MUMBAI: Warner Bros. has unveiled a programme of investment in skills and training for the UK?s creative industries.

The Warner Bros. creative talent programme will offer scholarships, apprenticeships and other training, including guaranteeing two trainee positions on every Warner Bros. film production in the UK.

Warner Bros. president, MD for the UK, Ireland and Spain Josh Berger said, "As we continue to make more films, TV shows, video games and stage plays here, as well as investing in state-of-the-art studios, we will be calling upon the very best talent the country has to offer.

To that end, it is crucially important to us to invest in the next generation, so that we not only have a diverse pool of exceptional talent to work with, but that we also play our part in maintaining the UK?s position as a global creative industries leader."

Also to coincide with the film and television production facility, Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden being inaugurated by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) and Warner Bros. announced the creation of the Prince William Scholarships in Film, Television and Games.

The three annual Prince William Scholarships, applications for which have opened will assist talented people in need of financial support to study a post-graduate course in one of the three industries. Successful applicants will each receive up to ?10,000 to cover their course fees and receive mentoring support, free access to Bafta events around the UK, and a funded work placement within the Warner Bros. group of companies.

The partnership between Bafta and Warner Bros. is a demonstration of both organisations? commitment to investing in future talent. The scholarships form a key part of Warner Bros. creative talent. It will also build upon Bafta?s scholarship Programme, which began last year.

Bafta CEO Amanda Berry said, "Bafta is delighted to be partnering with Warner Bros. on the Prince William Scholarships in Film, Television and Games. Working together, we can provide vital financial support and industry experience to individuals whose talents might otherwise be lost to our industry.

Bafta?s president, The Duke of Cambridge believes that everyone deserves a chance to shine, and we are immensely proud he has chosen to be associated with this initiative, which builds upon the existing Bafta scholarship programme. We hope that the scholarship recipients will become the mentors of the future, and be in a position to give back to others from similar backgrounds."

Berger added, "To ensure continued success for the UK?s creative industries, we?re determined to play a key role in finding, funding and nurturing talent from all backgrounds. This exciting partnership with Bafta will help us to do just that by providing opportunities for talented young people to not only learn about, but also experience the broad range of sectors that both organisations are renowned for."

MUMBAI: UK comedian Dara O Briain has been lined up to present this year?s British Academy Television Awards.

The ceremony, honouring the best television seen in Britain over the past year, will be held on 27 May at London?s Royal Festival Hall and broadcast on BBC OneO Briain, who will step into Graham Norton‘s shoes whilst he presents the Eurovision Song Contest, said, "I‘m delighted and honoured to be taking the reins at this year‘s British Academy Television Awards, in the prestigious role as the person who introduces the people who read out the winners of the awards. And if Adele wins anything, I promise I‘ll leave her well alone, no matter what time it is."

Bafta CEO Amanda Berry OBE said, ?Dara is a fantastic supporter of BAFTA, and I know he will do a terrific job of hosting the Television Awards. The ceremony showcases the very best television programmes and performances of the last year, and with Dara at the helm I am sure it will be a truly wonderful event."