BAFTA Launches Review of Trustee Guest Tickets

BAFTA has launched an independent review of its guest ticket arrangements for trustees at its film, television and games awards ceremonies, according to Deadline. The review is being led by a group of three unnamed industry executives.

The concerns were raised at BAFTA's annual general meeting this week by Michael Pritchett, an independent film producer and elected chair of the Academy's membership council. Pritchett alleged that trustees received complimentary tickets for themselves and a guest, with top-table film awards guest tickets potentially worth up to £2,000 ($2,665).

Pritchett said legal advice he paid for concluded that offences under the Charities Act and Companies Act were likely committed by trustees who approved the accounts, and he questioned whether BAFTA had paid tax and National Insurance on the tickets since 2016. He also said BAFTA refused his request for records of who received free awards tickets, with no policy cited.

BAFTA said trustees attend events in a working, ambassadorial capacity and that the review of the historic guest ticket arrangement is underway. Sara Putt, BAFTA's former chair, said the Academy obtained its own legal advice on the ticketing issue, which was not shared with Pritchett or members. Hilary Rosen is BAFTA's new chair.

Earlier change to plus-one tickets

BAFTA stopped offering plus-one tickets to trustees last year following a recommendation from its governance committee. Pritchett claimed the custom of trustees receiving complimentary guest tickets had been ongoing for up to 20 years, and said he had been privately raising concerns with BAFTA officials for months. Pritchett said members paid £4.7 million in membership fees last year.