INTO THE LEAD: EMPOWERING NORTHERN INDUSTRY LEADERS

Alongside our skills cohort, Screen Alliance North, we are proud to announce 17 northern scripted indie leaders for the latest skills programme.

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

Making up the cohort LCR-based production leaders Vaishalli Paatil from Photo Stories Ltd, Johanne McAndrew from Boom Pow Productions, Sol Papadopoulos from Hurricane Film, Kate Robinson from 2 Birds and a Camera, with Michelle Stein from The Fold also operating extensively in the region.

Fellow production leaders from Yorkshire, the North East and Manchester 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.” 

We’d like to congratulate all northern leaders for taking part in Into The Lead, and are looking forward to seeing the progress made by independent production leaders in the Liverpool City Region and throughout our wider northern production community.

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