Breakthrough Performers 2023
This year we have partnered with BIFA to launch a six-month programme of development and support for all Breakthrough Performance longlistees.
Sessions will include career development, wellbeing, casting and financial literacy in addition to networking opportunities. We will also be delivering a safeguarding industry training session to support those responsible for looking after new on-screen talent.
Known for highlighting exciting new talent, the Breakthrough Performance category (formerly Most Promising Newcomer) has always featured a broad array of talent from varying levels of entry into the industry including street casting, alternative pathways and traditional routes. For some, it is often the first experience of recognition within the industry. We appreciate BIFA’s commitment to ensuring those acknowledged within this category have the best experience possible.
Being longlisted is a huge achievement & we hope to create a sense of community and support for the incoming #BIFA2023 BP Longlistee Programme cohort:
Joe Anders
Bonus Track
Jedaiah Bannerman
The Kitchen
Le’shantey Bonsu
Girl
Lola Campbell
Scrapper
Carly-Sophia Davies
The Eternal Daughter
David Jonsson
Rye Lane
Priya Kansara
Polite Society
Mia Mckenna Bruce
How To Have Sex
Keenan Munn-Francis
Black Dog
Temilola Olatunbosun
Pretty Red Dress
Vivian Oparah
Rye Lane
Samuel Small
Bonus Track
Freddy Smith
Suicide Kelly
Dave Turner
The Old Oak
Alin Uzun
Scrapper
Special thanks to our programme facilitators
The Programme
Welcome event for talent to connect with one another and Q&A with previous Breakthrough Performance nominees to help prepare them for the journey on what to expect. Through this informal introduction, we will introduce the longlisted performers to the programme and the awards process while beginning to identify the varying levels of the performers’ needs and prior experience.
Wellbeing & Empowerment session for nominees to reflect on the experience of the ceremony and focus on positive next steps. Co-delivered by KiD iN YOU.
Practical Casting workshop giving performers a chance to speak with industry professionals about how to navigate rooms, tapes, auditions and recalls etc. without the pressure of a job connecting to the interaction. Co-delivered by Spotlight.
Financial Literacy session to equip performers to navigate the industry as a business. Practical session with a financial advisor or business accountant unpacking the basics behind being self employed. Co-delivered by Blinkhorns.
Career development session. Q&A panel with writers, directors and producers for the longlisted performers to learn more about behind the scenes roles.
CSA UK Artios Awards x Breakthrough Performers dinner, an evening to celebrate and be in the room with the very best casting directors in the UK.
“The [Wellbeing & Empowerment session] showed everyone that we all have very similar goals or fears. It made me feel a little less alone in this crazy, creative world that we live in.”
Programme Participant