Reel Impact announces second round of Grant Awardees

Following a surge in applications for the second round of its Reel Impact funding – the Film and TV Charity’s flagship initiative to elevate mid-senior Black and Global Majority talent – the Charity has unveiled its latest cohort of trailblazing awardees.

This round sees a notable expansion in awards granted to individuals and organisations based across the UK, spotlighting both organisational innovation and individual ambition.

The two organisations receiving funds to develop their businesses are: 

• From Life Prosthetics, an SFX studio based in Dorset, is set to build a new facility that blends digital craft with inclusive design – creating space for Black and Global Majority-led innovation to thrive within the UK’s screen industries.
• Fully Focused, an independent production company dedicated to supporting emerging talent from underrepresented communities, will use the award to expand their team, strengthen revenue streams and create more paid opportunities – all while continuing to nurture and grow their creative community.

The two organisations receiving funds for their work to advance racial equity are: 

• British Arab Writers Group, who will support creatives and storytellers with Arab heritage and backgrounds, so that their voices and narratives can be given the space they deserve in the face of growing division and systemic repression.
• Aniboxx Studios will use the award to help fund an Animation career elevation scheme, Diversimation: ​“The Senior Shift”, which will help five mid-level professionals from Black and Global Majority backgrounds with senior career advancement skills, mentoring, and opportunities to move into senior roles in the animation-industry.

The four individuals who have been granted funding for personal development are: 

• Ruchika Tagore, based in Liverpool, will use the award to pursue formal counselling training, with the aim of establishing a role in the TV industry as a qualified welfare specialist and future therapist. Her focus will be on supporting diverse freelancers and on-screen talent.
• Shekhar Bassi, a physically disabled and autistic award-winning screenwriter, and director will use the award to shadow experienced directors in high-end scripted drama, with the aim of bringing Black and Global Majority and diverse perspectives and narratives to the forefront. His goal is to inspire others from similar backgrounds to pursue their ambitions in film.
• Somina ​‘Mena’ Fombo, a Bristol-based documentary film director, will use Reel Impact’s support to document women’s sports, celebrating its present, archiving its histories, and redefining who tells women’s sports stories.
• Shannon Welby, based in Northern Ireland, received the award to progress her career as a screenwriter, helping to build her brand, purchase up-to-date equipment and expand her networks.

For this second round of funding, a panel of Peer Assessors was introduced to make the decisions about who was awarded funding. They are a diverse mix of experienced industry professionals, and with a range of skills and backgrounds.

Marcus Ryder, CEO at the Charity, said: ​“What strikes me about this round of Reel Impact awardees is the sheer variety of approaches they are taking to dismantle structural barriers. From building inclusive creative spaces and advancing Arab storytelling, to mentoring future animation leaders and championing wellbeing in our industry, each awardee is bringing fresh, imaginative solutions shaped by their own lived experience. It’s this creativity and authenticity that gives me real hope for lasting change in how our industry tackles racism and creates opportunity.”