Netflix To Fund U.K. Student Scholarships

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has announced that they will be investing $490,000 (£350,000) towards 30 student scholarships to further last year’s robust diversity push across job opportunities and training. 

The backing will be used to bolster one-year scholarships at drama school the Identity School of Acting founded by agent and former thespian Femi Oguns. Alumni from the institution include Star Wars star John Boyega and Letitia Wright from Black Panther fame.

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Anne Mensah, Vice President of U.K. original series, revealed the new monetary outlay said to be a part of the $5m (£3.6m) fund that Netflix revealed in June 2020.

“I believe we need to do more, not just to support the current generation of British talent, but also to develop a more inclusive pipeline of upcoming creatives across the entire production process,” Mensah said.

“Our members come from all across the UK, and all around the world. We succeed when our series and films like Sex Education, His House, and Top Boy not only entertain people but also help them connect to new voices, cultures and perspectives. This is only the beginning.”

Though stating that change will be slow Netflix also allocated additional funding for organizations the Mama Youth project – that helps underrepresented youth break into TV and film – and Million Youth Media, set up by Teddy Nygh and Nicky Bedu and currently helmed by Rosa Powlowski.

The inclusivity and equity drives from many U.K. broadcasters, including the BBC and C4, comes amidst the notable Black Lives Matter and anti-racism movements through 2020 that resonated throughout the world.