Reel Impact is the Film and TV Charity’s brand-new programme to support Black and Global Majority creatives working behind the scenes!

Whether you are a Black and Global Majority mid-to-senior level individual working in film, TV, and cinema, or a Black and Global Majority-led organisation or production company, Reel Impact is here to help eligible applicants to rise, thrive, and achieve their goals.

The grants element of Reel Impact is open now, with up to £10k for individuals and £25k for organisations available.

Who should apply?

Black and Global Majority individuals and organisations who champion anti-racist practices in the industry
Black and Global Majority-led or owned production companies or organisations, running existing or new and innovative projects who want to scale up, build sustainability, or enhance their capacity to provide support, opportunities and inspiration for Black and Global Majority talent
Black and Global Majority individuals, wanting to enhance their career, and/​or those of others
We are defining Black and Global Majority to mean people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, Indigenous to the global south, and/​or have been racialised as ​‘ethnic minorities’
We are defining mid-to-senior as those that demonstrate they have a level of experience and expertise, areas of responsibility, such as holding leadership, management, decision making or more complex roles

Applications are open until 30th June – click here for more details and to apply!

As part of its African Languages and Translation Programme, The Africa Institute, located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, opens applications for its third cohort of the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-In-Residence Fellowship for the 2024 Academic Year.

The residency programme welcomes applications from creative writers including novelists, short story writers, playwrights, poets and scriptwriters related to Africa and the African diaspora for a grant of 45,000 AED (about  £9,773) in total. The proposed project can be in Arabic or English, though other languages will be considered.. The residency invites recipients to Sharjah, UAE for a period of three months to complete their work. Typically the cohort begins in Autumn of every year.

Recipients will have the opportunity to publish their texts through The Africa Institute’s publications programme. Projects relating to theatre and film scripts can also be published as texts or receive support in facilitating productions. The project could be new or a work-in-progress, and should be feasible for completion within the timeframe of the residency.

All applications will be reviewed by The Africa Institute through a committee of peers of well-known writers. Three recipients will be chosen based on the quality of their proposal, and the demonstrated feasibility of completion within the timeframe of the residency.

Applications must include: 

• CV/résumé of the applicant
• A two-page narrative of the project to be undertaken during the residency period, its significance, and a proposed completion date.
• A sample of published or unpublished writings.

The deadline to submit is Saturday 1 June, 2024.

To submit applications, compile all application materials; CV/résumé, two-page narrative and writing sample (in case of a book, please attach separately) into one PDF file in the mentioned order. Please name the file with the residency title abbreviation and the applicant’s name in the format TOCWRP_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME. Use the same name in the email subject and send the PDF as an attachment to applications@theafricainstitute.org.

This residency programme is created in honour of the late Nigerian Professor Tejumola Olaniyan and his remarkable intellectual legacy in the field of African literature and critical theory. Olaniyan, a Nigerian academic, was the Louise Durham Mead Professor of English and African Cultural Studies, and the Wole Soyinka Professor of the Humanities at the University of Wisconsin. His primary research interests focused on Africa and its diaspora, African-Americans, the Caribbean, African literature, criticism, post-cultural studies, history, theory and the sociology of drama and pop culture.

Established in 2018, The Africa Institute is an interdisciplinary academic research institute dedicated to the study, research, and documentation of Africa and the African diaspora. The Institute’s curriculum of postgraduate studies is designed to train the next generation of critical thinkers in African and African diaspora studies. It strives to do this via international symposia and conferences, visual art exhibitions and artist commissions, film and performance series, community classes and outreach events.

Find out more about the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-In-Residence Fellowship, here.

Leading Nigerian publishing house, Cassava Republic Press, is calling Black women writers around the world to send in submissions for its inaugural Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize worth $30,000 in cash prizes..

This prize is dedicated to exceptional works by Black women (cis, trans and genderqueer). It represents a first in the world of Black women’s letters, not only by virtue of its global scope, but also its non-fiction focus, and its generous prize value. The primary objective of the award is to publish emerging and established Black women writers and thinkers from across the world, focusing on critical ideas across time and space. At the heart of this prize lies a deep commitment to amplifying the long tradition of Black women writers as knowledge-makers and critical thinkers. 

Cassava Republic is looking to publish and champion Black women writers who bridge the gap between “creativity” and “theory” with work that is both rigorous and beautiful, creative and thoughtful. Straightforward memoirs are not eligible, but manuscripts that incorporate theory with personal essays/experiences within a broader context will be considered.

The winner of the Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize will receive a $20,000 advance and a publishing contract with Cassava Republic Press. Two runner-up writers will each receive a $5000 advance and publication by Cassava Republic Press, bringing the total prize value up to $30,000.

“We take immense pride in launching the Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize as we take steps to addressing a long-overlooked gap in the literary world. The prize builds on the long tradition of Black women writers as theorists and intellectuals, and provide a platform for a range of writers from Africa and the Afro-diaspora to follow in the footsteps of luminaries such as Anna Julia Cooper, Amy Jacques Garvey, Claudia Jones, Noni Jabavu, Audre Lorde, Ellen Khuzwayo, May Ayim, Toni Morrison and bell hooks, who have come before”, said Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, Publishing Director at Cassava Republic Press, announcing the launch of the Prize.

The manuscript prize, open to Black women writers aged 18 and over living anywhere in the world is sponsored by Alitheia Capital, the largest woman-owned impact investing private equity firm in Africa, and Open Society Foundation Africa.

Submissions should include five sample chapters and a pitch letter, which should include a synopsis and a full outline of all chapters. Longlisted authors will then be given a week to submit full manuscripts. 

Cassava Republic Press was founded at Abuja, Nigeria in 2006, and has established itself as one of the most successful publishers in Africa. It has published some of the continent’s finest authors, including Chigozie Obioma (whose novel The Fishermen was short-listed for the 2015 Man Booker Prize), Elnathan John (whose debut novel Born On A Tuesday won a Betty Trask Award in 2017 and was shortlisted for the Republic Of Consciousness Prize), and Ayesha Harruna Attah.

Applications for the Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize close at 23:59GMT on June 30th 2024. To learn more, click here:

The Quramo Writers’ Prize, powered by independent Nigerian book publisher Quramo Publisher, is calling on African writers to submit for its 2024 Edition!

Now in its eighth year, the Prize is open to unpublished African writers living within and outside the continent.

Entrants must be at least 16 years old, and the manuscript must be prose fiction with a word count of at least 30,000. Each entry must be an original, unpublished work.

For the context of this prize, an “African writer” is taken to mean someone who is a national of an African country, with a parent who is African by birth or nationality. The Prize is awarded to a fiction prose manuscript by an African writer published in English, whether they reside in Africa or elsewhere. 

The winner of the Quramo Writers’ Prize will receive a monetary prize and a publishing deal. Other writers who make the shortlist will also benefit from a creative writing workshop and miscellaneous prizes.

Created in 2017 as an avenue for fresh writers to showcase their manuscripts to the global literary community and contribute their works to the canonisation of African literature, the Quramo Writers’ Prize celebrates unpublished writers who are working every day to hone their craft and record original stories from the African continent. 

The prize aims to encourage and stimulate a new community of talented writers, providing an opportunity for otherwise unexposed talent to achieve publishing recognition and encouragement. Previous winners include Samuel Monye’s Give Us Each Day, Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim’s Giveaway Bride, Alex Kadiri’s Sunshower and Chiziterem Chijioke’s Dear Zimi.

Quramo Publishing also has a film production wing, where it brings its published books to the big screen and produces commissioned projects.

The submission window, which opened on March 1, closes on May 31, 2024. For more information, click here:

The “Ecrire à Bangui” (translated to “Writing in Bangui”) workshop is a new initiative for emerging filmmakers from the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and the Central African Republic.

Launched by the association Lê Ti Beäfrica, it aims to support the rise of African filmmaking in the region by providing foundational skills in screenwriting, especially for novice filmmakers. 

According to Pascale Appora Gnekindy, Director and Programme Manager for Lê Ti Beäfrica, the workshop is crucial for anyone looking to enter the film industry, emphasising the importance of scriptwriting as the first step in the filmmaking process.

“Writing in Bangui means giving the basics of film writing to all those who would like to get into cinema. We are well aware that to make a film, you must first think about it and write it. And once we’ve written it, that’s now where we can know what we want to do and then, afterwards, bring it to the screens. And so this phase is really essential. Through this workshop, we want something lasting and which supports the authors with a view to promoting them inside and outside the continent”, said Gnekindy.

The workshop is designed for eligible filmmakers over 19 years old who are proficient in French. The requirements for registration and participation include a cover letter, a detailed bio, a film idea of ​​three pages maximum, a certificate of nationality, and photos of the candidate. 

The workshop will be held in two phases in Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic: a writing phase from July 5 to July 20, followed by a post-production phase from July 29 to August 3. Concerning the programme, Lê Ti Beäfrica requires candidates outside the Central African Republic to ensure their availability and participation during this period.

The initial rigorous workshop, lasting about a month, will ensure that participants leave with at least a short film script created in pairs. Afterwards, Lê Ti Beäfrica will offer year-long support to help participants further develop their scripts, providing them with a tangible project that can open career opportunities. 

Lê Ti Beäfrica, meaning “the eyes of the Central African Republic,” is an association focused on supporting young people in cinema and culture to elevate Central African and broader African cinema.

Applications will close on March 30. To learn more, click here:

Disney’s The Lion King, London, is looking for an enthusiastic Music Intern to join the team for its upcoming cast change.

Disney is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, and strongly encourage applicants of every race, ethnicity, belief, gender, sexual identity, disability, age and culture to apply.

Disney is looking for a music intern to come on board once a week for six weeks, to be truly immersed in what is involved in working on such a large scale show. You will work closely with the Musical Director, observing and learning about leading rehearsals, conducting both cast and orchestra, and being the heartbeat of the live show.

Start Date: Week beginning Monday 25th March
Rate Of Pay: LLW £13.15 p/h & travel expenses
Reports to Musical Director of Lion King London One day a week for six weeks Not accredited

Job/Role/Learning Summary

The sessions will explore and workshop the following:

The day-to-day role of the musical director in a large-scale musical theatre production
Collaboration, and the departments involved in a musical theatre production
Theatre-specific piano and keyboard techniques, for rehearsal and orchestra pit settings
Conducting in musical theatre
Preparing to MD a musical theatre production
‘Depping’ in musical theatre
The rehearsal process, and teaching ensemble vocals
African languages used in The Lion King

The content and focus of the sessions will be adapted to the selected candidate, to best fit their experience and needs.

Who Disney are looking for

We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants from groups currently underrepresented in the musical theatre industry’.
Aged 18 or over.
Must be able to work in the evenings.
Should have strong piano playing ability and be currently studying or looking to study piano at undergraduate level or equivalent. Recently graduated would also be suitable. However, having a qualification or degree is not a necessity.
Should have an interest in conducting – experience encouraged but not necessary
Someone who is keen to work in a collaborative environment
Someone with an interest in a diverse range of music and styles

How to apply

Please prepare and send the following videos:

A short piece or extract of classical music – anything you enjoy playing that has been learnt from sheet music (max 2 mins)
A contrasting piece of pop, rock, or jazz, which shows your abilities to play rhythm piano, keeping strong time (can be from sheet music, learnt by ear, or improvised) (max 2 mins)

To apply please contact dtg.recruitment@disney.com
Please include a covering letter with your CV

Closing date for applications 20th February 2024

Are you interested in working on one of Disney’s most iconic musicals?

Disney is recruiting a Company Manager for The Lion King tour in Zurich from December 2023 to March 2024.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Responsible for the welfare of members of the Company and carrying out regular dressing room walk round and department check-ins within the working week.

Liaise between all Technical departments, Resident Creative team, Production and General Management Teams and local venue staff to ensure the smooth running of all rehearsals and performances.

Communicate in a timely manner with Production, General Management and the Resident Creative team on any day-to-day changes that might impact the running of the Production.

Provide payroll information and preparing the weekly payroll file for the production.

Prepare and schedule performer holiday requests with regular updates submitted to the General Manager and Resident Creative Team for approval.

Maintain financial and other records together with good management employee relations necessary for the operation of the Production.

Arrange tickets for company members and liaising with the International Creative Team on show watches for upcoming visits.

Attend and, on rotation, run weekly Head of Department meetings.

Liaise with the Disney marketing and press department, to plan for events, and backstage tours, attending as necessary.

In conjunction with Stage Management, produce accurate rehearsal schedules and show reports.

Ensure that the Health and Safety Policy is followed and liaise closely with Disney’s Health and Safety Manager.

Work closely and in conjunction with the Deputy Company Manager.

Skills:

Clear, confident communication and decision making essential.

Ability to remain focused and calm when under pressure.

Excellent relationship and interpersonal skills with cast, creative and production team essential.

Transparent and open approach, be able to work well under pressure, enjoy leading from the front, and by example.

Excellent problem-solving skills and use of own initiative.

A full awareness of need for integrity and confidentiality.

Organised with excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and Outlook.

Experience in a similar role within a large-scale musical production working with an international cast is highly desirable.

For more information or to apply please contact dtg.recruitment@disney.com

Please include a covering letter with your CV.

Note – return flights, accommodation, per diem and local travel in Zurich will all be provided.

Disney is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, and strongly encourage applicants of every race, ethnicity, belief, gender, sexual identity, disability, age and culture to apply.

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on Wednesday 1st November 2023

Are you interested in working on one of Disney’s most iconic musicals?

Disney is recruiting a Deputy Company Manager for The Lion King tour in Zurich from December 2023 to March 2024.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Work closely and in conjunction with the Company Manager. The Deputy Company Manager supports the role of the Company Manager daily.

Support the welfare of members of the Company and carrying out regular dressing room walk rounds and department check-ins within the working week.

Assist the Company Manager to liaise between all technical departments, Resident Creative Team, Production and General Management teams to ensure the smooth running of all rehearsals and performances.

Assist the Company Manager to communicate in a timely manner with Production and General Management and the Resident Creative Team on any day-to-day changes that might impact the running of the Production.

Work closely with the theatre staff at the touring venues to ensure the smooth running of the production.

Provide payroll information and prepare the weekly payroll file for the production.

Assist the Company Manager to prepare and schedule performer holiday requests with regular updates submitted to the General Manager and Resident Creative Team for approval.

Assist the Company Manager to maintain financial and other records together with good management employee relations necessary for the operation of the Production.

Assist the Company Manager to arrange tickets for company members and liaise with the International Creative Team on show watches for upcoming visits.

Attend and, on occasion, run weekly Head of Department meetings.

Assist the Company Manager to liaise with the Disney marketing and press department, to plan for events, and backstage tours, attending as necessary.

In conjunction with Stage Management, produce accurate rehearsal schedules and show reports.

Ensure that the Health and Safety Policy is followed and liaise closely with Disney’s Health and Safety Manager.

Skills

Clear, confident communication and decision making essential.

Ability to remain focused and calm when under pressure.

Excellent relationship and interpersonal skills with cast, creative and production team essential.

Transparent and open approach, be able to work well under pressure, enjoy leading from the front, and by example.

Excellent problem-solving skills and use of own initiative.

A full awareness of need for integrity and confidentiality.

Organised with excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and Outlook.

Experience in a similar role within a large-scale musical production working with an international cast is highly desirable.

For more information or to apply please contact dtg.recruitment@disney.com

Please include a covering letter with your CV.

Note – return flights, accommodation, per diem and local travel in Zurich will all be provided.

Disney is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, and strongly encourage applicants of every race, ethnicity, belief, gender, sexual identity, disability, age and culture to apply.

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on Wednesday 1st November 2023

YOU WANNA BE STARTIN’ SOMETHIN’? AUDITION FOR MJ IN THE WEST END!

Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is coming to the West End, direct from Broadway in the multiple Tony Award®-winning new musical MJ. Now, the electrifying production is on the lookout for its future stars!

Casting is underway for a range of roles including “MJ” and “Little Michael” with ONLINE AUDITIONS now open for self-tapes and showreels.

ROLE DESCRIPTIONS:

MJ – alternate (22-34 years)
MJ & Middle Michael standbys (18-34 years)
Kate / Katherine Jackson (30-49 years)
Little Michael (8-12 years)
Little Marlon (8-12 years)
Alejandro (30-40 years)
Dave (40-50 years)
Jermaine Jackson / Ensemble (20-40 years)
Male singer swings (20-40 years)
Female singer swing with a cover of Katherine (30-40 years)
Male Dance Swing (20-35 years)

Download Full Character Breakdowns

To AUDITION ONLINE, please prepare a 1 minute extract of your favourite Michael Jackson or Jackson 5 song and send the viewing/download link with relevant personal information to enquiries@pippaailioncasting.co.uk.

GOOD LUCK!

 
Have you always dreamt of reporting live from a bustling red carpet, or speaking to a talented director about his latest project?

Are you an entertainment buff covering the latest news on your own blog or social channels, looking for a practical output for your creativity and the start of a new career? Apply now for your chance to take part in the inaugural Red Carpet Accelerator Programme, brought to you by The DDA Group and The British Blacklist in partnership with the BFI London Film Festival.

Seize this opportunity to delve into the world of showbiz journalism and receive mentorship from industry experts. Successful applicants will be invited to take part in a unique 4-day programme in Central London from 13th-15th October, culminating in an opportunity to take part in a red-carpet event at this year’s festival.

Throughout the programme, participants will undergo training in producing, presenting, and editing, equipping them for red carpet interviews not only during the festival but also for future opportunities. This hands-on experience in showbiz journalism culminates in the participants’ coverage being featured on The British Blacklist, offering them a rare chance to see their work on a reputable platform. Additionally, the programme includes sessions with industry experts, offering unparalleled insights into their careers and the keys to success in the industry.

By the end of the programme, participants will have improved their showbiz journalism skills and understanding of the industry having gained professional work experience, new work for their portfolio, industry contacts and a document of confirmation of having completed the placement.
 
Mentees will be reimbursed for their time across working days of the programme and will have full press accreditation for the 12-day duration of the LFF (4 to 15 October). Mentees from outside London will be eligible for accommodation and travel to participate in the programme.
 
About you

• Applicants must be 18 and over with the right to work in the UK
• Applicants should self-identify from a Black background, including those of mixed Black heritage.
• Must have an interest in showbiz journalism, the world of entertainment as well as Film and TV
• Applicants should apply with a personal statement and please also upload any relevant evidence of experience, including showreels.

Deadline for applications is Friday September 29th 2023.

To apply please send the above to: RedCarpetAcceleratorProgramme@ddapr.com