Bafta Star Ellis Howard: Create the Art You Crave, No Permission Needed!

Ellis Howard, a 28-year-old actor from Liverpool, has a message for young artists: 'Don't wait for permission. ' He believes that if you want to create something, you should do it for yourself and not wait for others to tell you it's okay. Ellis's career took a big turn when he started posting videos on Instagram about important topics like inequality. These videos got him noticed and helped him find a writing agent and a mentor. He encourages others to make the kind of art they wished they could have seen when they were growing up.

Ellis followed his own advice when he starred as Byron, a 15-year-old, in the BBC Three drama 'What It Feels Like For A Girl. ' The show is inspired by the autobiography of Paris Lees, a trans writer and campaigner, and tells the story of a teenager from a working-class town who is struggling with their gender identity. The series was praised for being raw and heartfelt, and it brought attention to Ellis's acting talent. This year, Ellis was named one of 20 creatives on the Bafta Breakthrough list, an initiative supported by Netflix that highlights people in gaming, TV, and film who are making a big impact. Ellis says being included on the list means a lot to him and feels like a stamp of approval for his work.

Ellis received free arts training at Rare Studio in Liverpool and later attended the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He has appeared in the BBC horror series 'Red Rose' and made his West End debut in 'To Kill A Mockingbird. ' However, being recognized for 'What It Feels Like For A Girl' is especially meaningful to him because he believes that showing LGBTQ+ experiences on screen is very important. Ellis, who identifies as working-class and queer, says the show acts as a mirror for people who see themselves in the characters, and as a door for others to learn about a community they may not know much about. He thinks it's important for everyone to see themselves in stories and to know that their life deserves dignity.

The release of 'What It Feels Like For A Girl' came just after a Supreme Court ruling about the meaning of 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act. The ruling said these terms refer to biological women and sex, which led to debates about protections for transgender people. Some advocacy groups worry that there is less LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment, especially on broadcast TV, although streaming services are showing more LGBTQ+ characters. Stanley Baxton, another Bafta Breakthrough honoree, is a game developer who creates games that reflect his experiences as a trans man. He says most games don't show realistic stories about trans people, so he decided to make his own. Stanley hopes the Bafta Breakthrough initiative will bring more attention to indie games, which often explore a wider range of experiences. Other creatives on the list include Laura Carreira, Akinola Davies Jr, and Vivian Eguridu. Past Bafta Breakthrough artists include Florence Pugh, Ambika Mod, and Bella Ramsey. Ellis Howard hopes that by making honest and meaningful art, more people will feel seen and understood.