BAFTA’s Climate And Sustainability Division Appoints Former ITV Exec As New Boss

Matt Scarff is taking the reins at albert, the BAFTA-owned organization that works with the industry to help it embed climate action and sustainability into its work – on and off screen.

Scarff has taken the Managing Director role on a permanent basis, having been interim boss. “Over the last three months I’ve witnessed the incredible opportunity that BAFTA albert has to create genuine change within the screen industry,” he said. “The appetite for environmental change within the industry is obvious and the strategy we have in place at albert is perfectly placed to help make the changes we need to protect the future of our planet.”

Carys Taylor, former albert boss, has moved to a new role, Director of Climate Content and Sustainability, working across BAFTA and albert to turbo charge climate storytelling across film and TV. She led charge for albert at the recent COP28 climate summit.

Scarff’s appointment comes as albert ramps up, and as the level of industry engagement increases. As well as training, research, and certification, albert is on the front foot in terms of the discussion around incorporating climate themes into film and TV. Although commissions and financing are challenging, there is a growing group of industry folk who, as well as making projects that are sustainable, also want to address climate issues on screen.  

Having served a long stint at commercial broadcaster ITV, Scarff has variously been a consultant and career coach. At albert, he reports to BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip. “BAFTA albert has a unique opportunity to spearhead meaningful change in the screen industry to tackle the growing environmental challenges we face,” she said. “I am thrilled that Matt has agreed to take on the role of Managing Director permanently and believe his experience and passion are exactly what is needed to supercharge the work of albert and take it to the next level.”