The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles (BAFTA Los Angeles) hosted an exclusive one-day inaugural event dubbed it’s TV Summit at The London West Hollywood on October 20th.
“The event was organized to take advantage of the unprecedented interest that the US broadcasters currently have in British television, with the objective of bringing together the good and the very good from the British and American television industries,” said Stewart Till and Chris Rice, Co-Chairs of BAFTA LA’s Television Committee.
The day started with WME’s Rick Rosen speaking about the current golden age of television followed by a panel discussion chaired by Chris Rice (WME), and featuring Kristin Jones (AMC), Michael Ellenberg (HBO), Anne Mensah (Sky), and Simon Maxwell (Channel 4). The panel focused on the importance of developing and producing creative excellence. The next panel discussion was chaired by Stewart Till, with Simon Cornwell (The Ink Factory), Dan Isaacs (Kudos Film and Television), Patrick Spence (Fifty Fathoms), Ben Stephenson (Bad Robot), and David Zucker (Scott Free TV) where there was resounding agreement about a need for for scripted television and as well as bringing over more British TV drama for the American audiences to consume.
The event brought together top television executives and producers from the UK and US bridging the gap from across the pond as BAFTA LA’s role grows in this ever-changing entertainment world.
“I think we have really tapped into a cultural zeitgeist moment where the exchange of ideas and talent between the UK and US television industries is at its height,” said Kieran Breen, Chairman BAFTA LA. “This summit furthers BAFTA LA’s mission to be that unique bridge that brings these worlds together and I would like to thank Stewart, Chris, and all the participants for their hard work creating and executing this terrific event”.
About BAFTA and BAFTA Los Angeles
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – featuring workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes – in the UK, USA and Asia; it offers unique access to the world’s most inspiring talent and connects with a global audience of all ages and backgrounds. To access the best creative minds in film, TV and games production, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.
Founded in 1987, BAFTA Los Angeles serves as a bridge between the Hollywood and British production and entertainment business communities. Its commitment to professional and community education is at the heart of all activity, including an award-winning community outreach programme, screenings, seminars, Behind Closed Doors series, Q&As, scholarships for British students studying in the US, a Newcomers Program for emerging British talents working in the US, and a Heritage Archive project that preserves in-depth interviews with the industry’s leading talents for future generations. BAFTA Los Angeles celebrates and promotes excellence through its annual Britannia Awards, Awards Season Film and Television Tea Parties and the Student Film Awards.
BAFTA Los Angeles is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation and relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing work. www.bafta.org/losangeles
The event was presented in association with WME|IMG and sponsored by the British Film Commission, Pinewood, Technicolor and UK Trade & Investment.
Photos by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for BAFTA LA
