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the big picture
This is a fantastically busy time for BAFTA. The Film Awards are on Sunday, February 15, fol- lowed closely by the Interactive Awards on February 19, and the Games Awards on February 25.
They follow hard on the heels of another very successful Children’s Awards (they just seem to get better and better every year), and Tribute evenings to Julie Walters, Ronnie Barker, and Sir Anthony Havelock-Allan, one of the early luminaries of BAFTA and a great British film producer whose credits make one’s eyes water.
One of the best aspects of BAFTA is indeed keeping alive the history of our industries, and reminding ourselves and the pub- lic of those who’ve made an exceptional contribution.
While all this proceeds, the Television juries are viewing, meeting, and voting as well, so it’s a miracle I’ve been able to find time for the day job!
Over and above everything else, the Raising the Roof opera- tion is finally getting under way. Scaffolding will be going up around 195 soon and will remain there literally for months. A new roof is being put on, and various units like air-conditioning being replaced and improved.
The Academy will close in June for four months - ie. until September, and during this time, the entire building will undergo internal refurbishment. Internal services like electrical wiring will be renewed and the entire interi- or will be overhauled, substantial- ly modified and refitted.
We apologise for all the disrup- tion - the Academy has been in dire need of renewal for years and it has taken tremendous exertion to finally get this all agreed and underway. I hope, though, that when we re-open and you all make a point of com- ing to 195 and seeing the new look, you will feel it was not only necessary but well worth it.
We want to increase substan- tially the attraction of the building for members. It’s in a great loca- tion. It should be a terrific meet- ing place, and a very attractive venue for eating and drinking. But owing to its dilapidation, it’s not been capitalising on its
Michael Attwell, Chairman
potential. I really hope that will be turned around from September.
As part of the general over- haul, we have recently intro- duced new catering arrange- ments. From September you should find much more user- friendly opening times and much handier and tastier menus.
Of course, the cost of the refurbishment is astronomical. It’s now looking to come in at around £2 million. We are doing every- thing we can to hold the line on costs, but nothing comes very cheap, especially if done well.
Members and supporters have been incredibly generous in sup- port of the campaign - we have already received £550,000, which is massive, and I’m very grateful to everyone who has donated. On the other hand, we still have a long way to go. So please be generous, and even if you pledge £50, it all helps.
The last few years have seen what is in many ways a transforma- tion of BAFTA. The membership has grown substantially as we changed the rules to include areas of our industries previously excluded.
I believe this has made the Academy much more represen- tative, and it has certainly broad- ened the age range and culture of the organisation. The strong growth of Awards, Tributes, and other events has helped both to re-inforce our public profile and
extend it. The educational role of the Academy, both within the industry and amongst the public, has thus also been strengthened.
We have become much less fuddy-duddy, starchy, and stuffy, but I believe without compromis- ing our purposes and objectives. The revamp of 195 and its transfor- mation into a place where most members would actually like to be will, I hope, complete this process.
This will probably be the last BIG PICTURE I write as chair of Council. My two-year term ends in July. I can’t believe the time has gone so quickly. It’s been a great privilege and lots of fun.
I want to thank all the staff at BAFTA for looking after me, and all the members who have sup- ported me. Special thanks go to Louise Ewbank, who has helped with much of my routine business at BAFTA.
And I should also single out Amanda Berry, our Chief Executive, and Kevin Price, our Chief Operating Officer, who really run the Academy from day to day. It has been a great pleas- ure working with them - they are both sensible, enormously able, forward-looking and good com- pany. The Academy is very lucky to be in such capable hands.
Many people - both staff and members - devote a huge amount of time and effort to BAFTA. Its success is your success. Thank you all.
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