Skip to content

Into the Lead

Into the Lead is our new personal development programme for senior leaders working in independent production companies across the North of England.
Scroll for more
Into the Lead programme participants

Into the Lead has brought together a cohort of northern leaders reshaping the scripted screen sector across the North of England, building new ideas, collaborations and ways of working in a rapidly changing industry.

“Into the Lead has been a gamechanger… empowering leaders to dream bigger and act bolder. Collaboration is no longer just a buzzword — it’s the driving force behind our brightest creative breakthroughs.”

— Penny Hall, Screen Alliance North

Delivered by Under The Moon Ltd and Creaticity Ltd, the programme supported 17 scripted screen leaders to connect, reflect and grow, refine their leadership skills, create partnerships and opportunities across the region.

“This programme arrived at exactly the right time — giving me space to reflect not just on projects, but on how to lead people and ideas in a shifting industry.”

Running from January to March 2026, the programme combined in-person connection with six modules designed to help leaders respond to industry change, from shifting commissioning models to building more resilient, diversified businesses in a world of AI advancements.

“Strong companies need strong leaders. Programmes like this are the lifeblood of creative business.”

— Ruth Pitt, Programme Director

Into the Lead logo
Our 2026 Cohort
  • Raza Mallal, Talking Lens Productions, Leeds
  • Libby Walker, Nana Peg Productions, South Shields
  • Vaishalli Paatil, Photo Stories, Wirral
  • Johanne McAndrew, Boom Pow Productions, Liverpool
  • Sol Papadopoulos, Hurricane Films, Liverpool
  • Karen Taylor, Plenitude Productions, Hebden Bridge
  • Paula Hughes, North Star Films, Hartlepool
  • Isabelle Stead, Little Light, Leeds
  • Natalie Anderson-Shepherd, Shepherd Productions, Leeds
  • Susanna Boccaccio, Brilliant Trees Media Co, Salford
  • Kate Robinson, 2 Birds and a Camera, Liverpool
  • Diane Clarke, Clarke Film and Media, Barnsley
  • Carley Armstrong, True Moon / Mack’em Productions, North East
  • Hugh Mann Adamson, ENON Films, Sheffield
  • Thea Burrows, Can Can Productions, Hebden Bridge
  • Michelle Stein, The Fold Film and TV, Liverpool
  • Garry Paton, Finite Productions, Manchester