Jane is Co-Founder & Chief Content Officer at London-based indie, Sister. Hear her talk about having passion for what you do, the importance of working with the best people, and why overhearing people on the tube talking about a programme you made is such a great feeling.

Production genres: Drama, Drama-Comedy

Key shows: Chernobyl, The Split, This is Going to Hurt

Kieran is the Co-Founder and CEO of Belfast-based indie, Stellify Media. Find out how he and co-founder Matthew Worthy started the company by selling an idea to two US entertainment industry heavyweights, the importance of having the courage of your convictions, and why he backs optimism and enthusiasm above existing skills when hiring new talent.

Production genres: Entertainment, Game Shows, Non-Scripted.

Key shows: Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Blind Date, Pretty Single

 

 

Nadine is a Co-Founder and Executive Producer of London-based Greenacre Films. Described as being "a pivotal force in developing a black British cinema," hear her discuss the power of ideas, why one of her favourite things about her job is talking and listening to people, and how film and TV can be a powerful vehicle for diverse voices and perspectives.

Production genres: Drama

Key projects: Riches, Been So Long, Unsaid Stories

Sue, Debbie and Steven run London-based Hartswood Films, the family business set up by Sue and Debbie's Mum Beryl more than 40 years ago. Hear them talk about the programmes they're most proud of making and why now is the best time ever to get into the film and TV industry.

Production genres: Drama, Comedy

Key shows: Sherlock, Coupling, Men Behaving Badly

 

 

Nicola is the Founder, Executive Producer and Chief Executive of Manchester-based indie, Quay Street Productions. Prior to Quay Street, she founded RED Productions, also based in Manchester, which she ran for 22 years. She is renowned for her relationships with writers and passionate about backing regional voices.

Production genres: Drama, Drama-Comedy

Key shows: Nolly, It's A Sin (RED), Years and Years (RED).

Mark is the Founder and Joint CEO of Sheffield-based Warp Films, a production company which grew out of a record label and still maintains its punk rock spirit. Hear about Mark's route to becoming a producer and why it's important to be nice to people, whatever stage of career they're at.

Production genres: Drama, Comedy-Drama

Key projects: Everybody's Talking About Jamie, This is England, Four Lions

 

 

James is the Founder and CEO of Argonon, a London-based group which is home to nine independent production companies. Find out how James got into the industry and built up his business, and why you need to be a warrior to succeed in the creative industries.

Production genres: Drama, Factual Entertainment, Reality, Factual, Entertainment, Natural History, Documentary, Current Affairs

Key shows: Hard Cell, The Masked Singer, Cash in the Attic

Afanti is a family-run, Cardiff-based indie which was founded over 25 years ago by Emyr and Mair Afan. Hear Emyr discuss the lessons he's learned over the years about how to run a business, and why his key message to the next generation is 'daliwch ati' ('keep going' in Welsh).

Production genres: Entertainment, Events, Factual

Key shows: Life Drawing Live, Songs of Praise, The MOBO Awards

 

 

Laura is the Co-Founder and CEO of Icon Films, a Bristol-based indie which specialises in natural history programmes. Hear how independent production has taken Laura around the world on many adventures, and why storytelling sits at the heart of the business.

Production genres: Natural History, Factual

Key shows: River Monsters with Jeremy Wade, Savage Kingdom, Malawi Wildlife Rescue

Alex co-founded London-based Wall to Wall back in 1987 and ran the company for over 25 years. Hear him talk about the long road to 'overnight success', the importance of learning from every collaboration, and why he always hires people more talented than himself.

Production genres: Drama, Entertainment, Factual Entertainment, Factual, Natural History

Key shows: Who Do You Think You Are?, Long Lost Family, New Tricks

 

 

Sanjay is the Founder and Chief Executive of London-based Voltage TV. Hear him talk about his route into the industry after originally studying law at University, and why he believes that no problem is too big as long as you approach it in the right way.

Production genres: Factual, Factual Entertainment

Key shows: Ant and Dec's DNA Journey, Amanda and Alan's Italian Job, Inside the Factory

Jane, Kirstie and Phil are co-founders of Scottish indie, Raise the Roof Productions along with Sarah Walmsley. Hear their reasons for setting up their own indie after all working on other productions, and why persistence is key for a successful career in TV.

Production genres: Factual Entertainment, Popular Factual and Factual

Key shows: Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It, Holiday Homes in the Sun, Kirstie's Handmade Christmas

 

 

Jimmy is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of London-based Hat Trick Productions, which has been going since the mid-80s. Hear him talk about how his strong opinions got him his first major break in TV, the importance of being able to get up off the floor and go again, and the power of passing on experience.

Production genres: Comedy, Comedy Entertainment, Drama

Key shows: Derry Girls, Have I Got News For You, Father Ted

Peter and Tim founded their indie in 2017 after both having spent many years in the industry. They discuss the joy of starting something from nothing, the importance of good people in the success of any business, and why being true to yourself will help you make authentic work.

Production genres: Comedy, Drama, Entertainment, Factual Entertainment, Factual

Key shows: The Big Narstie Show, Steph’s Packed Lunch, Clarkson's Farm

 

 

Watch our 30-minute compilation cut which includes contributions from all of the individuals featured in the series, discussing topics ranging from their personal journeys and career paths in the industry, to the importance of mentors and what it takes to succeed in the indie sector.

Our series was made by the talented team at Middlesbrough-based indie, Wander Films.

Find out what challenges and adventures they encountered along the way, and why it was the perfect project for their up-and-coming company.