A little bit more about me

About 15 years ago, I transitioned from the world of production to creative editorial and script development. I found my footing in short film writing and script editing, initially working on cinematic and theatrical films before moving into digital content and online distribution.

During this period, I was fortunate to learn from two brilliant scriptwriting teachers: Phil Parker, whose knowledge and passion for short film is unmatched, and Simon Van Der Borgh, whose expertise in feature-length script and project development enabled me to expand my abilities into features and TV projects.

Short film development and commissioning.

For five years, I worked at the UK Film Council regional agency in Manchester, developing, commissioning and producing over 100 short films. These films spanned all genres: documentary, drama, horror, and animation and were distributed and shown at numerous global festivals and on digital platforms.

There are way too many to name-check. However, some of my favourite highlights from the many films I commissioned or developed are:

Photocopier – a quirky, low-budget animation that was selected for several international festivals in addition to the prestigious British Council film programme.

The Replacement – a short, shocking horror that helped its director, Lawrence Gough, springboard into a very successful film and TV directing career. It, too, was selected for the British Council film programme.

Silence is Golden, one of my favourite projects, which won many festival ‘best of’ prizes, including the London International Film Festival Turner Classic Movies best short film.

Drawing on many years of short filmmaking, I now also work as a freelance (visiting) lecturer with several FE and HE filmmaking courses. I’m also a consultant/mentor for clients of several public sector creative agencies and departments, working as a script editor and consulting producer with individual writers and filmmakers, helping them to develop the best screenplays (shorts, TV and features) possible. 

Industry career mentoring.

In addition to working with students in FE and HE establishments, I’m passionately committed to helping young people who have not had the best experience of the education system. I’m a strong believer in nurturing future generations of talented filmmakers, wherever they may come from. I’m very aware that if I hadn’t received support and mentorship at the start of my career, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now, many years later.

There are still too many obstacles and barriers for disadvantaged, talented film and content makers to leap into an increasingly competitive industry. As an experienced film industry professional, I take great pride and satisfaction in helping these young filmmakers navigate and overcome these obstacles. Once I’m in mentor mode, nothing will stop me, and I regularly draw on my industry knowledge and contacts to help my mentees get a foot in the door.

With this in mind, throughout my recent career as a creative producer and writer, I continue to work as a mentor to many up-and-coming filmmakers in both voluntary and professional capacities.  Please do reach out if you’d like to know more about how I can help.