Adil Ray OBE is the first Patron of Screen and Film School Birmingham
Screen and Film School are delighted to officially announce actor, comedian, radio and television presenter Adil Ray OBE has become the first Patron of Screen and Film School Birmingham and are introducing a £30,000 scholarship in his name.
Birmingham-born Adil Ray is best known for starring in the BBC hit comedy Citizen Khan, which he created and co-wrote. Adil’s other notable roles include the hit Channel 4 drama series Ackley Bridge, Blithe Spirit with Judi Dench, and hosting Have I Got News for You. More recently, he has been a guest presenter on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. Adil also is one of the NFTS board of governors.
As a Patron, Adil Ray is recognised for his contributions to film, television, the arts and his passion for diversity. Screen and Film School, in turn, will benefit from Adil’s accumulated knowledge of the film and television industry, his passion for education and his belief in the power of access, participation and promoting equal opportunities.
Speaking after becoming Patron for Screen and Film School Birmingham, Adil said:
“I am incredibly proud to be a Patron of Screen and Film School Birmingham. This school is an incredible asset to the Midlands. I want to help students find their voices and instil in them the self-belief and motivation needed for a successful career. We share a passion for helping shape a new generation of filmmakers, enabling diverse young creative minds to flourish. I want families to know that things are changing in the industry and that a career in film and television is possible; even if you haven’t been reflected on-screen while growing up, it is achievable. Screen and Film School Birmingham is on my doorstep, so I’m expecting to be involved as much as I can.”
Screen and Film School Birmingham are also offering the Adil Ray OBE Scholarship worth nearly £30,000 to one lucky student who will have all their tuition fees paid. Adil Ray will have the opportunity to review the shortlist of candidates and devise the scholarship criteria with the College Principal Hannah Stevenson.
Commenting on the Adil Ray OBE Scholarship, he said:
“I am honoured to lend my name to the Screen and Film School Birmingham Scholarship. I am committed to nurturing talent from within the region, especially from under-represented communities. I hope the Adil Ray OBE Scholarship will open the door for someone who might think the film and television industry is closed to them. Growing up in Birmingham, I would sit in my room thinking up ideas for comedy sketches and television shows. I would travel past the local television studios on the school bus, never thinking it was an option for me. I am pleased to say the industry is beginning to change. Still, we need to do more to enable those with financial or social barriers to accessing higher education, training and support to make the industry vastly more inclusive.”
Screen and Film School College Principal Hannah Stevenson said:
“We are delighted that Adil has agreed to become a Patron of Screen and Film School Birmingham. We will benefit greatly from his wisdom, knowledge and enthusiasm in the years ahead. We share a passion for making the screen and film industries accessible to a new generation that may have felt overlooked and disconnected in the past.”
“Adil has been a forerunner as a creator, writer, producer, and adept performer throughout his career. He has shone a light on inequality, discrimination and the disconnect between programme-makers and the audience, often using humour to soften the blow, unafraid to tackle complex topics in both drama and documentary. He embodies a can-do attitude and drive inspiring for students and respected by the industry.”
Screen and Film School are delighted to welcome Adil Ray OBE to our community. Stay tuned to find out how to apply for the Adil Ray OBE Scholarship, exclusively with the Birmingham campus.
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