BASE, DEGI & Industry Trust Mentorship Programme
The BASE, DEGI & Industry Trust Mentorship Programme launched in 2025, with the goal of:
Develop Emerging Talent – nurture the next generation of leaders in screen entertainment.
Expand Access to Expertise – connect mentees with seasoned industry professionals for tailored guidance.
Strengthen Networks – foster industry-wide connections and collaboration.
Provide a Safe Learning Environment – structured, supportive, and safeguarded.
Add Value to Membership – enhance Organisation’s service portfolio and commitment to talent development.
Following a successful trial of the programme in the first half of 2025, in association with BASE and DEGI: The Digital Entertainment Group International Hedy Lamarr Rising Star award, BASE has now widened participation from across the spectrum of its members in the UK and international entertainment industry.
The 2025 trial included six participants, all shortlisted nominees for the Hedy Lamarr Rising Star Award at the 2024 BASE Awards. The mentors were all senior leaders from across the UK Entertainment industry, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to bring to their mentees, across multiple sessions in a six- to nine-month period. The outcome of the programme for both mentees and mentors was a resounding success.
In 2026, we broadened participation in the programme beyond the 2025 Hedy Lamarr Rising Star cohort, opening applications to individuals from across the industry. Participants were invited to join through nomination by a senior manager or employer, or by submitting their own application (more on this below).
This expanded approach has seen the programme continue to go from strength to strength, with mentors and mentees alike benefiting from valuable connections, shared insights and career guidance. Colleagues from across the membership have embraced the programme, representing a diverse range of organisations, including Amazon Prime Video, Bauer Media, BBC Studios, Curzon, Elevation Sales, Lionsgate, MUBI, NBCUniversal, OC, Official Charts Company, Paramount, SKY Store, Sony Pictures Entertainment, STUDIOCANAL, The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Discovery and WLP Vision.
As we open applications for our 2027 cohort, we look forward to building on the programme’s success, fostering new connections and creating further opportunities for professional development. We welcome applications from colleagues across our membership.
The programme is supported by a body of industry advisors who provide guidance and best-in-class rigour to the development, selection and assessment process. These include Dominic Warman, Partner at world-class recruitment and development leaders 3Search Executive; Laure Gaultier, Head of Projects at Events UNIC – The International Union of Cinemas, and Janet Ogundele, Director at HR Specialists, the human enterprise.
Chris Sharp, Head of UK Home Entertainment Marketing, STUDIOCANAL – Mentor (2026 Cohort 2 Programme)
“Being a BASE mentor is a hugely rewarding experience that I’d recommend to anyone. Having the chance to interact with the next generation of talent helps to give a fresh perspective on their approach to work, creativity, and challenges within the industry, and I found it valuable when shaping my own thoughts and actions.
Perhaps the greatest satisfaction was being able to contribute to my mentee’s development through listening, support, and sharing knowledge and experience – I often use the phrase “pay things forward”, and this is the best example I can think of giving back to an industry that has looked after me for a long time.
I would strongly encourage anyone considering becoming a mentor to get involved – it’s is a great way of making a difference, developing your own skills, and having a positive impact on someone else’s career!”
Julia Negretti, International Operations Manager, Paramount Pictures – Mentee & DEGI Hedy Lamarr Rising Star Award Winner (2026 Cohort 2)
“Participating in the BASE Mentorship Programme has been one of the highlights of my year. I have learnt so much from my mentor, particularly through the insights he shared from his impressive career journey and his approach to leadership. Seeing how he navigated challenges throughout the year provided me with important tools and perspectives to tackle similar situations in my own career. My mentor also broadened my understanding of the industry beyond my own company and allowed me to explore decisions I was facing through an external lens. Lastly, I am truly inspired by his generosity with both his time and knowledge, and I hope to be able to pay it forward in the future. Even though our mentorship sessions have formally ended, he is someone I know I will always be able to reach out to for guidance and support throughout my career.”
Mel Nicholas, Chief Marketing Officer, The Marketing Fixer – Mentor (2025 Cohort 1 and 2026 Cohort 2 Programme)
“I really enjoy being part of the BASE mentoring programme. Having spent many years in the industry, it’s so rewarding to be able to use some of that experience to help someone at a very different stage of their career think about what they want to do next.
Our conversations covered everything from identifying strengths and areas to develop, to networking, building relationships and having open conversations at work. What I found particularly valuable was having to really listen to someone’s specific challenges, rather than simply offer broad advice and possible solutions.
Mentoring also makes you reflect on your own career and the lessons you’ve learnt along the way, including the things you might now take for granted. Understanding the industry landscape of today is hugely important and relevant to my current business services, so I’m really grateful for being part of BASE, in a small way.”
Applications for our next cohort are now open!
If you’d like to nominate a colleague, please fill out the form here. Please note, for nominations we require a 400-600 word personal statement from the nominee in question. This level of detail enables our advisory board to ensure that the pairing process is as bespoke and comprehensive as possible.
If you’d like submit yourself for mentoring, please fill out this form here. Please note, you will need a senior colleague or manager to support your nomination.
KEY DATES:
Applications open: Friday 2nd October 2026
Applications close: Friday 13th November 2026
Mentors and mentees will be connected in mid-December 2026, with their mentoring partnership commencing in January 2027.
If you have any further questions, or would like to join us as a mentor, please contact [email protected].
