The UK’s Film and TV Charity has launched a new strategic programme to support mid-senior level Black and Global Majority people working in film, TV, and cinema, as well as Black and Global Majority-led production companies and organisations.
Reel Impact aims to address the impacts of systemic racism in the industry, drive greater access to opportunities, and support and develop the careers of under-represented talent, said the charity.
Its long-term goal is building a programme that embeds and sustains anti-racist values in the film and TV industry.
At launch, Reel Impact offers:
- An initial round of grants of up to £10,000 for mid-senior level film, TV, and cinema professionals from the Black and Global Majority, and grants up to £25,000 for Black and Global Majority-led production companies and industry organisations.
- A second strand focusing on the development of partnerships with organisations that can support Black and Global Majority professionals and creatives with access to skills and leadership development, networking opportunities, and career development.
Grant applicants will need to demonstrate how funds will be used to benefit Black and Global Majority projects in the UK and improve the lives of Black and Global Majority creatives, said the charity.
Funding will be awarded in three rounds over two years, with applications for the first round of funding open from May 13th until June 30th. Full details and eligibility criteria can be found here.
Reel Impact’s first round of grants will be awarded in September 2024, with further funding rounds expected to take place from November 2024 and September 2025.
Marcus Ryder, CEO at the Film and TV Charity, said: “Back in 2021, the Film and TV Charity acknowledged that, historically, it hadn’t done enough to ensure Black and Global Majority talent in the industry felt supported. Since then, we’ve taken the time to work with a brilliant panel of experts with lived experience to help us develop Reel Impact, a major new strategic programme that I’m incredibly proud to be launching today.
“By blending grants for organisations and individuals from the Black and Global Majority with a focus on capacity building, partnerships, and networking, it’s our hope that the programme will significantly move the needle for talent the industry desperately needs to attract and retain. The grants element is intended to service the specific needs of applicants, rather than being oppressively prescriptive – so as our campaign launches, we want to encourage everyone in the film, TV, and cinema industry to help us spread the word throughout their networks.”
