Ethnic talent breaking down media barriers
06 December 2002
Filming with Ms Dynamite, working as BBC Researchers and getting a sought after place on Reuters post graduate journalism course. These are just some of the successes being enjoyed by minority ethnic group talent thanks to the Skillset Millennium Awards. These achievements and more were celebrated last night (05 December) as top industry figures gathered at the first Skillset Millennium Awards Showcase at the BBC Conference Centre.
Launched last year, after Skillset's annual census confirmed that minority ethnic groups are under-represented, the awards aim to improve diversity within Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive and Print Media. In conjunction with the BBC, individuals from minority ethnic groups receive £10,000 worth of training, and funding to develop a community based media project.
Skillset Chair Clive Jones, Chief Executive of Carlton TV, and joint MD of ITV, said:
"If we wish to remain successful as an industry we must reflect the communities we serve. We have to give minority ethnic groups an equal chance to develop their talent and the skills. The Skillset Millennium Awards are just one example of how we can do that. They have helped talented individuals realise an ambition and given them that all important break."
Managed by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries, and funded by lottery money through the Millennium Commission, the Awards will benefit 120 people across the UK over three years. Projects in production range from videos looking at British Chinese culture or encouraging more black students to go to University to websites exploring the heritage of Caribbean women or showcasing urban artistic talent.
Award Winner Andy Gray is currently filming with Ms Dynamite. He presented his video project - Ya Heard! - at the showcase saying:
"Making my video has been a huge learning curve. It has kick-started my career in the media. In the future, I want to build on the work the Skillset Millennium Awards has started. I want to build the largest urban video production company in the UK, with a media centre, training and developing young, under-represented people with ambition."
Safiya Sayed Baharun, who has won a place on BBC Cardiff's highly competitive journalism course, developed a radio project titled 'Arranged Marriage'. She said:
"This is a ground breaking scheme. It has broken down huge barriers and given me the confidence, knowledge and skills I need to succeed. And that's not just having a positive impact on my career. It's good for my community and it's good for the media industry."
-ENDS-
Photography and a full list of Awards winners, and their projects, are available on request.
Contact: Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
2. The Millennium Awards Scheme is part of a £200 million programme of grants to individuals administered by not for profit organisations across the UK and funded by the Millennium Commission.
Filming with Ms Dynamite, working as BBC Researchers and getting a sought after place on Reuters post graduate journalism course. These are just some of the successes being enjoyed by minority ethnic group talent thanks to the Skillset Millennium Awards. These achievements and more were celebrated last night (05 December) as top industry figures gathered at the first Skillset Millennium Awards Showcase at the BBC Conference Centre.
Launched last year, after Skillset's annual census confirmed that minority ethnic groups are under-represented, the awards aim to improve diversity within Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive and Print Media. In conjunction with the BBC, individuals from minority ethnic groups receive £10,000 worth of training, and funding to develop a community based media project.
Skillset Chair Clive Jones, Chief Executive of Carlton TV, and joint MD of ITV, said:
"If we wish to remain successful as an industry we must reflect the communities we serve. We have to give minority ethnic groups an equal chance to develop their talent and the skills. The Skillset Millennium Awards are just one example of how we can do that. They have helped talented individuals realise an ambition and given them that all important break."
Managed by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries, and funded by lottery money through the Millennium Commission, the Awards will benefit 120 people across the UK over three years. Projects in production range from videos looking at British Chinese culture or encouraging more black students to go to University to websites exploring the heritage of Caribbean women or showcasing urban artistic talent.
Award Winner Andy Gray is currently filming with Ms Dynamite. He presented his video project - Ya Heard! - at the showcase saying:
"Making my video has been a huge learning curve. It has kick-started my career in the media. In the future, I want to build on the work the Skillset Millennium Awards has started. I want to build the largest urban video production company in the UK, with a media centre, training and developing young, under-represented people with ambition."
Safiya Sayed Baharun, who has won a place on BBC Cardiff's highly competitive journalism course, developed a radio project titled 'Arranged Marriage'. She said:
"This is a ground breaking scheme. It has broken down huge barriers and given me the confidence, knowledge and skills I need to succeed. And that's not just having a positive impact on my career. It's good for my community and it's good for the media industry."
-ENDS-
Photography and a full list of Awards winners, and their projects, are available on request.
Contact: Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
2. The Millennium Awards Scheme is part of a £200 million programme of grants to individuals administered by not for profit organisations across the UK and funded by the Millennium Commission.
