James Blake Secures RTS Breakthrough Talent Award Amidst New Documentary Release

James Blake accepting the RTS Breakthrough Talent Award at the 2024 ceremony.

James Blake, a rising name in the realms of television presenters and of course founder at VINDICTA® , has been honoured with the Royal Television Society‘s (RTS) Breakthrough Talent Award. The accolade recognises his exceptional contributions to broadcasting, particularly highlighting his investigative work in his recent documentary Hunting The Catfish Crime Gang.

James Blake BBC Presenter winner of Break Through Talent at the RTS Awards Northern Ireland 2024
James Blake BBC Presenter winner of Break Through Talent at the RTS Awards Northern Ireland 2024 | Photo provided by Press Eye

This earlier documentary not only captivated audiences but also played a pivotal role in his RTS award recognition.

HTCCG, delves into the alarming nexus between online scams and human trafficking.

The film follows Blake’s personal journey after discovering that his identity had been stolen and used in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Determined to reclaim his identity, Blake embarks on an investigation that uncovers a vast network of organised crime exploiting individuals through forced scamming operations.

The documentary reveals how criminal organisations coerce victims into participating in online scams, often under threats of violence or severe penalties. These victims are typically lured with false promises of legitimate employment, only to find themselves trapped in environments where they are forced to engage in fraudulent activities. Blake’s investigation highlights the human cost of these operations, shedding light on the exploitation and abuse suffered by those ensnared in such schemes.

By exposing these practices, Hunting the Catfish Crime Gang brings critical attention to the intersection of cybercrime and human trafficking, emphasising the need for increased awareness and intervention to protect vulnerable individuals from such exploitation.

James Blake and his Mum, Anne Blake at the RTS Awards 2024
James Blake and his Mum, Anne Blake at the RTS Awards 2024 | Image: Provided by Press Eye

Coinciding with this achievement, Blake’s latest documentary, Hunting the Cybersex Crime Gang, was announced on the same day publicly.

The upcoming film delves into the dark world of online exploitation of young people, shedding light on cybersex crime syndicates and their global impact.  The documentary takes James on a journey from Northern Ireland; to the House of Lords; to America and, finally, to the Philippines.

Commissioned by BBC Three and BBC Northern Ireland, the documentary was announced at the Belfast Media Festival and produced by Strident Media with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

James Blake and Zara McDermott
James Blake and Zara McDermott | Image: Provided by Press Eye

 

Pete Grant, Carly Woolard, Kelda Crawford-McCann, James Blake in attendance at the RTS NI Awards.
Pete Grant, Carly Woolard, Kelda Crawford-McCann, James Blake | Image:  Provided by Press Eye

 

Upon receiving the prestigious Royal Television Society Breakthrough Talent Award, James Blake shared a heartfelt message with his followers via Instagram. Expressing gratitude to those who made the achievement possible, Blake highlighted the collaborative efforts that went into his work, particularly his latest documentary.

In the post, Blake thanked the “amazing team at @StridentMediaTV,” his director @PeteGrant, the “post-production wizards” at @YellowMoonPost, and the unwavering support from @NorthernIrelandScreen, @BBCNI, and the @BBCThree family. He also recognized the commissioners and the contribution of @FifiMimosa, stating: “Honestly, there is so much that goes into the creation of one film by so many talented individuals—it would blow your mind.”

The Instagram post has been inserted below:

 

 

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A post shared by James Blake (@mrjamesblake)


Image: © James Blake, used with permission.

His work continues to resonate with audiences, fostering awareness and prompting discussions on the complexities of online crime.

BBC

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