Newcomers Programme to feature 31 UK professionals who have relocated to Los Angeles.

Bafta masks

The British Academy of film and Television Arts Los Angeles (BAFTA Los Angeles) has announced the participants of its 2017-2018 Newcomers Programme. 

Now in its 10th year, the programme aims to foster new global collaborations by supporting rising talent from the UK who have recently moved to Los Angeles to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and expand their network of peers. 

This year’s group contains 31 participants: eight actors, seven directors, six producers, three composers, two art directors, two screenwriters, one agent, one executive and one publicist. 

These participants are divided into two groups – one that is entering their first year in the programme, and the other entering its second. 

BAFTA LA sees its Newcomers as the next wave of film, games, and television professionals who will go on to continue the tradition of successful collaborations between the US and UK industries.

The Newcomers Programme bolsters BAFTA LA’s work within the Access For All campaign, a commitment aimed at providing opportunities for careers in the entertainment industry without regard to demographics or personal circumstance.

“We are thrilled to be recognising such a diverse cross-section of talent among this year’s Newcomers,” Chantal Rickards, CEO of BAFTA Los Angeles, said. “Today’s industry is built upon many years of successful, international collaborations and so BAFTA is proud to support this year’s talented group and look forward to seeing everything that they have to offer.”

Newcomers – First Year Group

Abby Ajayi, screenwriter

Sicily Cronin, film publicist

Nicholas Horton, development producer

Louise Houghton, TV presenter, journalist, actress

Kitty Kaletsky, producer

Sohm Kapila, actress

Wing Hang (Peter) Lam, composer

Adam Linzey, writer/director/cinematographer

Luca Malacrino, actor

James McNamara, screenwriter

James McWilliam, composer and orchestral arranger

Alicia Sadler, TV producer, shooter, stylist

Fagun Thakrar, actress/producer

Iesh Thapar, writer/director

Emma Weston, student – USC, MFA in film/TV production, art direction

Newcomers - Second Year Group

Carina Birrell, actor

Andy Blackburn, director

Marcus Chan, screenwriter/director

Menik Gooneratne, actor

Ben Gutteridge, screenwriter/director

Heather Harris, director

Guy Hepworth, product manager - Hulu

Ruaraidh Hunter, agent

Anna Jones, screenwriter/director

Gavin Laing, producer

James Longman, producer

Gary McMonnies, Art director

Alex Polunin, producer

Nicola Posener, actor

Emily Rice, composer

Emma West, actor