Telemetry Media’s Matt Ralph in conversation with TV Switch Up about leaving TV for corporate work. Matt kindly got in touch to suggest sharing his experience with freelancers and to say thanks to Media Parents for helping him relaunch in TV when he returned to the UK from Australia. Our pleasure, thanks for paying it forward!

Matt Ralph from Telemetry Media

Matt’s creative career began in television production in the late 1990s. Since then, he has had the opportunity to develop, write, produce, shoot, direct and edit programmes and series, for international broadcasters, including the BBC and the Discovery Channel.

A founding member of the senior management team at the UK’s multi award-winning digital channel, BBC Three, Matt specialised in multi-platform content strategy working closely with social, marketing, production, development and channel scheduling teams to ensure maximum audience engagement.
Matt joined Anglo American in March 2020 from Brunswick Creative, where he worked on client accounts ranging from Nokia to HSBC. Matt lives in South-West London with his wife, two daughters and a Sprocker-poo called Monty, he is an Australian dual citizen and holds a First-class honours degree in Fine Art Sculpture.

How can I present my CV and skills? How can I get connected? Is it a one way street?

By TV Switch Up – A Telly Mums Group

www.mediaparents.co.uk - the jobs and social networking site for short term, part time, job share and regular hours jobs.

Sheffield’s iconic and longest running music venue, The Leadmill, was the location, writes Producer Jodie Chillery. It was a hot summers eve, I’d just watched Doc Fest’s screening of Joe Cocker: Mad Dog With Soul. Engaging in what I was sure was an important and career enhancing conversation with its director, my enthusiasm fuelled by Guinness and the heady excitement that doc fest induces, I thought; “If these guys can make successful feature docs, so maybe, one day can I!“ I even put this in a text and sent it to my series producer. Because of course, then, I was gainfully employed. We all were. He replied with equal enthusiasm telling me that indeed it is “a privilege to work in this industry, full of so much opportunity“. I don’t know what he’d been drinking!

https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/4945/jodie-chillery Jodie Chillery working with Richard Hammond on his Workshop for Discovery+ 2022

Six years later in 2023, and the industry was on its knees in crisis, with writers’ strikes, actors’ strikes, commissioning and advertising freezes. We’ve been told to “hold our nerve” we’ve been assured it will “pick up by September”, yet BECTU confirmed 70% of respondents to an industry survey were still not in work. But most appallingly neither was I. In 20 years I’d only had 6 weeks out of work, unless for childbearing reasons or choice. May 2023 was my fifth consecutive unemployed month and that of my 40something birthday: enough to bring on a midlife crisis and mild depression. I did not feel much of that afore-mentioned privilege right then.

Finally, an opportunity arose, at a fledgling company I’d never heard of, for a project seemingly shrouded in mystery. I arranged to meet the exec. I arrived on my bike in the pouring rain. I dripped all over the very obviously new rug in their basement meeting room, and had to keep removing my glasses to wipe my persistent steam.  None of this was the look I was hoping for at my first job interview in months.

That mystery project, it turns out, is possibly the most career-enhancing film I’ve ever worked on, without doubt it’s been an incredible privilege, and a feature doc to boot!

Jodie Chillery, Producer on location for Cop Car Workshop, UKTV

I’ve gained a gaggle of new best friends aged between 7 and 15 all facing huge crises of their own. I’ve laughed and cried with them in equal measure, as they allowed us into their lives to share their most vulnerable, and most resilient moments. I’ve laughed and cried even harder with the crew at the end of long shoot days from hotel Beefeater bars in Fife, Scotland, to gun slinging saloon bars in Fort Worth, Texas.

It’s a cliche, but it’s been a journey. One I never imagined possible back in midlife-crisis-may. And perhaps that’s fate. However bad the hardship freelancers of the unscripted TV crisis face, nothing compares to my new “BFFs” who have been dealt a seriously shitty hand.

My band of cheeky contributors have in common a cruel experience of childhood cancer. A brutal disease that is alleged to be rare in children. But it’s on the increase, and the need for new research into kinder, age-appropriate treatments never greater. Only 2% of funds raised for research into cancer treatment goes on the cancers that attack children. This is horrific of course, but I can sense you’re thinking; “Who on earth would choose to watch a feature doc about kids with cancer?” Well, wait till you meet the kids. The narrative is led by them, and shot from their POV, this film is not what you might have come to expect from a cancer doc. (Is that even a genre?!)

It’s about children, about their experiences, and all the madness of life.

Yes there are some devastating scenes, but there are many more uplifting ones. As with any 7- or 15-year-old, there’s friends, school, annoying siblings, pets, parents and piano practice, and then unlike the rest, there’s cancer. There’s no end to their stories, the impact continues for everyone and that is the overarching point this film makes. Cancer never leaves, in-fact remission is perhaps just the start.

It’s a compelling and important watch. I would say that. As I’m plunged back into this ongoing uncertain TV jobs market, at least this time, I’m safe in the knowledge I did produce a successful feature doc, and it was indeed a privilege. However bad my midlife crisis, its child’splay compared to the adversity faced by these kids. If they can carry on with smile, then so can I.

Jodie was the Senior Producer and additional Director on this new feature doc which is due to be released this summer, when we will be able to share all the TX details, watch this space to find out more. To contact Jodie log in to Media Parents and click here: https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/4945/jodie-chillery

www.mediaparents.co.uk - the jobs and social networking site for short term, part time, job share and regular hours jobs in media.

Emma Bellars https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/17828/emma-bellars

freelancers finding it tough out there contact the Film + TV Charity for support here: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/

www.mediaparents.co.uk - the jobs and social networking site for short term, part time, job share and regular hours jobs in media.

Hi there! writes Producer Stephanie Carpanini. I’m a first time mum and long time Producer looking for a job share. I have worked in casting (C4’s Secret Life of the Safari), location and story (A&E’s Prison Brides), studio (BBC’s MasterChef), as well as commercial and branded content projects (Southampton FC’s 23/24 kit launch).

Producer Stephanie Carpanini is looking for a job share or part time work. https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/17704/stephanie-carpanini

I’ve been in TV for over 13 years working across fact ent, obs docs and some reality. I would like to gain edit and welfare experience, and work on varied content jobs.

If anyone at a similar level with a similar CV would want to chat about a job share then please get in touch!

https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/17704/stephanie-carpanini

I am looking to return to work in April/May either in a part time (3/4days a week) or job share capacity. Then build back up to full time, as my daughter settles into nursery. I am happy to do recces or location shoots in the UK, for short periods of time whilst my daughter is still young.

Producer Stephanie Carpanini is looking for a job share or part time work. https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/17704/stephanie-carpanini

If anyone at a similar level with a similar CV would want to chat about a job share then please get in touch! Log in to Media Parents and click here for Steph’s contact details.

Join us for Media Parents jobs, events and training at www.mediaparents.co.uk.

Who Am I?

writes Production Manager Bella Gregory.

Bella Gregory, PM https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/11003/bella-gregory

Imagine Liz Lemon, with her endless supply of quirky quips and snack foods, meets Olivia Pope, with her unshakeable resolve and impeccable wardrobe (okay, maybe just the resolve part). That’s me, Bella Gregory, striding through the world of production management with my trusty notebook in one hand and a bag of cheesy blasters in the other (to my absolute horror these have actually become a thing that people consume – hot dog, rolled in a pizza, covered in so much cheese).

From managing complex international shoots to negotiating with demanding crew, talent, vendors etc. I’ve done it all with a blend of humour, strategy, Kindness, compassion and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Why I’m the Gladiator in a Suit You Need:

International Fixer:

I’ve tackled production challenges across the globe, from the bustling streets of London and New York to the remote reaches of the Congo, all while keeping my sense of humour intact.

Budget Wizard:

Crunching numbers while I find the best deal on night cheese, I maximise every penny of a budget, ensuring the show goes on without a hitch.

Crisis Avenger:

When production snafus arise, I channel all my energy handling each crisis with a “consider it handled” attitude and a side of Lemon-esque quips.

Team Leader Extraordinaire:

Leading with a mix of compassion, humor, and a no-nonsense approach, I inspire the team to achieve the impossible, proving every day that “there’s always a way.”

What’s Next:

I’m looking for my next big challenge, a project that requires a unique blend of creative problem-solving, steadfast leadership, and the ability to laugh in the face of adversity (and occasional danger). If you’re in need of someone who can navigate the complexities of production with finesse and relatable humanity, let’s make TV magic together.

Let’s Connect:

For a brainstorming session, a crisis consultation, or just to share your favourite “30 Rock” quote, reach out. Let’s create something memorable.

Bonus Fact:

I am an actual New Yorker from NY, who holds dual UK/USA Citizenship. (I have jumped on many a red eye to LA to just deliver rushes).

Log in to Media Parents and click here to see Bella’s CV

Join us for Media Parents jobs, events and training at www.mediaparents.co.uk.

Arrow Media x Media Parents Production Networking
Thursday July 14th 12 – 1:30pm online

Carrie Pennifer meets Media Parents Archivist Tracey Li at Media Parents previous networking

Arrow Media is partnering with Media Parents to meet PRODUCTION TALENT ONLINE on Thursday 14th July from Midday – please come.

If you are a Production Manager, PC, Production Exec or Line Producer in unscripted, available now, soon, or just keen to meet the Arrow team, please RSVP to events@mediaparents.com with your CV and availability by July 13th, the sooner the better, and we will send you zoom details.

Please title your email Arrow Media Parents Networking.

The Arrow team is keen to support flexible working and jobshare on their productions, so this is a great opportunity to discuss that and meet the team including Heads of Production Carrie Pennifer and Stephanie Mavropoulos, Head of Talent Julia Hardwell, Talent Coordinator Emily Charalambides, and Media Parents’ Amy Walker.

Arrow Media's Joint Head of Production Carrie Pennifer

Carrie Pennifer, Head of Production

Carrie joined Arrow in 2012 as Production Manager on the Discovery series Ultimate Warfare. She went on to manage numerous successful series and one-offs including three seasons of the global hit observational documentary Ultimate Airport Dubai for National Geographic before being made Production Executive in 2016.

During her near decade at Arrow, she has worked across Arrow Media and Arrow Picture’s entire slate of projects overseeing up to 70 hours in production simultaneously as well as those in development. These have been for all the major international broadcasters and include such iconic projects as Animal Fight Night, America in Color, See No Evil, Extreme Rescues, Speed, 9/11: Escape from the Towers and I, Sniper. In the run up to being made Co-Head of Production, Carrie has seen several projects successfully through the Pandemic. These include Arrow Media’s Shark Week documentary Rogue Tiger Shark: Hunt for Lagertha; and, for Arrow Pictures, the landmark feature documentary Generation 9/11 and Sky’s upcoming series on HIV/AIDS in Britain, Positive.

Arrow Media's joint Head of Production Stephanie Mavropoulos

Stephanie Mavropoulos, Head of Production

Stephanie Mavropoulos joined Arrow when it was formed by Tom Brisley, Iain Pelling and John Smithson in 2011, and has led its production teams for over a decade. Stephanie leads a project from commission to delivery, ensuring budgets are met while supporting the high editorial ambitions of the company.

She pioneered the production style that delivers returnable high-volume hits like the 20-parters of American Monster, See No Evil and Body Cam. Stephanie works across Arrow’s flagship feature length crime series, Mind of a Monster and is responsible for their new 3 x60 mini-series brands. She has also worked on notable series including two-hour event doc Live From Space for Channel 4 and National Geographic; and BBC2 and Smithsonian co-production 747: The Plane That Changed The World. In 2020 she was the Co-Producer for Arrow Media’s Emmy-nominated theatrical release feature, Under The Wire.

Head of Talent Julia Hardwell

Julia Hardwell, Head of Talent

Julia started her TV career on Children’s classics such as Art Attack, Newsround and Blue Peter. From Production Manager at the BBC, she moved into Talent Management at ITV and then Studio Management where she oversaw studio facilities for shiny floor live and pre-recorded productions such as Later with Jools Holland, Take Me Out and Catchphrase. In 2019, Julia joined Arrow as Talent Manager, working closely with Talent Consultant Dawn Beresford  across all aspects of recruitment, training and development. Recently armed with her CIPD HR qualification, Julia aspires to support all levels of talent with their career development at Arrow.

Talent Coordinator Emily Charalambides

Emily Charalambides, Talent Coordinator

Emily began her career in Television for the business news channel, CNBC Africa in South Africa.  The experience fuelled her desire to continue within the TV world and she made her move to London to expand her skillset.  She landed in Specialist Factual/Factual, starting out as an Executive Assistant before moving over to Production. She has experience working on flagship returning formats such as BBC2, Inside the Factory and BAFTA nominated, C4’s The Dog House.  Armed with transferable production skills, she recently joined Arrow International Media as Talent Coordinator and assists the Head of Talent, Julia Hardwell with recruitment across all roles.

Join us for Media Parents events, jobs and training at www.mediaparents.co.uk.

Today David Postlethwaite (Pos), Head of Production, is remembered by friends and family with a service in Bristol, where he lived and worked. If you would like to watch the service online at 1pm on June 9th 2022, details are below. Pos supported Media Parents from its inception, was instrumental in returning hundreds of parents to TV, and in supporting many people’s families and dreams. He was a joy to work with, a kind and fair man, who could make you cry with laughter. He will be greatly missed.

Pos rose up through the ranks at the BBC, progressing rapidly from Unit Manager to Production Executive managing programmes including Country File, Ray Mears, 999, and, ironically considering the state of his second best Saab, Top Gear.

He moved from the BBC to work as Head of Production at award winning Natural History indie Icon Films, then to Touch Productions in Bath where he was Head of Production and responsible for finance, hiring staff and the smooth running of productions, often in the USA. In his own words, Pos ensured his teams functioned safely, effectively and happily in the office and on location. He was loved and respected by his teams for being a fair, hardworking, kind boss with a sense of humour that could get you through the longest of days.

Ultimately as well as a leader, he was a team player, a people person without compare – you always knew where you were with him, he was fiercely loyal and inspired fierce loyalty. If he wasn’t impressed by something he would let you know, and he was a master of pithy character description. (Still making me laugh now). Thank you Pos, for everything.

David is survived by his wife Pam Haddock and his children Shirran and Nick. The family would prefer that, rather than organising flowers for the funeral, you make a donation to a charity close to your heart.

Watch our blog for details of our event. Join us for Media Parents events, jobs and training at www.mediaparents.co.uk.

ITN Productions are delighted to invite Media Parents to a June Networking event. Please click the image below for the link to register if you work as a Series Producer, Director, AP, PC, PM, Editor or in Post Production.

June Event: ITN Networking, see our Media Parents blog. Watch our blog for details. Join us for Media Parents events, jobs and training at www.mediaparents.co.uk.

Happy International Women’s Day from us all at Media Parents. And huge congratulations to all the filmmakers whose work was screened at yesterday’s Hastings Women’s Film Festival. You can download the Hastings Women’s Film Festival Programme 2022 here, and the filmmakers’ bios and film links. Festival attendees also enjoyed an inspiring and entertaining Q&A session from SISTER CCO Jane Featherstone, chaired by Media Parents Director Amy Walker.

Hastings Women's Film Festival with Clare Holman, centre, and Jane Featherstone, far left.

Actor / Director / Writer Clare Holman‘s film Only the Lonely won this year’s Best in Show prize at HWFF. The film, directed by Clare Holman and written by Veronique Christie and Elaine Spires, is set in London and follows Anna Calder-Marshall as Elspeth, a woman on a journey of self-awareness and discovery. Hearty congratulations Clare, and great to see connections being made via Media Parents re further projects.

Anna Calder-Marshall in Director Clare Holman's film Only The Lonely. The film won Hastings Women's Film Festival Prize 2022

Director / DOP Diana Olifirova‘s film Quadrality was also given special mention by HWFF speaker Jane Featherstone, CCO SISTER, for its artistry and composition.

Ukrainian Director/ DOP Diana Olifirova's film Quadrality opened the programme at HWFF

And Michaela Hennessy-Vass‘s Face It: Leonie, also made in lockdown via a BBC/ Arts Council/ Culture in Quarantine bursary, was also singled out for praise.

Crystal Marshall in Michaela Hennessy-Vass's Face It: Leonie

Each of the filmmakers received a prize for entry courtesy of the generosity of Waitrose in Hawkhurst. Many thanks to Kino-Teatr for hosting the event. Happy International Women’s Day 2022.

Media Parents is running an online networking event with Naked, part of Fremantle as our next event. Watch our blog for details. Join us for Media Parents events, jobs and training at www.mediaparents.co.uk.

Hastings Women’s Film Festival is proud to present filmmakers whose films were screened at HWFF 2022 below. Thank you to all filmmakers who submitted films this year, we watched so many great films. Each filmmaker’s name is hyperlinked to their website.

Media Parents was delighted to welcome filmmakers including special guest, Executive Producer Jane Featherstone, to Hastings Women’s Film Festival this year. Sussex resident Jane took part in a Q&A session during the festival programme.

Diana Olifirova, Director/ DOP

DOP Diana Olifrova's short will open Hastings Women's Film Festival 2022

Diana is a Ukrainian cinematographer based in London. She works in film, TV – We Are Lady Parts (Channel 4), Heartstopper (Netflix), The Baby (coming soon to SKY/ HBO) – commercials and music videos. Beyond that she creates art films – pieces that are statement of the time, place and sense of self.

Diana feels and fills her pieces with layers of metaphors, visions and moving soundscapes. She loves collaborating with other artists in fields of music, fashion, dance, theatre, film and poetry to create her work. Diana is fascinated by light, people, art, movement and real life. Open and bold, observant, enthusiastic, sincere and exciting. Winner of BSC Emerging Cinematographer Award.

watch quadrality here

Joanna Suchomska, director

Joanna Suchomska, TV Researcher and Matka / Polka Director

Joanna Suchomska is a Polish-born documentary filmmaker based in Brighton. In her work, heavily influenced by her identity as an immigrant, she is especially devoted to the subjects of social controversy and taboo, women’s issues and human rights. MATKA / POLKA is Joanna’s second documentary. She wants her films to evoke radical empathy, which she believes can lead to social change.

Joanna is a graduate of MA Media Practice for Development and Social Change at the University of Sussex, where she specialised in Short Documentary. Translating her love for documentaries into a career choice, she works in factual television as a Researcher.

A.D. Cooper, Writer/ Director

A.D. Cooper, Writer (photo: India Roper-Evans)

A. D. Cooper is a writer, director who’s created a slate of short films that have won multiple awards at international film festivals. In 2021, she completed the thriller Odds and the multi-award winning Put Away for Hurcheon Films. Towton Audio produced her radio drama What did you do in the war, Mama? as a podcast.

In recent years, A.D.’s presented her own stage plays at London fringe theatres, and taught on the LCC M.A. Screenwriting and at Ravensbourne University. She’s working with her agent to progress her many other script projects.

watch put away trailer here

Ellie Brent, Writer/ Director

Director Ellie Brent

Ellie Brent is a freelance, award-winning director; who has made a vast array of promos, commercials and idents across the globe. Her sharp eye for style and aesthetics, rhythm and movement, with subtle wit and sometimes dark humour; has made her short-form work unique.

When Ellie is not dreaming up ideas or watching drama and comedy, she will either be singing soul in her Brighton choir, enjoying cardio tennis and the outdoor life, or planning her next overseas adventure!

watch the possible here

Anna McNutt, Producer

Producer Anna McNutt

Anna McNutt is an award-winning producer and writer based in London, UK. Born in the United States and of Yugoslavian descent, McNutt attended high school in Budapest, Hungary before completing her BA in Media & Communications, specialising in Creative Writing, at Goldsmiths, University of London. She obtained an MA in Producing, with distinction, from the same university.

Known for her sardonic dark films, For Him (2019) and Baby Thump (2021), McNutt is currently in development for her next short film, The Reservoir, with director Anna Parcerisas on the subject of sexual abuse.

watch for him here

Sara Jordan, Writer/ Performer

Sara Jordan, Writer/ Performer

Sara Jordan is an actress, writer and director. Her films Pic & Mix, The Tea Break, Lady What Does (co written with Lisa Harmer) Eat The Chickens, Planning The Funeral, Stuck and Jitters have all done well at festivals winning several awards.  Planning The Funeral, Stuck and Jitters can be viewed on Amazon Prime.

Sara kicked off this year filming The Plunge by Adam Nelki as an actress, and is now in pre production on a new black comedy she has written about a headmistress who is trying to juggle the pressures of work with trying to spice up her love life.

watch planning the funeral here

Janet Hodgson

Digital Filmmaker Janet Hodgson

Janet Hodgson was drawn into filmmaking through her studies in Social Anthropology, after spending many years working in advertising and broadcast research. She works very closely with her subjects, bringing the tools of the anthropologist – immersive fieldwork, observation, sensitive questioning – to her creative practice. She has made films about knitting, moustaches, and World War II veterans.

She is the brains behind the marketing for a community opera project and made “It takes a town to make an Opera” about Bloom Britannia, shot between lockdowns in 2020. Filmed in Hastings, St. Leonards and Bexhill in December 2020, and made for Barefoot Opera, a music education charity based in Hastings/St. Leonards, the film also features footage from a rehearsal performance at the De La Warr Pavilion in 2019.

watch the film here

Lisa Harmer, Writer/ Performer

Festival Founder, Writer / Performer Lisa Harmer

Lisa has worked in theatre, tv and film since her late teens, when she was part of the Anna Scher youth theatre and management. She has appeared in many continuation dramas over the years including EastEnders and Casualty and the more controversial Channel 4 series Metrosexuality  as Peggy, written for her and directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair (MBE).

Since relocating from her South London roots to St Leonards on Sea, she has co written/produced and acted in an award winning short, Lady What Does, currently being developed in to a 6 part comedy series.  Having written and co produced her  latest film Pebbles with local cast, crew and director/producer  Leigh Shine, she is excited that it will get its premier in the event. Lisa loves combining her skills and champions fellow female film makers, and founded Hastings Women’s Film Festival in 2020.

Nicola Stuart-Hill, Writer/ Director/ Performer

Nicola Stuart-Hill, Writer/ Director / Actor

Nicola is an actor, writer, director with sixteen years in the biz. Since Bad Mother, she set up Muddy Dog Films and has been in script development on the company’s first feature, psychological horror Sundowning, a personal story about caring for an elderly parent with dementia; which she will also direct and act in.

watch Bad Mother here

Marnie Baxter, writer/ director/ performer

Marnie Baxter, Writer / Director / Actor

Marnie Baxter is an actress and director with 25 years experience in TV, film and theatre. In addition to Bad Mother, Marnie has directed 2 other shorts, ‘Do This For Me’ which will have its premiere at BFI Flare later this month, and ‘Hello, Muscles’ funded by Creative Scotland, and starring Kate Dickie, to be released later this year.

Emilie Cheung, Director

Emilie Cheung, Director

Emilie is a short-film director based in the UK. After training with the BFI Film Academy in 2016, she made her directorial debut at 17, with a commission from Channel 4’s ‘Random Acts’, for her short film ‘Pas De Deux’. She has since gone on to direct a variety of projects; from social media commercials for ‘Adolescent Content’, to narrative shorts, including Underwire-nominated ‘Walk of Shame’.

Emilie also worked as a Young Reporter for IntoFilm, giving her the opportunity to interview influential names, including Damien Chazelle, Richard Curtis & Millie Bobby Brown. She currently works as a Team Assistant at SISTER.

watch fish here

Clare Holman, Director

Director / Actor Clare Holman

Clare is an actor, writer and director based in Rye and London. She trained at Guildhall school of Music and Drama and has been acting for 30 years. She is most recognised for her role as Dr Laura Hobson in Lewis but her career has spanned all our major theatres in lead parts and has covered an expansive range of parts in both film and Television.(Little drummer Girl, Censor).

Clare has directed four short films, winning many awards, and has directed for the BBC on Doctors and Holby City. She was commissioned to write a feature film for Dan Films, and worked with Hat trick as a writer on an original series.

Michaela Hennessy-Vass, Producer

Michaela Hennessy-Vass, Producer

Michaela has created TV comedy and drama for more than 20 years and is a former ITV Comedy Commissioning Editor.  Credits include Face It, Benidorm, The Fattest Man in Britain, Ladies of Letters and Dara O Briain’s Go 8 Bit. She is executive producer for TellHerVision, an initiative to develop female writers’ rooms.

Known for nurturing and developing new talent from casting an unknown Robert Pattinson in a Catherine Tate comedy drama; developing an Edinburgh fringe show into a studio entertainment show to commissioning an unknown writer to create the runaway hit that was Benidorm.

watch face it: Leonie here

Jane Featherstone, Executive Producer/ CCO

As the former chief executive of Kudos and co-chairman of Shine UK, Jane’s pioneering vision brought quality drama to the mainstream whilst growing Kudos into one of the UK’s most recognisable and formidable indies. During her tenure, Featherstone oversaw the production of some of the UK’s most ground-breaking and best-loved dramas, from BAFTA-winning television series Broadchurch and Life on Mars, through to Spooks, The Hour and Utopia.

Departing Kudos in 2015, Jane then founded Sister Pictures (in which Elisabeth Murdoch became a minority shareholder) in November 2015. In four years, the indie became one of the leading international drama producers, renowned for its phenomenal breadth of output including Landscapers (Sky/ HBO) Gangs of London (Pulse Films/ Sky Atlantic/ HBO), The Split S1/S2 (BBC One/ SundanceTV) Giri/Haji (BBC Two/ Netflix), Flowers(Channel 4) and This is Going to Hurt (BBC One/ AMC).

In October 2019 Jane joined forces with Elisabeth Murdoch and Stacey Snider to found SISTER, a global content company which produces and invests in visionary storytellers.

Forthcoming productions include The Split S3 (BBC One/ AMC) The Baby (HBO/ Sky), Gangs of London S2 (Pulse Films/ Sky Atlantic/ AMC), and The Power (Amazon). Chernobyl (HBO/ Sky Atlantic), the world-wide phenomenon and winner of multiple awards including 10 Emmy Awards, 2 Golden Globes and 9 BAFTAs adds to the critical and audience acclaim the company has achieved for its work.

Olga Mamonova, Artistic Director, Kino Teatr

Olga Mamonova, Artistic Director, Kino Teatr

Olga Mamonova is Artistic Director of Kino-Teatr. Born in Moscow, she studied philosophy and history at the State Moscow University. After moving to St. Leonards and starting a family in 1996, Olga obtained an M.A. from the University of Sussex and ran a gallery of Russian Art. In 2010 she organised an exhibition at the National gallery of Russia – The State Tretyakov Gallery – of Russian/British artist Oleg Prokofiev, and made a documentary ‘Oleg Prokofiev. The Return’, which was filmed in England and Russia.

In 2015, together with her husband, artist Russell Baker, Olga transformed and re-opened a 1913 Kinema (now Kino-Teatr), and has been in charge of its film programming, live events and festivals. Olga is author of three non-fiction books on Russian art and history.

Amy Walker

Amy Walker, Director, Media Parents (photo: Robert Ludovic)

Media Parents Director Amy Walker has made hundreds of hours of network television as a producer, director and series producer. A passionate champion of diverse talent she has been Head of Talent for several factual indies.

In 2019 she was the Channel 4 Scholar at HULT Business School, where she was awarded an Executive MBA and won the university prize for most innovative idea. Amy is now Head of Talent for drama doc indie Dorothy St Pictures, and has been Talent Exec at SISTER since 2021. She co-presented HWFF with founder Lisa Harmer.

Media Parents is running an online networking event with Naked, part of Fremantle as our next event. Watch our blog for details. Join us for Media Parents events, jobs and training at www.mediaparents.co.uk.