BAFTA Los Angeles announces launch of its Games activities initiative

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles has announced the launch of its Games activities in a move to expand into the US and Canada games market.

BAFTA Los Angeles looks to address the "continued convergence between games with film and TV industries from talent, direction, writing and beyond."

This evening, BAFTA Los Angeles will host its inaugural Games event at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood for industry luminaries and delegates.

As part of the launch tonight, BAFTA Los Angeles will host a special installment of its “Behind Closed Doors” series with actor Mark Hamill, which will be moderated by host Chris Hardwick.

Hamill will discuss his career as an actor and how he "successfully bridged performances between film, television and games," as well as "his experiences, the challenges and developments as an actor in the games industry."

It is the first in the series of BAFTA Los Angeles’ Games programs and events to take place.

“Games is one of our fastest growing membership categories, and an important area of focus for BAFTA Los Angeles,” said BAFTA Los Angeles Chairman Neil Stiles.

“We are proud to be launching our Games activities with such an iconic name; Mark Hamill has successfully bridged the film, TV and games world and therefore exemplifies BAFTA Los Angeles’ efforts to embrace the games industry as an important art form of the moving image.”

The BAFTA Los Angeles Games Committee is co-chaired by digital media and game veterans, Phil Ashcroft, James Knight and Jennie Kong, who will be working closely with BAFTA and the industry to "expand its vision, initiatives and educational programs into North America."

BAFTA is the first and only international academy to "identify, reward and celebrate excellence in video games globally," through its annual British Academy Games Awards, while providing "opportunities, initiatives and resources to its members, the industry, aspiring practitioners and the public."

BAFTA recognizes the games industry at its annual British Academy Games Awards.