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A local film director has been added to a star-studded list of new BAFTA members for 2018, alongside names like Hugh Grant, Jodie Whittaker and Willem Dafoe.
Jersey talent and Beast director Michael Pearce has officially been named a member of BAFTA.
Pearce can add his new membership to his long line of directorial achievements.
He is one of 386 new names who have been added to the 2018 list of members of BAFTA, the independent arts charity that “brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally”.
The success of his directorial work means Pearce will be joining a community of 8,000 creatives and professionals who all have achievements in the film, games and television industries.
Pictured: Pearce rose to acclaim through his film 'Beast', which is based on the tale of the Beast of Jersey.
Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new members to BAFTA. Our members represent the breadth of the ever-evolving film, games and television industries. They sit at the heart of everything BAFTA does, from mentoring emerging talent, voting in the Awards, sharing knowledge and experience at events and online on BAFTA Guru, and making up BAFTA’s Board and committees. With their involvement we are able to inspire the next generation of talent, as well as support the future of our industries.”
Pearce is alongside many notable figures who made the 2018 list, such as actress Letitia Wright, broadcaster Sandi Toksvig, games designer Tim Schafer, as well as actor Hugh Grant, actress Jodie Whittaker and actor Willem Dafoe.
Just one month ago, Pearce was named a 'Breakthrough Brit' of 2018 by BAFTA, a title only claimed by 18 other people. Those selected are considered the UK’s ‘most promising future stars of film, games and television’ and are chosen by a jury of industry experts.
Pictured: Pearce has already been named a 'Breakthrough Brit' by BAFTA.
Pearce’s directing endeavours include short films Keeping Up With The Joneses (2013) and Rite (2010), which have both received BAFTA nominations for Best Short Film.
His most notable directorial and writing credentials have been with his feature length film, Beast (2017), where outside scenes were in fact filmed in Jersey.
Beast premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and received a string of rave reviews from critics. It made The Guardian’s Best films of 2018 so far list, with Peter Bradshaw calling it “exhilaratingly clever”.
Lead photo: Michael Pearce at the 'Breakthrough Brits' event earlier this year. (James Gourley/Rex/Shutterstock)
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