PGGB launches inclusivity award

The Production Guild of Great Britain has opened nominations for the inaugural Earl Of Wessex Award.

The newly-created honour aims to recognise a person “who has found a successful way of inspiring local talent or skills, widening access or being more inclusive” in the UK film and TV industry. 

Eligible nominees for The Earl of Wessex Award include those whose work has generated outcomes that foster inclusivity in the film and TV production workforce directly (e.g. by developing or recruiting crew or providing training in key skills) and/or indirectly (e.g. by creating an initiative or practice which can be adopted by others). Local, regional and national organisations and individuals are all eligible for nomination.

PGGB members can now nominate possible winners until the closing date of 26 August. The winner will be chosen by a jury comprising PGGB Board members and the PGGB’s Diversity & Inclusion Action Group.

The Award will be presented by the Earl Of Wessex, who is the PGGB’s patron, at the inaugural PGGB Talent Showcase in association with Disney, taking place in central London this October. Hosted by broadcaster and presenter Ayo Akinwolere, the Talent Showcase will celebrate the innovative ways that shortlisted nominees are creating more diverse and inclusive career pathways and provide a platform for a new generation of talented production professionals to share insight into the routes they have taken in their careers. 

HRH The Earl of Wessex said: “Since becoming Patron of the Guild in March, I have enjoyed hearing about the positive changes being made to encourage careers in production – especially in the less visible and not so glamorous roles. There are challenges that still remain, so I hope this annual Award and Talent Showcase will help celebrate the good work being carried out across the industry, champion best practice and make a positive difference. The particular award in my name will hopefully encourage and recognise those who are proactively seeking to widen opportunities within film and TV production.”

Lyndsay Duthie, PGGB CEO, added: “We are hugely proud to open nominations for PGGB’s new Earl of Wessex Award. With record UK film and TV production levels continuing, there’s a wealth of great work going on across the industry to meet the skills demand and make routes into production more attainable for young people from all backgrounds, and those considering transferring their skills into a film and TV career. By shining a light on these measures and celebrating the next generation of production professionals at the PGGB Talent Showcase in association with Disney, we hope to raise awareness of the steps we can all take to open our industry up further and strengthen our ever-expanding talent pool.”