Nicolas Brown: An Insight to Producing

Nicolas Brown is an experienced producer and executive whose work spans film and TV. Prior to joining Neal Street Productions in 2013, Nick was the BBC’s Director of UK Drama Production for six years, responsible for shows as varied as EastEnders and Luther. Work as a producer includes the feature Ladies in Lavender, White Teeth (C4), Nicholas Nickleby (ITV) and Gideon’s Daughter (BBC). Now at Neal Street, his credits include Penny Dreadful (SKY / Showtime), Britannia (SKY/Epix), Informer (BBC / Amazon) and The Franchise (HBO. Listen to Brown speak about his career, the producer’s role, and changes in the industry. 

Jennifer Sheridan Follow Your Own Path: Breaking into Directing

Jennifer Sheridan is Aesthetica alumnus and an award-winning director. She has a comprehensive level of experience on set, ranging from fantasy for CBBC to drama for BBC. She has been in production on Extraordinary (2023) and her debut horror feature, Rose – A Love Story stars Matt Stokoe and Sophie Rundle. Sheridan will talk about her journey from making low-budget short films to high-end television, including the mistakes she made along the way. This is an essential masterclass for those who want to break into the industry.

Mick Audsley: The Editor as Storyteller and Collaborator

Mick Audsley is a BAFTA-winning editor with nearly 50 years of cinema-defining films in his portfolio – from My Beautiful Launderette, High Fidelity, Dangerous Liaisons and The Grifters, to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Murder on the Orient Express, Everest and most recently Disney’s Pinocchio. Speaking about his career and long-term collaborations with directors including Stephen Frears, Terry Gilliam and Mike Newell, Audsley will discuss the narrative role of the editor in conversation with Sara Putt, Chair of BAFTA. 

Kathryn Ferguson: Stories with Purpose

Kathryn Ferguson is an award-winning director and writer. In 2022 she was awarded the BFI & Chanel Award for Creative Audacity for a first-time feature director. She has a decade of experience with short form work centred on identity and has recently completed feature documentary, NOTHING COMPARES, about late musician Sinéad O’Connor. She has also directed commercials and music videos with Amnesty International, Lady Gaga, Nike and Selfridges. Join her in discussion with Head of Guardian Documentaries, Lindsay Poulton. 

Mark Jenkin: The Rise of an Indie Director

In 2020, Mark Jenkin won the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut Director with his lo-fi debut, Bait. Three years later, his experimental folk-horror film Enys Men followed a wildlife volunteer on an island off the Cornish coast. It premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight 2022 and was a UK box office success. Jenkin is renowned for innovative writing, production and music. In conversation with Creative Director Jennifer Sheridan, navigates approaches between script and screen, considering how to build a project from the ground up. 

Adam Trotman: It’s All in the Edit

Good editing pushes a story forward, creating logical connections between scenes. It can add several layers to the narrative, change its scope and transform the plot. Editor and director, Adam Trotman, has 30 years’ experience. He has directed and edited various TV series including Dr Who (2014-2017), All Creatures Great and Small (2020-2021) and Netflix’s popular Last Kingdom (2022). Trotman will discuss in detail the role of the editor, how to get the most from your project and practical tips for how to keep up with the industry.