Open Letter to BAFTA: The Recognition of Production Management in TV and Film
Dear BAFTA,
We are writing to respectfully urge you to reconsider your stance on recognising the invaluable contribution of Production Management teams within the television and film industries. These teams are the backbone of production, ensuring that creative visions come to life on time, on budget, and with precision. Yet, despite their critical role, Production Management teams remain unrecognised within BAFTA’s prestigious awards.
Many esteemed industry organisations have already taken steps to recognise these essential teams. The Royal Television Society, Women in Film and Television UK, and Wildscreen all have Production Management Team categories. Moving forward NATAS, and Jackson Wild are working to implement awards specifically for Production Management teams, acknowledging that without their expertise, no programming would make it to air.
BAFTA’s response to the proposal for a Production Management category was that there is currently “not a strong enough case for progressing the proposal further.” We respectfully disagree. Let us make the case clear:
Heads of Production, Production Executives, Production Managers, Production Coordinators, and PMAs handle every logistical aspect of a production. They schedule the entire project from greenlight to delivery, manage budgets, oversee contracting, secure permits, handle compliance and risk assessments, book travel and accommodation, ensure equipment and locations are ready, manage post-production deliverables, and complete essential paperwork long after the cameras stop rolling.
In short, without the Production Management team, there would be no production.
The work they do requires immense dedication, meticulous planning, and problem-solving skills that directly impact the success of any project. They are often the first in and the last out, ensuring that productions are safe, legal, and delivered to the highest standards. Yet, their efforts remain behind the scenes, unacknowledged by one of the industry's most prominent awarding bodies.
Recognising Production Management teams would not only be a well-deserved acknowledgment of their work but would also set a powerful precedent for valuing the unseen yet essential roles in our industry. It would highlight BAFTA’s commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and a holistic understanding of what it truly takes to create award-winning content.
We understand that BAFTA strives to evolve with the industry and reflect the contributions of all professionals who make exceptional content possible. Therefore, we respectfully ask that you take another look at this proposal. Let us work together to ensure that Production Management teams are given the recognition they have long deserved.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how BAFTA can lead the way in recognising the full spectrum of talent within the industry.
Sincerely,
Lisa Walters
Head of Production