Page 7 - 17_Bafta ACADEMY_Sam Mendes_ok

Iam writing this article from Los Angeles where I have just experienced a tropical storm. In the UK, if we had half an inch of rain in 24 hours we’d describe it as a light shower. Here in LA, where they haven’t had rain since April, this is a major event. Traffic stopped, it was the lead story on the news and everyone had one topic of conversation – the rain – and they loved it.
Personally, after weeks of rain in the UK, I am looking forward to the weather getting back to nor- mal. They are predicting 80 degrees and sunny – I can’t wait!
I am in LA for meetings with BAFTA LA, the Broadcasters, the Studios, the Agents, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the American Academy.
Stephen Woolley (immediate past Chairman: Film) and David Parfitt (Deputy Chair: Film) have joined me for meetings with the film studios (a huge thanks for them for taking the time to do so).
We have received tremendous support for the Film Awards from the industry on this side of the ‘pond’ and meetings to date indi- cate their ongoing commitment to the event. Thanks too to Peter Van den bussche and Andy Ward for making the trip, for their belief in the Film Awards and for their work with the Broadcasters here in the US.
Being away from home (in the rain) makes me think of London and in particular 195 Piccadilly. In the current difficult economic times we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at BAFTA this year.
The corporate hire team con- tinue to fill the Princess Anne Theatre and David Lean Room with interesting events which gen- erate an essential revenue stream for the Academy. With our incredible facilities and location, we are the venue of choice for many companies.
I can proudly say that BAFTA has established an excellent rep- utation and is regarded as a top
venue by the events industry. The corporate hire team is extremely proactive in ensuring that BAFTA continues to secure high profile media events which sit naturally alongside our own activities.
195 Piccadilly is definitely regarded by our own industries as the place to hold key events. In recent weeks, we have been very pleased to host a number of high- profile film industry press screen- ings including Road To Perdition, attended by Tom Hanks. Richard Gere was with us to talk about his performance in Unfaithful, and the aliens landed in July when Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and Lara Flynn Boyle were at 195 to pro- mote Men In Black II.
We have begun to plan a refurbishment of 195 Piccadilly which will commence in the sum- mer of 2003 and will incorporate a new look for the Members bar as well as an upgrade of the theatre.
I have a number of staff pro- motions and changes to report. I am delighted to announce that Kevin Price’s title has been changed to Chief Operating Officer from Director of Finance and Administration. This new title more accurately describes his current role and responsibilities.
Deborah Chambers has been promoted to Awards and Special Events Co-ordinator and Sue Vale to Legal and Corporate Officer. Congratulations to them all - they are great people doing a great job. Louise Ewbank started work in August as my PA, Leigh Memeti is assisting Kevin and working with him on building management, and Georgina Fleming has replaced Gemma Miles in the Corporate Hire Office.
Sadly, we have lost the wonder- ful Charlie North Lewis. Charlie was offered his dream job as General Manager at the Tivoli Theatre in Dorset and we wish him great good luck with his new venture.
We have a busy Autumn ahead of us with some fantastic membership and corporate events, the Interactive
Entertainment Awards and the Children’s Film and Television Awards in association with the LEGO company.
We honoured Eon Productions with a special award at this year’s Film Awards but could not possibly pay full and proper tribute to 20 movies over 40 years in five min- utes. Therefore, in November, we are hosting a BAFTA Tribute to James Bond for broadcast on BBC1. Also in November, BAFTA Scotland hold their New Talent Awards in Glasgow.
I end with a plea: one of our tasks here in LA is to persuade the Film companies to arrange cast and crew Q&As following screenings at 195. These are ter- rific events and we really want them to continue. However, we still have members who book for these events and leave immedi- ately after the film and before the Q&A - this is extremely insult- ing to the people who have made a special effort to come in and talk about the film and infuri- ating for the people who weren’t lucky enough to get tickets. If we have scheduled a Q&A session we will always screen the film a second time, so please don’t book if you don’t intend to stay for the whole event.
Well, it’s back to business California style, at least for now! Here’s wishing all ACADEMY readers a sunny and productive autumn.
Amanda Berry, Chief Executive
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