ARROWS Jury

Foreword –Jani Guest & Clare Donald Chairs of the Board

It’s hard to believe that 2022 is the third year of our co-Chairship, made that bit more surreal by the fact that the show this evening will be our first in-person event as Chairs. Covid knocked us sideways as the 2020 ceremony was cancelled only 15 days before our hugely anticipated return to The Grosvenor House Hotel. We were delighted with the success of our live-stream virtual event in 2021, but it feels SO AMAZING to know that, once again, we can see each other face-to-face and revel in the celebration of this industry’s incredible work.

And what a night this is going to be. You have entered more than ever before. We saw a 30% increase v 2019 and 19% v 2020, and the standards are as high as ever. Could there be a greater testament to the resilience of our industry? Because of the scale of entries, we introduced a remote first pass for our two talented juries, and then spent a total of 4 days debating your work, inspirationally led by the amazing Lynsey Atkin, Executive Creative Director at 4creative, for The Arrows and Lisette Nice, Founder & CEO of The Factory Family, for Craft. We have brought in a new entry system powered by BAFTA and launched a revamped website with an easily searchable archive, optimised for mobile. All of this in a year where remote working prevailed, filmmaking continued to be challenging, and infections reached almost 16 million in the UK.

Beyond the operational enhancements, we also wanted to use our voice to promote the values we hold close to our hearts. We introduced 3 social impact awards (sustainability, social impact and inclusion) and three free to enter Young Arrows awards (agency, production and craft). We launched a podcast series debating industry issues: sustainability, gender equity, and racial diversity and partnered with Shiny to throw a spotlight on undiscovered Directors. Our work with new and diverse talent is profoundly important to enabling pathways for entry into our industry, for the clear benefit of us all.

And now the section for thanks. None of this extraordinary activity would have happened without the glorious British Arrows team: Lisa Lavender, Sergio ColinaRestrepo, and Devon Pearce. Not only do you give so much of your time and care to making the Arrows great, but you manage to maintain compassion, kindness and humour in the face of every single challenge. Thank you. Thank you also to our wonderful jury Chairs, Lynsey and Lisette, and to our incredible jurors who gave so much of their time, wisdom and wit. And finally, but certainly not last to our incredible sponsors, to the new organisations that have joined in this year as well as to those who have continued to support the British Arrows for many years.

Before we wrap this up, we also wanted to recognise you - our industry peers - for your enormous generosity in these adverse times. The British Arrows is a not-for-profit organisation. Our ability to function is purely through the revenue we generate in entries and ticket sales to the Awards event. With 2020 cancelled and 2021 remote, we were considering the survival of our 40+ year institution. For all of you who gifted your ticket refunds from the 2020 show – thank you too. This has genuinely saved the Arrows. By cutting all corners and operating costs, we have been able to continue the work we do in championing the UK industry on an international scale and driving a more equitable intake of talent for our collective future. Our gratitude is fathomless.

The last twelve months have been tough, tragically losing too many of our industry friends. But our ability to work together with compassion and creativity gives us huge optimism for the year ahead. We are prouder than ever to play our part leading The British Arrows. We hope you have a fabulous evening in this lovely space. Be kind, be merry and be safe.

Clare and Jani