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Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor CBE explains why he’s made a £1 million commitment to support diversity in the UK short film industry THIS MUCH... I KNOW
D espite somuch discussion about the whole issue of diversity in all walks of life, it’s still unusual to come across anyone prepared to back it up with a genuine commitment to do something that’s practically positive. However, philanthropist and executive filmproducer Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor CBE has bucked the trend and put his money where his mouth is by announcing that he’s committing the sumof £1 million/$1.4 million towards the production of new short films that promote diversity and
“At themoment the barriers to entry to our industry usually revolve around opportunity poverty. I don’t like that or the lack of social mobility it creates ”
inclusion throughout the UK film industry. In particular, he’s looking to promote upcoming talent, and already has a long track record of encouraging the younger generation of filmmakers to find their feet. So, what is behind this grand gesture, and why does Professor Allesch-Taylor consider that it’s so necessary at this time to be making this kind of commitment? And, in particular, what is he hoping will ultimately come out of the exercise? We caught up with him to find out more, in his own words.
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PRO MOVIEMAKER SPRING 2018
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