ben roberts bfi

Use film and TV in my classroom. We will increase the opportunities for POC in curator roles, and help to develop much-needed skills and knowledge in film archiving. We need all the diversity of voice, thought and talent to maximise the potential of the UK’s growing screen industries. BFI Film Academy: opportunities for young creatives. Ben Roberts is the Director of the BFI Film Fund, meaning he’s responsible for overseeing the BFI’s Lottery investments in film development, production and distribution, along with the BFI’s international activities. Join events and activities for families . We will review our recruitment processes, and identify and remove any practices and policies which bias against diversity of experience or bias towards the ‘easy’ hire. This week's episode comes from our interview with Ben Roberts, Deputy Chief Executive of the BFI. The hope is for an exchange of ideas and experiences, and suggestions on how businesses and individuals can best ride out a crisis that doesn’t look like it will abate any time soon. BFI Chair Josh Berger said “I’m absolutely thrilled to appoint Ben Roberts, on behalf of the BFI Board, as the BFI’s new Chief Executive. We have delivered highly successful and life-changing BFI Film Academy trainee programmes in partnership with Lucasfilm, Disney and Eon. Ben starts his role in mid-February 2020. The report highlighted a need for more industry engagement with Section B (creative leadership and off-screen roles) and that there is a comparatively low level of engagement with POC in section B. More information. b. Ensure rapid escalation of concerns. Registered charity 287780. Subscribe now for exclusive offers and the best of cinema. Charlie's Angels Full Throttle. Films, TV and people. In the weeks since the murder of George Floyd, I’ve talked to many colleagues across the BFI about the need to address systemic racism, and tackle our own institutional failings. The appointment was made by Josh on behalf of the BFI’s Board of Governors after an extensive recruitment process. a. We will build our network of external programming partners and co-create programmes with communities of colour. Ensuring our collections are representative of the experiences of POC in the UK. All rights reserved. David Parkhill. The BFI Executive Board balances successful, leading figures from the world of film and moving image culture with senior private sector executives who bring considerable managerial and commercial experience. In the weeks since the murder of George Floyd, I’ve talked to many colleagues across the BFI about the need to address systemic racism, and tackle our own institutional failings. b. Update our policies. Ben is a passionate advocate for inclusion and has already done much to steer our industry towards better representation and accessibility. b. Registered charity 287780, Answering questions from the screen sectors, A letter from Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive. Francesca … COVID-19 presents us with an unprecedented challenge to our business. Ben Roberts named British Film Institute CEO UK non-profit film organization the BFI has appointed Ben Roberts as its new chief executive officer. BFI sets out support for UK industry impacted by COVID-19 crisis Statement from Ben Roberts, Chief Executive of the BFI The impact of the COVID -19 crisis has been devastating and far reaching, and we are working with colleagues across the industry to support those who have been hardest hit, and ensuring that we thrive as we recover. American Honey. c. Investing in skills. All rights reserved. Ben Roberts.jpg. This is not a replacement for increasing diversity inside the BFI, but an opportunity to open up our platforms to partners and alternate voices. 2000. d. We will provide training and peer support to ensure POC are not held back from progression. Film is egalitarian, and I want everyone to see the BFI as their home, to see themselves in our programmes, and feel welcome in our industry. We have also been leaders on driving inclusion. Mannix. Latest from the BFI. Filmography. Ben will forge and maintain cultural and industry relations nationally and internationally, and will work with Government to ensure that the screen sectors remain firmly on the agenda and recognised as one of the fastest growing industries in the UK. In the last year Ben also launched the new Government backed £57m Young Audiences Content Fund aimed at delivering new original UK television content for young audiences. Transcript. As CEO, Ben will be responsible for the BFI’s future strategic and cultural direction and provide leadership for the UK’s screen industries. BFI CEO Ben Roberts said the fund would "deliver a vital boost... by stimulating international partnerships and generating new export opportunities". Whilst we are not alone in confronting this truth, it is crucial that we have uncomfortable conversations not just with each other, but also with those who have been marginalised or ignored. Bring more external voices into our work. At the BFI, we are united against racism but we have not been actively antiracist. Expand and promote the Diversity Standards. a. People of colour are underrepresented across the organisation, including in senior positions; there are no POC in the Executive team; and aspects of our recruitment and decision-making processes can push out rather than lift up non-white colleagues. Operations, Projects and Partnerships We have substantial resources at our disposal to effect change, including a National Collection that holds over one hundred years of social history; an education programme that reaches over 10,000 young people every year; public funds that support new films and new voices; major public platforms to share cultural programmes (BFI Southbank, BFI Player, our Festivals, Sight & Sound); and many knowledgeable and passionate people. With that in mind, and with thanks to colleagues for their input and suggestions, here are the initial commitments that we are making, ahead of a deeper conversation across the organisation: a. a. ©2021 British Film Institute. The recruitment section highlights the barriers we need to address. White Heat. We know there are some longstanding and endemic issues within the organisation which can harm people and undermine our values. Edward Humphrey. "It's vital … Ben Roberts, Director of the BFI Film Fund, discusses the current landscape for filmmakers trying to make their first feature and how the BFI can support them. The appointment, widely tipped, was made by BFI … Highlighted works. Going forward, the BFI has an important role in shaping the exciting cultural and commercial opportunities presented by the broader screen industries and Ben is the person to lead this. Matimba: You're listening to BFI Network podcast. We are working with AMPAS to help them develop similar awards criteria. Heather Stewart. At the BFI, we are united against racism but we have not been actively antiracist. We will share resources and experiences openly, and lift up and engage with the people and organisations who are already doing the work. Since joining the BFI as Director of the BFI Film Fund in 2012, then promoted to Deputy CEO in October 2018, Ben has been one of the key architects in launching the BFI Diversity Standards, devised a new template for inclusive training with Lucasfilm and Disney for the BFI Film Academy, and has been instrumental in setting inclusion targets across all BFI National Lottery funding. Ben spoke to us about the BFI Film Fund and how it works, how it's aiming to meet its targets for diversity and inclusion, and how directors can go about applying for funding. I want the BFI to be a safe and nurturing environment for both POC colleagues and audiences. b. BFI Chair Josh Berger is delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Roberts as Chief Executive of the BFI, the UK’s lead organisation for film, television and the moving image. We will recognise and address the additional challenges of working in a predominantly white environment, and the impact on wellbeing and positive mental health that this can create. And we worked quickly and collaboratively as an industry to develop bullying and harassment guidelines in the wake of #MeToo. Director of Digital. The Girl with All the Gifts . He has 20 years’ experience in the film industry, across international sales, studio acquisitions, UK distribution and film finance, gained during his time as CEO of Protagonist Pictures, and before that at Universal Pictures and independent UK distributor Metrodome. Film is egalitarian, and I want everyone to see the BFI as their home, to see themselves in our programmes, and feel welcome in our industry. We have made progress by setting targets and holding each other to greater account, but the status quo in the film community is undoubtedly still a system that privileges whiteness, and it has persisted for too long. Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI said “I’m eternally grateful to Amanda for bringing me into the BFI, and to Josh and the board for supporting my vision for its future. ©2021 British Film Institute. We do have amazing POC internally. BFI CEO Ben Roberts said: “This is an exciting time to lead the Film Fund. The British Film Institute has upped Ben Roberts to CEO, taking over from Amanda Nevill. Latest news, features and opinion. We create barriers by demanding work experiences not always available to POC. My 22-year-old self used the BFI library to help me find my first job in film, and so my 44-year-old self is immensely proud to lead our brilliant teams through this next chapter.”. BFI Film Fund director Ben Roberts is introducing important changes to the Film Fund guidelines during an event at the BFI London Film Festival today. A letter from Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive In the weeks since the murder of George Floyd, I’ve talked to many colleagues across the BFI about the need to address systemic racism, and tackle our own institutional failings. We must wean ourselves away from schemes and panels, and towards swifter solutions. Ben Roberts. The former Wall Street lawyer and … I welcome industry colleagues and supporters to get in touch with us and take action. I'm Matimba Kabalika, the talent coordinator and content editor of the site. Reviews, interviews and features from the international film magazine. Browse our education events. Based on the TV series created by. a. Read research data and market intelligence. The film industry needs to cultivate “a whistleblower space” to combat bullying and harassment, according to British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts. At the BFI, we are united against racism but we have not been actively antiracist. We want to invite industry partners to collaborate with us on future Film Academy programmes, and to work closely with our partners at ScreenSkills to ensure that more POC at all levels of experience are given access to opportunities in film. Funding and industry. Highlighted works. Greater representation of POC in the BFI’s work. So, I’m inviting colleagues from across the film community to commit to change, to commit to being actively antiracist, and to collaborate with us on making our industry a better place to work. c. In recognition that unconscious bias can impact what we think a BFI person looks like, and what experiences they bring, we will review our interview processes. Film lists and highlights from BFI Player. BFI Reuben Library. Creative Director. They Shall Not Grow Old. We can no longer just say “we must do better” – tangible action is needed. Find resources and events for teachers. c. Holding ourselves accountable. A letter from Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive. There is also a persistent diversity deficit across the industry which we must urgently address. But – we need to embody the change we want to see, and be accountable as a public institution, looking like and reflecting the public we serve. Ben is on the Board of Trustees of The Terrence Higgins Trust. 2018. Ben Roberts has been named CEO of the British Film Institute, filling the role being vacated by Amanda Nevill, who has held the position for 17 years. We won’t get everything right, but we should also stop convincing ourselves that sufficient progress has been made. Ben Roberts Born: 23 March 1916, Brooklyn, New York Died: 12 May 1984, Los Angeles, Calif. Tweet. I took on the role of Chief Executive in February with a commitment to colleagues and our Board that I would put us on a path of radical change. With seismic transformations happening across the broader screen industries and emerging media, Ben will lead a new direction for the BFI across these sectors, while continuing to champion film culture, heritage, education, skills, independent film and filmmakers and support the future success of the wider industry. The British Film Institute has appointed Ben Roberts – current CEO of film sales and financing company Protagonist Pictures – as the new director of the BFI … And we will work with more writers of colour in editorial and programming, including Sight & Sound. Charlie's Angels. Get funding to progress my creative career. We will provide training and resources for all staff on how they can better support their POC colleagues, and we will take action against all forms of discriminatory and racist behaviour. a film and television charitable organisation which promotes and preserves filmmaking and television in the United Kingdom. 14 June 2016. Prior to joining the BFI, he worked as a Team Assistant at the BBC. The Diversity Standards have provided the industry with best practice guidelines, but engagement in some areas is still poor. Currently deputy at the BFI, Roberts will take over from Amanda Nevill who is stepping down after 17 years. ADR and Loop Group Artist. We have already set permanent and minimum targets relating to the people we employ, and we voluntarily publish our ethnicity pay gap, but we have not yet reached or exceeded our employment targets for POC colleagues. We will be transparent in how we report who we employ, recognising that a global ‘diversity’ average can hide a lack of senior POC. Giving POC a powerful voice. News, features and opinion on the world of film. Nilan began his career as a runner, working across feature films, TV, music videos and commercials. It's podcast time! Find out about international touring programmes, BFI Film Academy: opportunities for young creatives, Get funding to progress my creative career, Search the BFI National Archive collections, Read research data and market intelligence, Search for projects funded by National Lottery, Apply for British certification and tax relief, Get help as a new filmmaker and find out about NETWORK, Find out about booking film programmes internationally. He will start mid-February, 2020. We will work with our partners – including the Black Cultural Archives and our partners in the regional and national archives – in the acquisition of key UK black filmmakers’ work into our archive, to ensure that the BFI National Archive is representative of the continued experience of POC in Britain. I want to… Search the BFI National Archive collections. Nilan joined the BFI Film Fund in April 2019, as Executive Assistant to Ben Roberts. We will update the industry’s Bullying & Harassment guidelines to include more information and resources for dealing with racism. And we invite all production companies and studios to incorporate the Diversity Standards into your production practices. His first job in film was as an usher at Showcase Cinemas in Coventry. Under his stewardship, the BFI NETWORK has become a prolific and highly successful year-round, UK-wide talent development programme. We already shortlist all POC candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirements for an advertised role, and we will ensure only eligibility requirements absolutely essential to a role are used in recruitment. Message about Coronavirus to industry from BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts. Ben Roberts stepped up from his role heading the BFI Film Fund to become the organisation’s CEO in mid-February 2020. Ben Roberts Tweet. Tweet. In this post-apocalyptic drama, humanity has been all but destroyed by a mutated fungal disease that eradicates free will and turns its victims into flesh-eating 'hungries'. Director of Finance and Resources. We have already set targets for our public funds, and we will set targets for representation across our cultural programmes, including films programmed in seasons, new releases screened at BFI Southbank, titles on BFI Player, and collections from the BFI National Archive and our education resources. Sight & Sound magazine. We will monitor and report publicly on our progress in each of these areas. We will work with and empower the BFI’s POC network to develop resources and support mechanisms, and identify and remove unacceptable systemic behaviours. We will update regularly on our progress, and in greater detail, not letting recruitment in entry level and administrative roles – or roles specific to race-related work – mask any lack of diversity in leadership roles. Hand-picked. As CEO, Ben will be responsible for the BFI’s future strategic and cultural direction and provide leadership for the UK’s screen industries. In January we published initial findings on how productions used the Diversity Standards between June 2016 until March 2019. BFI programme highlights announced for 2020, British Independent Film Awards 2019: the winners in full, Stranger than truth: How new documentaries are radicalising reflexivity, The art of the French New Wave film poster. We will support POC to curate these stories. We will work with our partners at BAFTA to tighten the requirements for awards eligibility, and consult on how we strengthen the Diversity Standards to drive more engagement with POC, particularly in creative leadership roles and crews. We will commit to supporting successful candidates to learn on the job, and promote structured mentoring and secondments. Film has the power to teach history, amplify voices, and to challenge stereotypes, but we are limiting our ability to build a new and truly representative canon, and tell new stories through our collections and programmes. c. Acknowledging additional burdens. We are keenly aware that the wide ranging and damaging impact of the virus is being felt across the entire industry and at every possible level. And life-changing BFI Film Academy trainee programmes in partnership with Lucasfilm, and. Report publicly on our progress in each of these areas we have delivered highly successful,. Harm people and organisations who are already doing the work the recruitment section highlights the barriers need. The Board of Governors after an extensive recruitment process Film Academy trainee programmes in partnership with,. Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust 12 May 1984, Los Angeles Calif.... 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