Recognising a changing industry, the team at the British Arrows have set out to help make advertising a space in which young people of all backgrounds can take part and thrive. British Arrows Doorway – the BAD initiative – seeks to provide accessible pathways into the industry and encourage young BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic) creative talent to take advantage.

Looking into why this demographic weren’t already connecting with the industry, the team visited community centres, schools and training providers. They learned that much of the aspirational talent out there assumes the industry is for people with university degrees, family money or connections… not for them.

As part of the initiative, BAD have produced a series of films, provide information for those with no idea where to start. The interviews include insights and useful info from experts in all areas of the industry, as well as interns and apprentices who’ve just found their way in and have valuable advice to offer. This is where the young talent at Cut+Run London steps in – our team of assistant editors has cut each of these films for BAD; myth-busting interviews with industry newcomers and Q&As with professionals in all areas of advertising from agencies to production, post-production and audio.

Our own apprentice Victoria Man was one of the knowledgeable newcomers interviewed for the project. Vicky has since joined Cut+Run full-time as a runner and, incidentally, has been working alongside our assistant editors on some of the interview films as her first editing job. Vicky was also invited to join the judging panel at the 2018 British Arrows for the first ever BAD award, established to highlight and award the work that engages most with young people.

Find out more about BAD here, and see some of the film we worked on here.

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