Playing a video game had the Duke open up about his son, 8-year-old Prince George, and his fascination with video games: “We watch their screen time, you have to be careful about that. They do definitely like gaming, they’re fascinated by that.
“George particularly he’s more interested in it. The other two are a bit too small, but they love the films. All that is creative. I adore film and gaming as well, I’m trying to get the next generation interested in it.”
The Duke took over the position of president of BAFTA in 2010 from Sir Richard Attenborough who held the role from 1959 when the British Film Academy merged with the Society of Film and Television Arts.
