Press Release 30 April 2015

(For immediate release)

JEFF POPE TO RECEIVE BAFTA SPECIAL AWARD British producer and writer to be presented with award in honour of Alan Clarke London, 30 April 2015: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has today announced that Jeff Pope, one of Britain’s most successful producers and writers, will be honoured with the Special Award at the House of Fraser British Academy Television Awards at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London on Sunday 10 May.

Last presented in honour of Alan Clarke in 2009, this Special Award, whose previous recipients include Jane Tranter, Paul Watson, Andy Harries, Paul Greengrass and Adam Curtis, will recognise Jeff Pope’s outstanding creative contribution to television.

Andrew Newman, Chairman of BAFTA’s Television Committee, said: “Jeff’s career has been outstanding. Starting out as a researcher on factual programmes he has since gone onto become head of factual drama at ITV Studios, where he has written and produced a series of award-winning works in both television and film. Jeff is one of the finest exponents of his craft and this Special Award honours the remarkable breadth and quality of his work.”

Jeff Pope said: “Alan Clarke was a hero of mine and I am delighted to have been honoured with this Award in his name. I have been lucky enough to work with some extraordinarily talented people and this is a moment in my life to look back with gratitude to all those who have helped me achieve. Writing is all about facing down the tyranny of the blank screen, but my message to all aspiring writers is that once you've hit that first key, you discover it's really not so difficult as you'd imagined.”

Jeff Pope’s career began as a reporter for the Ealing Gazette, and in 1983 he moved into television as a researcher in current affairs with London Weekend Television. He soon focused on drama, which included co-writing 1993’s Fool’s Gold starring Sean Bean. Three years later, he become Head of Drama for London Weekend Television, Granada and then ITV Studios, and has produced and written some of the most iconic television series of our time, including Mrs Biggs, Mo, Appropriate Adult and this year’s BAFTA- nominated biopic Cilla.

Previous BAFTA recognition of Pope’s work includes nine nominations across Film and Television, winning a BAFTA for television drama See No Evil: The Moors Murders in 2007 and Adapted Screenplay for Philomena at the EE British Academy Film Awards last year. He has also won twice at the Broadcasting Press Awards for Appropriate Adult (2012) and Mo (2011) and nominated for Royal Television Society Awards, British Comedy Awards and recognised at the BANFF World Media Festival.

The House of Fraser British Academy Television Awards will be hosted by Graham Norton at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London, and broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 10 May at 20.00.

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Press Release (cont.)

ENDS

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About BAFTA The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – featuring workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes – in the UK, USA and Asia; it offers unique access to the world’s most inspiring talent and connects with a global audience of all ages and backgrounds. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. To access the best creative minds in film, television and games production, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.

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