Diversity Standards resources

These organisations and tools have not been vetted and their inclusion should not be viewed as an official BFI endorsement or affiliation.

A set of principles, guidance, and a template dignity-at-work policy, specifically for the screen industries, define – and aim to prohibit – behaviour that may cause harm or detriment to individuals and expose organisations to legal action.

For employees and employers to read and use, we encourage all screen projects to adopt them as the minimum requirement to tackle and prevent bullying and harassment, and establish a positive tone and culture.

Read more about preventing bullying and harassment.

Consider the representation and recognition of specific groups on screen. In development, and through to casting, interrogate the decision making behind creating characters, the setting they are in, their narrative arch and the actors who play them.

Does the project present unfamiliar characters or themes that are not frequently portrayed on screen? Or does it offer a familiar story, character or theme from a new perspective? Are there complex representations of characters who are normally relegated to two-dimensional roles? What is the perspective of the narrative, and how does this affect how characters are portrayed?

The diversity standards call for meaningful representations on screen. As part of this commitment, the BFI backed Changing Faces’ #IAmNotYourVillain campaign, pledging not to have negative characters depicted through scars or facial difference in the films we fund. Aiming to eradicate the use scars, marks or burns as shorthand for villainy, we encourage the rest of the film industry to do the same.

NEROPA is a tool to increase and encourage greater onscreen diversity. Used in development and pre-production, it also raises awareness of representation with the scriptwriters, directors and producers creating content. Belinde Ruth Stieve, who created the tool, offers bespoke training for film productions, broadcasters and film schools.

Identity Agency Group represents a selection of the very best actors to come out of Identity School of Acting (IDSA). A vibrant and multicultural acting school, IDSA provides the highest quality training for actors from all backgrounds. It operates an equal opportunities policy for all students and staff and therefore welcome applications from every section of society regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or disability. Email [email protected]

ProFile is a video database of D/deaf and disabled actors for use by casting directors and other professionals across the UK film, theatre and TV industries. It’s a free service hosted by Spotlight and the National Theatre, which aims to promote diversity in the performance industry and highlight the D/deaf and disabled community to casting professionals.

Re-evaluate your recruitment practices. Who are the individuals providing artistic leadership on the project? Are those in senior roles/heads of department representative of the UK population? Does the project introduce a new voice, or carry the potential to open doors that have historically been closed?

An online platform open to all parents and carers working in the film industry providing support for those juggling parenting and a career in film. The group encourages job sharing and offers advice.

A centralised database of all women working above and below the line.

Since 2015 Raising Films has supported and campaigned for parents and carers working across the screen sector, carrying out groundbreaking research, building an online community, running training programmes, publishing resources and awarding the Raising Films Ribbon for best practice.

Email [email protected]

Specialists in representing female film and television technical crews, such as DOPs, Camera Ops, Focus Pullers, Second ACs, Grips, Sound Recordists, Book Operators and Lighting Technicians.

Email [email protected]

A leading independent UK agency representing heads of department working in film and television. Alongside the Agency, the Diary Service provides diary management and production knowledge for crew.

Email [email protected] 

Telephone +44 (0)1932 571044

Consider the work experience and development opportunities offered through the project, and strive to ensure those roles are held by talent who are representative of the UK. Explore new avenues for recruitment and examine how you can support crew progress to a more senior role.

Achieving Standard C is compulsory for all projects, apart from BFI Development Funding, and BAFTA and BIFA applications.

BFI Film Academy trains 16 to 19 year olds from across the UK giving them the skills to build a career in the film industry. It has an alumni of over 5,000 people, many of who are actively working in the industry or looking for opportunities to build their credits and networks. Contact [email protected] with new entrant or trainee opportunities.

104 Films was established stablished with the aim of creating a shift in the representation of disabled people both in front of and behind the camera, 104 Films runs training schemes, short film programmes and initiatives for disabled film talent. It has access to a database of alumni.

Beacon Films CIC supports filmmakers with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs to make and showcase great productions and develop valuable creative skills. It has access to a database of alumni.

 

Creative Access is dedicated to recruiting BAME talent and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in the creative industries. Working with UK creative companies, it provides a range of services to help bring diverse talent to organisations, facilitates paid three to 12-month internships, and provides employer training and host an opportunities board for organisations to list their roles.

Email [email protected]

Film London Equal Access Network ensures capital’s screen industries represent the diversity of the city, the Network helps new entrants, mid-level and returners to get in, stay in and return to the TV and Film industry.

Contact [email protected] to access the Network’s growing alumni.

 

Four Corners is a learning, production and exhibition centre for film and photography, supporting new talent through enabling work that challenges and inspires. It has a significant database of alumni.

Email [email protected]

A youth-led media organisation that uses the power of film to challenge perceptions, raise awareness, change mindsets and transform lives. Fully Focused has an extensive talent pool.

Email [email protected]

The Grierson Trust organise the British Documentary Awards each year (otherwise known as the Griersons) as well as running Grierson DocLab training schemes. From 2021, Grierson DocLab In Focus: Production Management and Grierson DocLab In Focus: Editing were added to the established Grierson DocLab offer, with support from Netflix. All three schemes are open to diverse and under-represented talent, and help successful trainees the chance to thrive in the world of factual television and documentary-making. Each scheme offers week-long intensive training, an industry mentor match and paid work placements to each successful applicant.

Find out more

MAMA Youth Project aims to equip young people from 18 to 25 years of age with the skills and experience to secure long-term, fulfilling employment in the TV and media industry. They particularly focus on young people from under-represented groups and those with limited educational or employment opportunities, including unemployed graduates, and it has a growing talent pool with alumni profiles.

Email [email protected]

Resource Productions have been championing inclusion and access for more than 20 years  – with a mission to enable social change through film whilst diversifying the industry. They are constantly engaged in community outreach, through which they identify talent. This is done through ‘Youth Engagement Slough’ (11 to 25) and ‘The Resources’ (19+). They connect people to opportunities, provide training and mentoring, facilitate placements and help secure work.

Email [email protected]

TriForce Creative Network was built on a strong ethos of inclusion and access, opening doors to the industry to people from all walks of life and providing a trusted and viable avenue for the industry to discover diverse talent. Connect with the TriForce Creative Network Talent Pool.

 

The Raising Films Production Resource covers the full life-span of a production – from development and financing through to festivals and distribution, including a case study of a care-led production and childcare solutions. Within the resource we’ve also included our series of checklists, born out of our Raising Our Game conference back in 2017 and still as relevant as ever. The checklists are designed to provide a series of recommendations and guidelines aimed at different stakeholders within the sector, with the aim of creating positive change.