WFTV Member Directors
Voting will close on Friday 29 August 2025, 5pm.
This is a fantastic opportunity for members to help shape the future of WFTV by electing representatives who will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction and championing the voices of our vibrant and diverse community at board level.
The Candidates
We’re looking to appoint two passionate and dedicated members from any area of the industry who share WFTV’s mission and are committed to supporting its continued growth.
As a WFTV member, you’re entitled to vote - please take the time to consider your two votes carefully.
The successful candidates will be announced at the 2025 AGM later this year.
Addie Orfila
A long-standing advocate for gender equity and fair, inclusive working practices, I’ve spent nearly 30 years in film and television championing collaborative, respectful teams—from my early days as a runner to senior roles as Head of Production.I've always been based regionally and as a queer, neurodivergent woman, I channel those experiences into my work as a leadership and inclusion trainer, consultant, and mentor.
I design and deliver impactful programmes for organisations such as Netflix, BFI, BBC, ITV, ScreenSkills, PACT and WBD—covering leadership, production management, psychological safety, and anti-bullying.My international work includes training for Netflix productions in South Africa, and I’ve co-created widely used resources like the Script to Screen e-learning module. Mentoring women across the industry is central to my practice—including through the WFTV Mentoring Scheme, ScreenSkills, and NFTS—and I am deeply committed to helping women navigate and lead in an evolving industry. I also continue to support strategic development as a production consultant, most recently contributing to the BBC and RTS Mini MBA.
As a WFTV Member Director, I would champion the voices of women across the UK—especially those outside of London —while advocating for inclusive leadership, fair working cultures, and accessible professional development.I believe that when people feel safe, supported, and seen, they thrive—and so does the industry. My core mission is simple: to help our screen industry where everyone, especially women, can thrive and lead.
Alison McCann
I’m applying to be a WFTV Member Director to help drive a more inclusive industry that actively champions women from working class backgrounds and ensures opportunity is not limited by access or privilege. As someone who has built a senior career in television without traditional industry connections, I know first hand how transformative support, visibility and representation can be. In 2022, I was privileged to be a WFTV mentee.
As a mid-career woman navigating new leadership challenges, I found the experience and the wider WFTV network, genuinely invaluable. It gave me the confidence to step into bigger roles and a renewed sense of purpose about helping others do the same. With 15+ years of experience in senior legal and business affairs roles across ITV, Fremantle, and GroupM, I’ve worked at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and compliance. At ITV Studios I currently lead a 20 person business affairs team supporting eight scripted production labels (including Quay Street Productions, Happy Prince, Monumental, Silverprint, Tall Story Pictures) alongside Emmerdale and Coronation Street, advising on everything from financing models and production issues to union relationships, legal innovation and risk.
I want to use that experience to support and mentor women not just in business affairs, but also in creative roles, where understanding commercial realities is crucial to long term success. WFTV’s mission to empower women aligns deeply with my own values, and I would focus my tenure on expanding access to opportunity for women who are too often left behind by systemic barriers.
AmyLouise Godby
I’m a TV and Film awards strategist with several years’ experience in the entertainment industry, specialising in awards, events, and project management. I currently work in the Awards team at DDA and have previously held roles at Sky (Awards), WFTV UK (Events and Membership), Christie’s, and Walt Disney World.
As a WFTV Member Director, I’d bring a unique perspective to the Board shaped by my time working within the WFTV team and now as an active member. I’m passionate about championing women in our industry and the opportunity to support Katie, the team, and the wider membership in a strategic role and as an advocate WFTV, is exciting. The WFTV community is an asset to the organisation, and I’d love to help be a bridge between the membership and the Board, representing members and connecting their needs with WFTV’s long-term vision.
WFTV offers a varied events programme, and I’d be committed in attending in person and virtual events in both a member and board capacity, using these experiences and conversations to shape broader decisions. I'd like to initiate a membership survey to gather feedback, spot trends, and identify areas for growth. I think the WFTV Mentoring Schemes are brilliant and would like to explore ways the Board can stay connected with its alumni, championing their ongoing journeys and successes.
Finally, with my background in the awards space, I’d offer ongoing supporting to the team for the WFTV Awards and identifying additional opportunities for growth and future planning.
Angie
Calderón-López
WFTV Member Director Application With over a decade of experience in journalism, communications, and film & TV distribution—currently as Senior Digital Account Manager at Studiocanal UK—I am excited to apply for the role of WFTV Member Director.
As a Latin American woman navigating the UK film industry, I’ve often experienced both the challenges and the transformative power of representation. WFTV’s mission to elevate and connect women across the screen sectors deeply resonates with me.
If elected, I would champion three key areas: intersectional inclusion for international and minority-background women; mid-career support, especially in commercial and hybrid roles often overlooked by industry initiatives; and mentoring pathways that connect women across disciplines—sales, marketing, editorial, and creative. My career began as a multimedia journalist in Chile’s national broadcaster before moving into digital strategy and, ultimately, film and TV distribution in London.
At Studiocanal, I lead commercial negotiations with digital platforms and manage release strategies across the UK market. This unique path—from content creation to digital exploitation—gives me a broad view of industry challenges and opportunities. I am proud to have built my career across continents and sectors, and I now want to give back by supporting others to do the same.
As a WFTV Member Director, I would bring strategic insight, cultural awareness, and a collaborative spirit to the board—advocating for more inclusive, sustainable, and empowering industry practices. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Ann Hawker
I would love to bring my 25 years of experience in film and television to support WFTV as it moves forward. As a producer-director, executive producer, and writer, I have made films for international broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and CNN. I have worked across many areas of production, diversifying into documentaries, drama, and short film, and I am currently preparing to shoot an independent feature in 2026.
As a freelancer, I understand the pressures faced by our predominantly freelance workforce and how these challenges can disproportionately affect women—particularly those with responsibilities as parents and carers. I would work with WFTV to build on its strong track record by creating structured support and training initiatives for freelancers, and by liaising with employers to embed placements within productions.
I would also advocate for return-to-work schemes for women re-entering the industry after career breaks, when maintaining career momentum can be especially difficult. The work WFTV does to amplify female voices in the industry is vital, especially in areas where underrepresentation remains significant. (Only 18.5% of narrative feature film directors in the UK are women.) Representation is not just a matter of fairness; it’s about whose stories are told. I would bring a collaborative and creative mindset, grounded in experience across multiple disciplines. I am committed to promoting a more inclusive industry that values women’s contributions at every stage of their careers—both on screen and off.
Charlene
McQuillan
I'm Charlene McQuillan, a senior entertainment lawyer with nine years' experience advising studios and producers across independent film, major motion pictures, and high-end television. Based in Belfast whilst raising two young children, I intimately understand the challenges facing women in our industry. As WFTV Member Director, I'll leverage my unique position at the intersection of creativity and commerce to drive meaningful change.
My legal practice involves constant horizon-scanning for industry trends and opportunities, which is insight I'm passionate about channelling into WFTV's strategic growth. I deeply admire WFTV's transformative impact. The Four Nations Mentoring Scheme builds crucial networks; the Kay Mellor Screenwriters' Lab launches emerging talent; the Fearless Leadership Programme equips the next generation of producers. These initiatives don't just support individual women — they're reshaping industry power structures, and I'm committed to amplifying their success.
My vision centres on three priorities: expanding reach to support women across all regions and career stages; deepening influence by positioning WFTV as the authoritative voice on gender equity in media; and future-proofing impact by anticipating how areas such as streaming, AI, and changing production models affect opportunities. I bring proven strategic thinking, extensive industry relationships, and genuine commitment to WFTV's mission. My legal expertise in navigating complex industry structures, combined with my forward-looking perspective, positions me to help WFTV evolve and thrive. WFTV has the power to transform our industry. As your Member Director, I'll ensure we seize every opportunity to do exactly that.
Christina Nowak
With over a decade of international experience at the intersection of media and technology, I’ve built a career rooted in strategic innovation, creative leadership, and a deep commitment to inclusion. From shaping global market strategies at New Chapter Production Ltd to advising the launch of one of the UK’s most advanced virtual production facilities, my work has focused on empowering talent and accelerating the future of storytelling. I’ve championed emerging technologies in film, television, and immersive media—whether through client consultancy, non-executive roles, or ambassadorial work with industry boards.
My current portfolio spans strategic advisory, research initiatives, international partnerships, and mentoring early- and mid-career professionals navigating production, leadership, and innovation. I serve on the UK board of SMPTE, advise on the UKRI-backed Reframe: Virtual Production programme, and co-founded the Women in Virtual Production network to drive visibility and access for underrepresented voices.
As a WFTV Member Director, I would bring commercial acumen, creative vision, and board-level experience to support sustainable growth. I would lead a strategic review of how members engage across WFTV—analysing interaction, identifying untapped potential, and shaping forward-thinking initiatives that enhance relevance, value, and impact. My focus would include growing sponsorship, strengthening partnerships, expanding international reach, and ensuring WFTV serves professionals across all disciplines and career stages. WFTV should be the first destination for those seeking talent, connection, and opportunity. I will work to ensure it leads the industry—not just reflects it.
Emma Butt
Since moving to the UK ten years ago from Ireland, WFTV has been a vital part of my professional journey. I’ve benefited greatly from the organisation—as a mentee on the WFTV Mentoring Scheme, a host of events on post-production skills, and as a proud recipient of a WFTV award. Now, I would love the opportunity to give back to the community that has supported me so meaningfully.
With over 17 years of experience in film and TV post-production sound, across a wide rage of genres and job roles, I’m deeply passionate about the craft—but equally committed to driving change. Alongside my day job, I actively campaign for better working conditions and greater diversity across the post-production sector, which I hope will lead to tangible improvements for the wider post community.
I co-created and ran a scheme with Channel 4 to support underrepresented post-production talent at mid-career level, helping them progress into Head of Department roles.I am actively campaigning for the inclusion of post in broadcasters DEI commissioning guidelines as well as the introduction of trigger warnings and mental health support for all post teams.
I currently sit on the BAFTA TV Committee and have collaborated with organisations such as The Sir Lenny Henry Centre for media Diversity, the Film and TV Charity, and the TV Human Rights Forum on reports exposing issues of inequality and unlawful working practices in our industry. I’d be honoured to bring this experience and perspective to the WFTV board.
Georgette Turner
I started in the industry working as a background artist and part time security guard. I was really persistent with the security company and was there first woman employee ever. Coming from a working class background I never had any connections in the industry I just knew I wanted to work in film.ive worked my way up through the location department a my now position of producer/ Line producer. I am currently serving as a board member for the PGGB and have previously held the treasurer position on the executive board of the LMGI.
From a family of four girls to a single mum I'm passionate about advocating for women from all walks of life. I've been running training production and location bootcamps free of charge for ten years and was nominated for the PGGB Duke of Edinburgh last award last year in recognition. I am Neurodivergent which i've know about since my teenagers and I'm very fortunate to be able to channel my energy toward my work. I'm definitely someone who is passionate and hardworking and I believe I would serve well as a director.
Last year I won the PGGB inspiration award for my charity and leadership within the industry during the covid 19 pandemic, for my services to sustainability for setting up an industry freecyle for props, sets and costumes and for my work for diversity and inclusion, including the bootcamps that are free and accessible to all. lastly and most importantly my biggest accomplishment are my three children, Violet 11, Bill 8 and Ernie who is turning 2 in July.
Kelly Sweeney
As a working class girl from a single parent family growing up in the midlands, I had to work especially hard to find and nurture my network to enable my career. During the last 25 years, at pivotal moments, it’s usually been a woman that’s made the difference and supported, advised, taught me - and I want to give that back. I have actively partnered with WFTV with the last two companies I’ve worked at to support their work and bring new members in.
I am particularly interested in championing initiatives around social mobility and giving young women the tools, confidence, network and opportunities they might not have or gain in regular education and Empowerment of women throughout their careers, especially around re-entering the workplace after a career break. As for myself, I stared as a runner in an independent production company I worked my way through the ranks, until I found myself running a company with little experience to do so.
I built that into a going concern until it was folded into a big corporation, and I continued my work focusing on building production businesses in global organisations where film making wasn’t core activity. To do that you need to be pragmatic, to first inspire then motivate people, communicate well, know when to push back and know how to pick your battles, all qualities I think would be important here. Sometimes all you need is for another women to lift you up at the right time.
Lisa Edwards
As a woman who has risen through the ranks of TV over the last 30 years I would like to inspire and help the next generation. I currently run Studio Ramsay Global where my entire senior team are working mothers.
I regularly mentor young women both in the company and outside on how to be a successful working mother and take the advocacy of other brilliant women in my working and personal life very seriously. We are the bedrock of society and this industry after all! I started as a runner on the Big Breakfast rose through the ranks as researcher producer then Exec across unscripted.
I was a commissioner at Ch4 and then the BBC for 8 years and have held senior roles across the indie sector since leaving commissioning. I am currently the Global CCO of Studio Ramsay a global multi media content company with offices in London LA and Glasgow growing the business signifigantly in the 7 years I ve been here. I believe in equality for all as well as work life balance and always keeping your sense of humour even when faced with a challenge!
Lisa Selway
I would love to become a member of an important, trailblazing team of women who support women to navigate the inspiring yet unpredictable world of entertainment . As a woman from Accrington (yes, Stanley) and a disadvantaged socioeconomic background, I have a lived experience of the barriers to entry to the legal and media industry. The interconnected challenges of the impacts of diverse content platforms, industrial action, falling ad revenues and spiralling production costs continue to test the industry despite its substantial positive effect on the UK economy and cultural offering of global soft power.
Within that, WFTV's global reach has the power to enable members to shape their careers and the wider industry, and in turn begin to break down barriers. I joined New Pictures as COO in January 2023. For 15 years, I have worked with film and television producers, financiers, distributors, talent, a global streaming platform and as an independent BA Specialist at Grey Seal Media.
I’ve worked within organisations of all sizes, from large studios/production companies to a start-up, tackling the strategic challenges each business faces while the entertainment industry continues to evolve. I would like to offer my insight, and access to an additional diverse network of business and creative professionals who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet and engage, to help WIFTV continue meaningfully promoting women's interests; and to help foster collaborative relationships with industry bodies/key players to begin to shape future working practices in the industry, and lead it towards inclusivity.
Loretta Preece
WFTV has been there for me in some of the toughest corners of my 25 year career in scripted TV. Most especially the mid-career scheme made a profound difference. I would very much like to help steer the organisation through some of the choppy waters of the current TV production contraction.
I built my own career in drama through long running series such as Doctors and Casualty to my current senior leadership role in a small independent production company. Over my career, I managed to alternate editorial and production roles and sometimes work part time to accommodate raising my three children.
I am keenly aware that many of the ladders that allowed my career to flourish have gone. Women’s life stages and commitments can be very different to men’s and yet our industry can be inflexible and relentlessly demanding. I passionately feel that the strength of our sector depends on weaving in the experiences of a wide diversity of women especially working mothers, women outside of London and vulnerable mid-career/older women. And a healthy and diverse proportion of these women need to be in senior leadership roles to deliver and cement change.
With my commercial and leadership experience, I want to help WFTV to continue to be a practical and multi-faceted vehicle for training, support, information and empowerment. And I believe I can assist in its most important role of amplifying a powerful and urgent voice for women in the global TV and Film industry and beyond.
Lucy Price
WFTV has been a vital source of support, connection, and advocacy for me and I’d be proud to help shape its future as a board member. I bring over 20 years of industry experience, starting as a freelance Assistant Director before moving into talent management.
I founded Loop Talent in 2020, mid-pandemic, with no external backing, while raising two young children. Today, Loop is a respected, values-led agency representing a diverse roster of Heads of Department and crew across Film, TV, and Commercials. I want to help develop WFTV’s focus and grow the membership, ensuring its influence reaches beyond flagship events like the WFTV Awards and into everyday spaces where members connect and collaborate.
That means curating spaces where talent and decision-makers meet, and ensure the membership brings value to both the unique perspectives of industry leaders and emerging voices. I speak daily with freelancers navigating an industry that still sidelines women, carers and underrepresented talent in technical roles. I’m passionate about strengthening support for freelancers in volatile markets, and inclusion in post-production and craft roles.
I also believe access can be improved for parents and carers, and normalising job-sharing in crew roles could be transformational. WFTV can lead this cultural shift. I’m an industry disruptor and a doer. I lead with honesty, authenticity, and a clear voice. If appointed, I’ll bring operational insight, a collaborative mindset, and a strong network to help WFTV deliver meaningful, inclusive impact, and ensure it reflects the full spectrum of talent shaping our industry today.
Mari Stracke
WFTV has played a meaningful role in my career, connecting me to incredibly talented (and lovely!) women across the industry. I’ve found work as a 1st AD through the network, made genuine friendships, and always come away from workshops feeling a little more inspired and a little less alone. I’d love the chance to give back by helping shape the next chapter of this community.
As a writer-director, co-director of a screen acting school (ISSA), and long-time mental health advocate, I care deeply about how we support the next generation, especially young women navigating an industry still full of obstacles.
Creating spaces that are kind, inclusive and honest about the challenges we face is paramount to me. Last year, I started an informal networking group, called ‘Walk & Talk’, that grew directly out of a WFTV event, where I met like-minded women who craved connection beyond a business card. I’d love to champion that spirit further. I would bring a mix of creative insight, practical experience and a strong belief in mental-health-conscious leadership.
I’m especially passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and helping demystify the industry for those without a roadmap - supporting members, whether they’re just starting out or feel stuck in the messy middle. As a freelancer, I understand the pressure of balancing creative ambition with day-to-day survival. I’d be proud to help WFTV remain not only a networking platform but a source of hope. Hope that we can create lasting change if we continue lifting each other up.
Mariayah
Kaderbhai
I would be honoured to serve as a Member Director for Women in Film and TV. With almost 25 years of experience in film and television, most notably at BAFTA, where I lead on industry programming, I have built a career focused on equity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating tangible pathways for those historically excluded from the screen industries.
I have developed a screen industry framework on social mobility, launched career-defining programmes for creatives, and built partnerships across public, private and third sectors to push for meaningful, systemic change. My work has spanned the UK and beyond, from working with Al Jazeera as a producer and journalist as well as Google and other organisations shaping global conversations around representation and storytelling.
As a producer, programmer, strategist and journalist, I bring both strategic leadership and hands on production experience, paired with a strong commitment to care centred, values driven work. I have worked with broadcasters, cultural institutions and grassroots collectives to co-design projects and spaces that centre inclusion and accountability. As a woman of colour from an immigrant background, I know first-hand what it means to navigate an industry that has not always been welcoming. I also know the transformative power of being seen, heard and supported.
WFTV is a crucial platform for connection, change and celebration. I would bring clarity, collaboration and deep commitment to the role of Member Director, ensuring all women, across disciplines, identities and experiences feel they have a place and a future in our industry.
May Gibson
I have been a WFTV UK member since 1991 and prior to that, I was a member of the NYC chapter of WFTV. WFTV-UK was a truly invaluable organization for me when I first move to London. I was able to access so many industry talks, workshops and networking events – and all for free with my membership! I learned so much about the nature of the industry here compared to the U.S. and made so many connections that remain today.
As a WFTV member I have been involved with some of its initiatives over the years. I volunteered as a speaker at a couple of events for writers and script editors. I was also part of the committee for a writers’ initiative to find new writing talent amongst the membership. Two scripts were selected – one feature film and one TV script - for a produced staged reading performed to invited industry audiences. I produced the TV script that was selected for the reading. Having been a WFTV member for over 30 years, I would like to give back some of my time to the organization and help champion its many initiatives in the film and tv industry. I’ve been very impressed with the current management’s ambitions and the many activities.
I think I could contribute to their efforts with my varied experience in the industry and strong organizational skills in running events. I presently am also active with EAST, a non-profit that supports East and Southeast Asians (ESEA) working in scripted television. As a volunteer member, I’ve helped organise events and produced the SKY x EAST Table Read of 2 half-hour scripts written by two EAST members. I also run the Theatre Circle for the Yale Club of London, organising theatre and film events for all our members.
As a mentor, I have mentored mentees at many different stages of their careers. Currently, I’m mentoring a mentee as part of Film London Connects and a recent NFTS graduate through their new support scheme. Both are women, one just starting in the industry and the other making a transition from producing to writing. It’s interesting to hear their concerns are still the same as many I encountered over the years – imposter syndrome, work/life balance, having a family as a freelancer, financial security, being heard. I encouraged both of them to join WFTV and tap into resources that are out there to support them. As an organization, WFTV has made a huge difference for many women working in the industry, and I feel I can help spread the message and keep banging the drum for all of us.
With regards to my own personal experience, my film and tv career has been in scripted programmes across many genres and age groups. I have worked in the U.S., where I was a commissioning assistant in Comedy and Drama at A&E Networks, and in the UK as an in-house script editor, producer and development executive as well as a freelancer. I continue to work in development and production.
Melanie Jones
As a latecomer to the industry, I’ve been continually impressed by the work WFTV and their members undertake to support one another. Having worked in a number of industries – banking, construction, property – I have never found such an inclusive group, which champions the voices, visibility, and careers of its members so passionately.
When I was first managing studios I received a phone call from a lady I had never met. We spoke for an hour about the studios, what I did, how things were going and to call if she could ever help or advise me. The ask for this support? Nothing at all; no expectation other than to support someone who was doing a job she had done a decade earlier. That call was my first remembered experience of women in this industry. In my ‘day jobs’ I’ve reported into and sat on various company boards, and whilst I don’t work in the production side of the industry, I have a broad experience in commercial operations, organisational strategy and delivering results, which I would love to apply in the context of the work WFTV undertake.
A lot of members will head up or set up companies as part of their production careers and for newcomers, running a business alongside the creative aspects can be challenging. It’s something I’ve now been doing for a long time and would hope to leverage my experience in property, operations, studios and business management as a member of the WFTV board to support you.
Nina Karwalska
I am applying as a Member Director to help WFTV achieve improved representation for women from underrepresented, marginalised, and faith communities. I'm especially committed to supporting working mothers, and will advocate for practical initiatives to address our industry’s often inadequate support for balancing motherhood and career.
Challenges I've personally faced as a working mother of four, experiencing burnout and poor mental health. With over 10 years of industry experience, beginning in production accounting, after studying accounting as I thought I could never make it in the creative and film industry, and progressing to production management, I have overseen more than 40 short films and commercials with big brand household names.
My comprehensive understanding covers all phases of production, from concept to post-production. In Lancashire, my collaboration with the public sector directly resulted in the creation of a regional Screen Strategy and led to securing £1.5m to date investment to develop the local screen industries sector. I co-founded and developed Futures in Film, recognised as a finalist for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Film & TV Inclusion Award by the Production Guild this year.
I also established Screen Sisters, supporting 70 women from faith communities through training and fully funded placements, both initiatives backed by respected industry partners, ensuring high standards and impactful outcomes. If I have the honour of being selected, I will represent members authentically and passionately, using my varied expertise in production, industry knowledge and lived experience.
Rachel Morrison
Championing the voices and experiences of women working across the film and television industry is a real passion of mine, and through the rich portfolio of events I have directly benefited from my membership through networking, inspiration and understanding.
I believe the role of a Women in Film and TV Member Director offers a unique platform and opportunity to help drive change. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited greatly from the support and wisdom of other women in the industry, and I now feel a strong responsibility to give back to help champion solidarity and shape an inclusive, collaborative and forward-thinking environment for others.
Being a Member Director would allow me to combine both my professional experience and deep personal commitment to equity and access into service for the wider WFTV community. I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices and to contribute to initiatives that offer practical support, mentoring, and pathways into leadership for women across all stages of their careers. In this role, I would champion inclusion, access and representation to signposting supporting resources for mental health awareness and parental support. I would be delighted to be considered for this position.
Rachel Murrell
I’m a queer scriptwriter with credits in kids’ TV, animation and drama development. In the three years since I (re)joined WFTV, I have been lucky enough to benefit from its Four Nations Mentorship programme, Table Read Club, and countless workshops, networking events, and webinars. These have offered a path to professional development that is accessible, affordable, and genuinely useful – particularly for someone like me, a freelance writer who lives outside London.
I really believe that my WFTV membership is the best £100 I spend every year – which is why I tell every woman I meet in the industry they should consider joining. After 30+ years in TV, I want to give something back, both to WFTV, and the sector as a whole, and I think I can make a positive contribution. The industry is undergoing huge structural and technological change, and I want women to have a voice at the table.
I believe WFTV is that voice and I would like to contribute to its continued development. I have served on the executive committees of WFTV and the Children’s Media Conference. If elected to the Board, I would support WFTV’s campaigning stance on gender equality, promote the interests of out-of-town members in this stubbornly London-centric industry, and advocate for those who work irregular hours, and/or have caring responsibilities, health issues, or no work. I would also promote alliances with sister organisations in the industry such as those in animation, kids’ TV, comedy, and climate campaigners.
Sam Margaritis
Having worked in the film and TV industry for over 25 years, I’m now driven by a desire to give back and help shape a more inclusive future. I began my career in production on OBs, music content, and independent features before moving into training, producing short courses at the NFTS and helping to shape and tutor the Production Management Diploma. I later became Managing Director of a technical services company supporting on-set and postproduction workflows for 11 years.
I’m especially passionate about increasing the visibility and progression of women in the technical side of our industry. As an ADHD coach and neurodivergence consultant, I also regularly mentor neurodivergent professionals in film and TV. I was proud to be part of the inaugural Fearless Leaders cohort and know first-hand how transformative mentoring and community can be for senior women navigating leadership.
If elected as a WFTV Member Director, I would champion mental health, neurodivergence, carers, and those with invisible disabilities - especially across underrepresented groups. I understand the complexities of balancing caring responsibilities with creative careers and believe WFTV is uniquely placed to amplify the voices of those often unheard. I bring a unique mix of on-set, production and technical knowledge, leadership experience, and deep lived experience of neurodivergence and disability. I want to support others to thrive, just as I’ve been supported, and ensure our industry becomes a truly inclusive space for all.
Sunrise
Ishimwe
In an ever-changing industry, WFTV remains a constant. A space where women can feel seen and supported. I’d be honoured to continue this legacy: to foster connection, solidarity, opportunity and ensure that no one is left behind as the landscape evolves. Over five years, I’ve built a diverse career spanning animation, executive search, and development – engaging with producers, directors, VFX artists, HODs, and executives across all genres.
Now, as Development Coordinator at BBC Studios, I work closely with leading UK indies while fostering relationships with global broadcasters and distributors. I have a 360-degree view of our industry and its challenges, but the collaborative spirit needed to help drive it forward. Equity starts with access. If elected, I’d continue to advocate for intersectional inclusion at every level.
As a Black Scottish woman, I know the weight of being the only one in the room – a feeling I’m sure is familiar to many. I’ve also seen how sexism, ableism, classism, and regional exclusion continue to limit access and opportunity for others. As budgets shrink, D&I risks being sidelined but I’m committed to pushing for progress. As a Member Director I’d strive to centre inclusion in every conversation, ensuring we ask: who’s in the room, who’s not, and how do we fix that?
I’m especially eager to support Holly Daniel’s work expanding WFTV’s presence in Scotland. WFTV thrives when its leadership reflects the full spectrum of its members, and I’d love to bring my voice and experience to help shape its next chapter.