Breakthrough Performers Programme 2023

BIFA x we are bridge

We Are Bridge & BIFA have developed a programme of support for the performers longlisted in the Breakthrough Performance category in addition to sessions to support those responsible for looking after new talent.

Running over six months, the programme will include sessions covering career development, wellbeing, casting, safeguarding and financial literacy, aiming to equip the performers for long term careers.

Hear all about We Are Bridge from the team behind it:

“We Are Bridge are an insightful and approachable organisation; full of integrity, practical solutions and great ideas.”

Kate Larking, Head of Production, Duck Soup Films

The Longlist 2023

This year’s cohort of longlisted talent is an exciting group of emerging performers who have starred in some of 2023’s most talked about independent films.

David Jonsson Rye Lane	Lola Campbell Scrapper	Alin Azun Scrapper	Mia McKenna Bruce How To Have Sex	Keenan Munn-Francis Black Dog
Vivian Oparah Rye Lane	Jedaiah Bannerman The Kitchen	Le’Shantey Bonsu Girl	Temilola Olatunbosun Pretty Red Dress	Samuel Small Bonus Track
Joe Anders Bonus Track	Priya Kansara Polite Society	Dave Turner The Old Oak	Freddy Small Suicide Kelly	Carly-Sophia Davies The Eternal Daughter

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. A 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.

“As someone who didn’t go to drama school and doesn’t have a cohort that entered the industry together, I really have valued the Breakthrough Programme. It has been so nice to receive this kind of support and mentorship as it is very rarely offered.” 2023 Programme Participant

FOR INDUSTRY

We recognise that in order to support new talent we need to be equipped with tools and resources to address their varying needs. We want to ensure we put wellbeing and safeguarding at the heart of that support. WAB will deliver an industry session to address this:

The Safeguarding 101 session is an introduction to Safeguarding Children & Adults working within the creative industry as Actors. The session will cover foundational Safeguarding practice and build upon learners existing knowledge.

“The first time I’ve ever been with a larger number of actors my age who have been in the industry like me.”

Programme Participant

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

In order to deliver this full package of support to the Breakthrough Performers, we are seeking help from our industry friends and supporters who share our desire to build an equitable and inclusive industry for all talent.

To find out more, contact Amy Gustin from the BIFA team (amy@bifa.film).