28/08/2013 - Sheffield and Brighton centres to become part of British Film Institute’s UK-wide talent network

Creative England and the British Film Institute (BFI) have appointed experienced development executives Paul Ashton and Céline Haddad to create talent centres in Sheffield and Brighton. These will be part of the BFI’s UK-wide talent network that goes live in September. Each centre will serve as an entry point for emerging filmmaking talent from across England, including London, providing a progression from shorts to first features, with support for projects and skills development.

Haddad is moving from her current position of Head of Development at Passion Pictures and Ashton from his Development Producer role at BBC Writersroom.

Haddad said, “I am thrilled to join the Creative England team and delighted to be involved in such an ambitious partnership with the BFI Film Fund.

The wealth of British talent never ceases to amaze me and I look forward to discovering and supporting the next generation of British filmmakers.”

Ashton said, “This is such an exciting time for emerging talent and this is a fantastic opportunity for me to be part of the team flying the flag for that talent. I can’t wait to get started.”

Haddad and Ashton will develop talent by scouting cultural hubs, artistic centres and content production companies for the best new writers, directors and artists; running short film programmes across a range of budgets and levels of experience; providing funding and mentoring for feature screenplay commissions; showcasing new work, hosting regular networking events where filmmakers can meet executives and other industry representatives, and masterclasses with filmmakers discussing their craft and inspirations.