BAFTA introduces new Short Form category
October 9, 2017
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced the introduction of a new Short Form category for 2018’s Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards.
The Awards, which along with the British Academy Television Craft Awards open for entries today, will now include a designated category to recognise single shorts, short form series and shorts from a strand from any genre that have been commissioned or premiered on an online or broadcast platform.
Emma Baehr, BAFTA’s Director of Awards and Membership, said: “The industry is constantly evolving and it’s important that BAFTA remains at the forefront of this ever-changing landscape, celebrating the very best programmes and performances, and being relevant in the work that we reward. As distribution models continue to develop, stories are being told in new and innovative ways – and this is especially evident in the growth of short form content. Our Awards champion excellence across the British television industry and the introduction of this new category will shine a spotlight on the very best creative talent in the short form space.”
The recognition of short form content follows last year’s update to the eligibility criteria, which reflected the industry’s changing funding models and allowed home-grown content that had been funded by international broadcast platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon, to be eligible for the first time.
The British Academy Television Craft Awards will take place on Sunday 22 April 2018 (nominations announced live online, 22 March), followed by the Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards on Sunday 13 May (nominations announced live at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, 4 April).
The awards are presented annually to recognise and honour individuals for outstanding achievement in television, celebrating the very best programmes, performances and behind-the-scenes talent.
SUMMARY OF KEY DATES
Monday 9 October – Entries open for Television and Craft Awards
Friday 1 December – First stage entry for Television and Craft Awards closes for all programmes broadcast up to 30 November
Thursday 4 January – Final deadline for all entries
Tuesday 30 January – Broadcaster entries invited
Wedneday 7 February – Deadline for broadcaster entries and for video submissions (12:00 GMT)
Thursday 22 March – British Academy Television Craft Awards nominations announced
Wednesday 4 April – Television Awards Nominations announced – live press conference at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly
Thursday 19 April – Joint Television and Craft nominees party
Sunday 22 April – British Academy Television Craft Awards
Sunday 13 May – Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards