In an effort to streamline its awards ceremonies and boost support for the children’s media industry, the British Film and TV Academy (BAFTA) has decided to merge its separate Awards for the children’s media industry with the more high-profile Film, Games, and TV Awards from 2025. This decision comes after a consistent decline in entries and engagement in recent years, as reported by BAFTA.
The separate Children and Young People awards ceremony, which last took place in November 2022 after a two-year hiatus, will now be presented under the banner of the popular Film, Games, and TV Awards. By incorporating the children’s media industry into these larger and more prestigious awards, BAFTA aims to elevate children’s content and creatives and give them greater prominence within the industry.
As part of this transition, BAFTA will be forming a new brand called Young BAFTA, which will encompass its outreach programs for children and young people. To steer these initiatives, a new cross-industry Young BAFTA Advisory Group has been established. The group will be led by Andrew Miller MBE, a renowned industry trailblazer and disability champion who brings extensive governance and advocacy experience to the table.
Andrew Miller’s impressive background includes his work in children’s television, collaborations with prominent figures in the industry, and his dedication to championing disability rights across the arts and broadcasting sectors. With his leadership, the Young BAFTA Advisory Group aims to continue and expand on the previous work done by BAFTA in supporting and inspiring the next generation of creatives.
The Advisory Group’s main objectives include elevating the status of children’s content and creatives, giving them more prominence within the industry. This will be achieved through the integration of special award presentations for the sector as part of BAFTA’s high-profile Film, Games, and Television Awards ceremonies starting in 2025. The aim is to provide a platform for recognition and celebration of outstanding achievements in the children’s media industry.
In addition to award presentations, the Advisory Group will also be responsible for steering BAFTA’s year-round programs for children and young people. These programs aim to inspire the next generation of creatives and are an integral part of BAFTA’s charitable mission. By supporting and nurturing young talent, BAFTA hopes to shape the future of the industry and ensure its continued growth and success.
The Young BAFTA Advisory Group will also play a crucial role in encouraging increased industry engagement. By actively shaping BAFTA’s year-round networking events and support initiatives, the group aims to create a vibrant and supportive community for professionals working in the children’s media industry. This will provide opportunities for collaboration, learning, and professional development, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole.
BAFTA’s decision to merge its separate Children’s and Young People Awards ceremony with the Film, Games, and TV Awards demonstrates the organization’s commitment to supporting and promoting the children’s media industry. With the establishment of Young BAFTA and the creation of the Advisory Group, BAFTA aims to provide a platform for recognition, inspire the next generation of creatives, and foster industry engagement. By working together, the industry can continue to produce high-quality content for children and young people, ensuring a bright future for this important sector of the entertainment industry.