Casting Call at BAFTA

As January came to a close, I headed over to West London for the opportunity of seeing the iconic BAFTA masks being cast, ahead of the 2015 British Academy of Film and Television Awards in February.

In this world of health and safety legislation, it was a breath of fresh (if not sometimes braincell-destroying) air to work so closely to the foundry and the workers. Watching the moulds being pre-fired, then filled with the Phosphor Bronze alloy was a real pleasure. Again, that could have been the fumes from the accelerant spray though.

As you can see, the process was exactly what I hoped it would be; a job for skilled people using traditional techniques. This is only improved upon by the knowledge that the same company, NewPro Foundries, has been making the masks since the very first awards in 1976.

With so many being made, it was interesting to hear that even the winners never actually "own" the award, preventing it from ending up on eBay if the roles dry up.  The same applies to Oscars, with a legal case erupting over a sale in 2011. Since 1950, any Oscar winner has to offer the Academy first-refusal on any sale with the price being limited to a single dollar.

Over in the UK, due to the exchange rate, BAFTA winners get to savour the comfort of one whole pound. Seeing the amount of BAFTA masks that were cast and were laying around in the workshop, I'd be tempted to have a few for doorstops if I worked there.

The finished casting is then sent onto the next stage to be mounted on it's plinth ahead of the awards presentation. Good luck to all those who are nominated at this year's BAFTA awards!