EE’s latest research highlights a growing concern among parents. Nearly 100% of parents surveyed expressed worry that their children are veering toward modern, tech-based careers rather than traditional ones.
Daisy Edgar-Jones, the 26-year-old actress best known for her breakout role in Normal People, is joining forces with EE and BAFTA to inspire the next generation of creative talent. As part of the new Set The Stage initiative, the actress will serve as a mentor to teenagers looking to explore careers in the film industry.
The collaboration with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is designed to encourage young people, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 17, to pursue careers behind the camera. The campaign aims to connect the creativity teens engage with on social media, through gaming, and in other digital spaces, to real-world opportunities in the filmmaking industry.
EE’s latest research highlights a growing concern among parents. Nearly 100% of parents surveyed expressed worry that their children are veering toward modern, tech-based careers rather than traditional ones. In response, the Set The Stage campaign seeks to bridge the generational gap, helping parents and teens understand how digital skills can lead to success in creative fields.
Baroness Floella Benjamin, former children’s TV presenter and industry veteran, is also on board, stressing the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of career success. “The definition of what highlights a successful career is evolving and very personal,” she explained. “Growing up with phones isn’t easy, but when teens are consuming social content, playing video games, and exploring the arts, they gain many creative skills. These activities open a window into future possibilities. It’s important to connect these skills to opportunities in the film industry.”
The Set The Stage initiative will offer an exclusive opportunity for 16 teenagers to join a film crew and produce a short film. Participants will learn key aspects of filmmaking, from makeup artistry to cinematography, sound design, costume production, and directing. Each teen will be mentored by industry professionals, including Edgar-Jones, over the course of a year.
Teenagers will be selected based on their relevant skills, teamwork abilities, resilience under pressure, and passion for the craft. The project aims to teach participants how to harness their creative potential, with the goal of providing them with the skills needed for a career in filmmaking. Edgar-Jones, who is deeply committed to supporting emerging talent, will guide the teens as they work on their film project.
“Through Set The Stage, EE is showcasing the breadth of creative careers available in the screen arts,” said a spokesperson for EE. “This initiative demonstrates how teenagers can take the soft and hard skills they’ve developed through engaging with social media, gaming, and technology and translate them into a rewarding career in film.”
For those interested in taking part, the application process is open until March 21. To enter, hopefuls need to send a direct message on TikTok or Instagram to EE, including the word “STAGE.” Alternatively, they can make a public post on social media tagging EE and using the same hashtag. The selected teens will gain hands-on experience in all areas of film production, learning from experts in each field.
Lisa Prime, Head of the Children and Young People’s Programme at BAFTA, emphasized the importance of initiatives like Set The Stage in nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. “Part of BAFTA’s mission is to inspire budding creatives to consider careers within the screen industries,” Prime said. “Through our Young BAFTA programme, we are constantly working to identify and develop future storytellers. Set The Stage is a fantastic campaign to highlight the diverse range of careers in the film industry and support the young talent who will shape its future.”
As the film industry continues to evolve, Set The Stage offers a vital platform for teens to explore their creative potential. By merging the worlds of digital media and filmmaking, the initiative helps young people understand how their passions can translate into real-world opportunities. With mentors like Daisy Edgar-Jones and the backing of BAFTA, the project is set to provide valuable guidance to the filmmakers of tomorrow.
Applications for the programme are now open, and teens eager to make their mark on the screen industry have until March 21 to apply.
