EE, along with actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, is launching Set the Stage, an initiative that offers 15–17-year-olds interested in filmmaking the opportunity to become part of a 16-strong crew who will create a unique short film, under the mentorship of acclaimed industry experts across storytelling, production and direction, including producer, Rochelle Newman and makeup and hair designer, Nadia Stacey.
This initiative is part of EE’s partnership with BAFTA which has been extended, seeing EE continue as title sponsor of the EE BAFTA Film Awards, partner of BAFTA Games Awards, BAFTA Scotland and BAFTA Cymru as well as begin its support of Young BAFTA, a year-round programme inspiring the next generation of budding creatives to consider careers with the screen industries.
Set the Stage is now open for 15 –17-year-olds interested in filmmaking to apply for a place in the crew.
Following the recruitment process, sixteen teenagers will be selected by EE, the expert crew, and Young Film Academy for roles in makeup artistry, costume design, cinematography, sound, direction, and production. Participants will be judged on their relevant skills, ability to deal with a long shoot, resilience to adversity and teamwork, alongside their passion and enthusiasm. Over the course of a year, under the mentorship of industry experts, including Daisy Edgar-Jones, the selected teens will create a unique short film.
To launch this campaign, new research from EE reveals a generational divide on career perceptions, showing a disconnect between parents and teens. Through this campaign, EE and BAFTA will showcase the breadth of careers in the on-screen arts. The project will see teens translate the skills they have learned through social media, gaming, and technology into creating a short film.
EE has teamed up with Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE who said: “EE and BAFTA are highlighting many new roles emerging for young people. Growing up with phones isn’t easy, but when teens are consuming social content, playing video games and exploring the arts, they gain many creative skills. These activities open a window into the future possibilities. It’s important to connect these skills to future opportunities and encourage the next generation to explore their interests in filmmaking.”
Pete Jeavons, Director of Marketing Communications at EE, said: “At EE, we pride ourselves on our longstanding partnerships with the UK’s leading cultural institutions, investing in the things that matter most to our customers. This renewal will see the partnership reach its 30-year milestone, demonstrating EE and BAFTA’s long-term commitment in supporting young people into the arts and film industries. Teenagers are being introduced to the world of filmmaking from an early age, often developing the ability to create compelling content simply by following their curiosities. With EE Learn and Set The Stage, we are channelling these curiosities, showing how these passions can turn into professions.
Anthony Cole-Johnson, Executive Director of Commercial at BAFTA, said: “EE’s commitment to the film and games awards is well known, but our partnership is more far reaching with an ambition to engage and inspire young people to realise their passions of pursuing a career in the screen industries.”
Lisa Prime, Head of Children & Young People’s Programme at BAFTA, said: “Part of BAFTA’s mission is to inspire the next generation of budding creatives to consider careers within the screen industries. We do this year-round through our Young BAFTA programme, and we are delighted to be partnering with EE on this. ‘Set the Stage’ is a fantastic campaign to highlight the diverse range of careers and opportunities that are available within the film industry. Nurturing young talent and building a pipeline of future storytellers is crucial to futureproofing our industry.”
As well as EE Set The Stage, EE continues to encourage the next generation to explore their interests and provide them with real opportunities. On 20th February during half term, EE is hosting Learn Live, an event where celebrities, influencers and industry experts will inspire secondary school students, by showing how their passions can be applied to real life skills.
Applicants can apply to Set the Stage by submitting a video via direct messaging @EE on Instagram and Tiktok using the word ‘STAGE’ or by tagging @EE in a post with their entry including the word ‘STAGE’ in the tag. Applications for Set The Stage will close on March 21st 2025.
Pippa Considine
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