Screen Alliance North announces 17 northern scripted indie leaders for latest skills programme.

Into the Lead, a new development programme for senior leaders working in independent production companies across the North of England, launched at an event in Leeds, with 17 participants announced.

Leaders from Yorkshire, the North East, Manchester and Liverpool have been selected to take part in the exclusive programme which will equip leaders with tools, insights and mindset to understand AI and new technologies, develop their leadership skills, innovate their workplace with good work and sustainable practice and meet like-minded peers.

Following a call out at the end of last year by the four screen agencies that make up Screen Alliance North – Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire, a detailed selection process was undertaken and participants were selected from all four regions.

Penny Hall, Partnership Lead at Screen Alliance North said;

“Screen Alliance North, with the support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, is helping the screen industry build a stronger, more sustainable future, one that embraces innovation and puts people first. That means learning how to harness new technology and AI responsibly, building resilient and future-ready leaders, and creating inclusive, forward-thinking workplaces where diverse talent can thrive. This programme has been tailored to ensure leaders across our region have the relevant skills and resources to make this happen.”

The course comprises six online modules with a series of expert speakers, exercises, resources, breakout sessions and support. It will run from January to April and is led by delivery partners Under the Moon and Creaticity.

Sara Whybrew, Director of Skills and Workforce Development at BFI said:

“Nurturing positive workplace cultures, being receptive and open to change, and building the confidence to innovate and take measured risk are vital parts of modern leadership – we look forward to seeing the impacts of this programme and working with Screen Alliance North to take learnings from it to inform future leadership training for our sector.”

Ruth Pitt, director, Under The Moon and course leader said; “The aim of this first event was to connect everyone and create a sense of community as the group embarks on the course together. The energy and positivity in the room was fantastic with participants networking and bonding as a cohort. Collaboration is key to achieving scale-up success so we are hoping to provide the best environment to ensure the group can thrive.”

This project is funded by Screen Alliance North, a BFI Skills Cluster, supported by BFI awarding National Lottery funding.

Into the Lead participants

1. Raza Mallal Talking Lens Productions Leeds

2. Libby Walker Nana Peg Productions South Shields

3. Vaishalli Paatil Photo Stories Ltd Wirral.

4. Johanne McAndrew Boom Pow Productions Liverpool

5. Sol Papadopoulos Hurricane Films Liverpool

6. Karen Taylor Plenitude Productions Hebden Bridge

7. Paula Hughes North Star Films Hartlepool

8. Isabelle Stead Little Light Leeds

9. Natalie Anderson-Shepherd Shepherd Productions Leeds

10. Susanna Boccaccio Brilliant Trees Media Co Salford

11. Kate Robinson 2 Birds and a Camera Liverpool

12. Diane Clarke Clarke Film and Media Barnsley

13. Carley Armstrong True Moon/Mack’em Productions North East

14. Hugh Mann Anderson Enon Films Sheffield

15. Thea Burrows Can Can Productions Hebden Bridge

16. Michelle Stein The Fold Film and TV Manchester

17. Garry Paton Finite Films Manchester

Image attached:

From L to R: Hugh, Thea, Karen, Paula, Johanne, Diane, Carley, Vaishalli, Kate, Natalie, Garry, Raza, Isabelle (Libby, Sol, Michelle and Susanna – were unable to attend).

Notes to Editors

Screen Alliance North is a BFI Skills Cluster partnership created by Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire, with the support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding. The four screen agencies work together as a lead skills body for the North of England to tackle skill shortages and improve access to quality training provision for diverse talent and communities.

The initial three-year programme enables the four partners to work strategically across the broader North to build a stronger, happier and more inclusive skilled workforce, helping to secure its future as a leading global centre for screen production. www.screenalliancenorth.co.uk LinkedIn

About the BFI Skills Cluster

Working with partners across the regions and nations, the BFI is awarding National Lottery funding to support skills development and training across the UK. Focused on establishing localised support, Skills Clusters funding aims to create new opportunities and effective career development for people from underrepresented backgrounds.

The BFI is a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image.

Our mission is:

● To support creativity and actively seek out the next generation of UK storytellers

● To grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world’s largest film and television archive

● To offer the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through our programmes and festivals – delivered online and in venue

● To use our knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding

● To work with Government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK’s screen industries

Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter.

The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Jay Hunt OBE.