UK Film and TV Industry Gathers at Inaugural PGGB Talent Showcase

More than 250 film and TV industry figureheads, newcomers, students, educators and skills bodies gathered at the Savoy Hotel in Central London on Tuesday January 24 at the Production Guild of Great Britain’s (PGGB’s) inaugural Talent Showcase, presented in association with Disney Studios Content and supported by Entertainment Partners.

The event saw His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, Royal Patron of the PGGB, bestow the first industry award created in his name on its inaugural winner, film and TV industry charity 6ft From The Spotlight. The charity was recognized for its work to improve mental health and wellbeing in the UK film and TV production workplace.

Presenting the award, HRH The Earl of Wessex said: “Many congratulations to 6ft From The Spotlight for becoming the first winners of this Award. I really do hope that recognising them in this way not only highlights the pioneering work being done in the production industry to make workplaces more inclusive, but also inspires others to adopt similar practices.”

Award winners Leo Anna Thomas and Matt Longley, Co-Directors of 6ft From The Spotlight, with HRH The Earl of Wessex

The prestigious award was created in 2021 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.” Three other industry organisations were shortlisted for the award: youth-led production company Fully Focused, media charity MAMA Youth Project and social change enablers Resource Productions.

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster, presenter and change maker Ayo Akinwolere, the Showcase also featured a production-focused Career Pathways Panel, with six diverse professionals sharing accounts of their career journeys and the barriers they overcame to succeed in their differing fields.

Ayo Akinwolere (host), Producer/Executive Producer Roopesh Parekh (Willow, His Dark Materials: The Subtle Knife), Head of Film Lisa Dee (Barking & Dagenham Council), Production Manager Fay Mohamed (Gangs of London Season 2), Head of Post-Production Paula Crickard (Nu Boyana Studios), Production Accountant Samuel Ampah (Alliots LLP) and Netflix Non-Fiction Production Finance Manager Chika Anisiobi

Closing out the event, Entertainment Partners and Netflix each pledged £250k ($308k) to form a new £500k ($616k) PGGB Talent Development Fund, which will support the development and progression of film and high-end TV production talent across the UK.

The new PGGB Talent Development Fund will invest in specialist training for below-the-line professionals working in roles represented by its members, including production accountants, production managers, line producers and assistant directors, all of which are in high demand in the UK’s thriving production climate.

Mark Goldstein, President and CEO of Entertainment Partners said: “Entertainment Partners is pleased to partner with The Production Guild of Great Britain and Netflix to launch the Talent Development Fund. The Fund will immediately help build a more inclusive industry while providing the qualified, trained crew that is critically needed to support the explosion of film and high-end television production in the British market. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of production talent in Great Britain.”