BAFTA Unveils North America Director

BAFTA North America has unveiled a new Executive Director, with Matthew Wiseman exiting the organization after two decades.

Women in Film’s (WIF) Courtney LaBarge Bell will take up the role next month, leading BAFTA teams in LA and New York – which were merged in 2022 – and overseeing all activity in the organization’s program of events and screenings for members, including the annual BAFTA Tea Parties and year-round talent initiatives such as Breakthrough USA and the Newcomers Program.

She will work closely with recently appointed BAFTA North America Chair Joyce Pierpoline, along with CEO Jane Millichip.

LaBarge Bell was most recently WIF’s Director of Development, where she oversaw fundraising initiatives and cultivated partnerships through the Covid-19 pandemic and strikes period. Prior to WIF, Courtney spent seven years in Corporate Partnerships at Sundance Institute, an advocate for independent artists.

“Courtney will bring considerable knowledge and experience to the role from her time at Women in Film and at many of the country’s top film festivals, and I look forward to working closely with her and the North America team in the coming months,” said Millichip.

LaBarge Bell called BAFTA “an organization that has a rich tradition of excellence and authentic commitment to uplifting diverse voices and advancing a more progressive future for artists in film, games and television.”

Wiseman became Executive Director when BAFTA’s U.S. operations were merged and he is exiting after 22 years. In a LinkedIn post last week, he said he is “deeply proud to have been part of the incredible team that has created so many life-changing programs, bold and impactful initiatives, and of course world-class events and sparkly celebrations.”

Pierpoline, meanwhile, replaced Kathryn Busby last month at the same time as Participant CEO David Linde joined the board.