ScreenSkills has today (Wednesday 13th September 2023) unveiled eleven new members of its Film Skills Council, which oversees the delivery of the Film Skills Fund’s strategy. The new membership fully represents the film industry across the UK bringing together expert practitioners from film production companies, broadcasters, producers, visual effects and post production. The membership also includes national and regional representation from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the north of England.
“As the Film Skills Fund approaches its twenty-fifth anniversary next year, we agreed it was a good time to review how the Film Skills Council could evolve and be even more supportive to the film industry workforce,” commented Anita Overland, Chair, Film Skills Council. “The film sector, like the rest of the screen industries has evolved significantly over the last two decades. The changes that we are announcing today to the Council will ensure that it can continue to best serve and support the sector and the workforce across the UK who have dedicated their careers to making great films.”
The role of the Film Skills Council is to agree and oversee the Film Skills Fund’s strategy including the identification and mitigation of skills gaps and shortages; support equity, diversity and inclusion in terms of progression and retention of the workforce; provide wider guidance and financial oversight and encourage commitment to and participation in the Film Skills Fund.
The new members of the Film Skills Council are:
- Anita Overland (Chair)
- Ameenah Ayub Allen, producer
- Ciara Barry/Rosie Crerar, Barry Crerar
- Nicky Bentham, Neon Films
- Emma Kayee, BBC Film
- Jennifer Monks, The Fold
- Alex Mosley, Paramount
- Tori Parry, Film4
- Adam Partridge, Delta Pictures
- Chris Patterson, Causeway Pictures
- Tolu Stedford, Story Compound
- Sarah-Jane Wright, Working Title Films
Nigel Bennett (Molinare) and Amy Smith (Framestore) remain on the Council, which is also attended by Emma Turner, Head of Film, Animation and Future Skills for ScreenSkills.
Additionally, a new expert advisory group for Export and Distribution has been created and members will include former members of the Council - Phil Clapp (UK Cinema Association); Geraldine Maloney (Film Distributors Association) and Charlie Bloye (Film Export UK). The Export and Distribution Group will meet at least twice a year with the Film Skills Fund team to share sector intelligence and discuss any specific challenges and opportunities for collaboration. The Film Skills Council will also regularly consult and collaborate with other agencies and organisations across the UK screen industry.
“The Film Skills Council brings together a wealth of experience and expertise from production companies, producers alongside broadcasters from across the UK,” added Emma Turner, Head of the Film and Animation Skills Funds and Future Skills. “As well as continuing to work with other agencies and organisations from across the sector, the new Exhibition and Distribution Group will also ensure that we are hearing from our vital theatrical release custodians to help inform our skills strategy moving forward.”