Written by Kianna Best on Feb 9, 2024. Posted in General Interest

Winner of The Duke of Edinburgh Film & TV Inclusion Award 2024 announced

Million Youth Media have been announced as the winners of The Duke of Edinburgh Film & TV Inclusion Award 2024.  The organisation offer training and development for upcoming filmmakers and under-represented talent. The honour was announced as part of the PGGB Talent Showcase  held at London’s Savoy Hotel on Thursday 8 February.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh said:  “It’s been interesting to see how things have moved forward since 6 Foot From the Spotlight won last year’s award and how the award has opened more doors.   There’s been a fantastic response from the film and TV community.   You have to break down barriers, so again we’re shining a light on the people who are connecting the dots to encourage the next generation.”

Founded by Fully Focussed Productions, one of the UK's leading youth driven production companies, Million Youth Media and MYM Academy are led by co-founders Nick Bedu and Teddy Nygh. Making award winning content with and for young people, Fully Focussed Productions are winners of Edinburgh TV Festival’s New Voice Award, Best Company for New Talent 2023 as well as nominees for Best Small Indie at the 2023 edition of the Edinburgh TV Festival. Bedu and Nygh also serve as head of production and creative director respectively.

In 2021 the MYM Academy’s BBC scripted comedy series PRU, recently acquired for Netflix, allowed for over 60 paid placements across the show. Alongside this achievement the MYM: Million Youth Media YouTube channel has contributed to the launch and support of over 450 films, generating over 87 million views and close to 500 thousand subscribers.

Commenting on the winner Lyndsay Duthie, PGGB CEO said: “This award spotlights those whose innovations have expanded accessibility, diversity and inclusion in our industry to inspire the next generation of talent and Million Youth Media’s passion and commitment to that very goal shines brightly.   We celebrate their relentless endeavours to provide talented young people from under-represented communities, with the tools, opportunities and knowledge they need to thrive.”

The Duke of Edinburgh Film & TV Award aims to spotlight inspirational work in the industry that is helping to foster and progress talent inclusion in Britain’s screen sector. Othe projects nominated for the award include Access All Areas, Access: VFX, Georgette Turner, Resource Productions and Screen Alliance Wales. PGGB’s Talent Showcase and the Duke of Edinburgh Film & TV Inclusion Award are in association with Walt Disney Studios in line with its long-term commitment to building a more inclusive UK film and television industry – with supported by Entertainment Partners.

Images courtesy of Ben Meadows