We caught up with Carley Armstrong for her insights on producing ahead of our Producer Lab programme closing for applications.
As the deadline for
In Development: Producer Lab - our annual development scheme for emerging producers - approaches, we sat down with Carley Armstrong to reflect on her producing career so far and why programmes like ours matter.
Carley Armstrong is a screenwriter and producer from the North East who is passionate about championing underrepresented working-class voices through authentic, emotionally-resonant storytelling. A BAFTA Connect Producer and RTS nominee, Carley has developed and written original pilot scripts including Safeguard and Mother’s Ruin. She is currently developing a TV series with Mack'Em Productions whilst producing and co-producing two feature films. Carley was a participant in our Creative Producer Lab programme, which was originally developed and set up with Diploid Productions and Redbag Pictures.
You were part of our 2022 Creative Producer Lab — how did your journey into producing begin, and what led you to this point?
Before Creative Producer Lab I had been working in the industry for many years as a script supervisor on high-end television and film projects. And prior to that I studied film at film school where I made many short films, including a Royal Television Society nominated film. It was here my inclination to produce grew and I knew I had to work hard to get to where I wanted to be. After working my way up the ranks from runner to PA and then to script supervisor, I learnt many skills that would equip me with what was needed to be a successful producer.
Participating in the CPL was a way for me to get back into the producing space, brush-up my skills and contacts, and give me the confidence I needed to create my own projects. Being a young mother in my teens – and being from the North East – meant that becoming a producer was so far away from anything I believed possible. But since working with organisations like Film Hub North and the BFI, who are actively supporting diverse female creators from the region, it made my dreams seem all the more possible.
Working closely with a director is a big part of producing — what’s your approach to that partnership, and how do you make it successful?
A script supervisor (that many people confuse as being a writer or a script editor) is the right-hand person for the director and the eyes and ears for them on set. My relationship with a director is the most important thing for me and I will always ensure they are happy and that I am giving them as much as I can. All experiences I've had - good and bad - have prepared me for where I am today and the fantastic working relationships I have with my own team.
Do you think your Northern background influences your filmmaking style or how you choose your next project?
I will always try and slip the North into my work somewhere. Whether that is the storyline or the actors or just where the project is shot. My recent film A Woman of Good Abilities (directed by Mark Chapman and starring James Nelson Joyce and Vinette Robinson) had a 100% working-class cast and crew, a 97% Northern cast and crew, and was shot on location in Gateshead. This project was a proof-of-concept film to demonstrate what I could achieve with limited time and budget.
My feature film LITTLE BIRD (written and directed by Faye Jackson) has Northern flare too – it was developed on the BFI-backed UK Next Wave Genre Lab, and went on to be the only UK project supported by the European Genre Forum.
I feel like I am on the cusp of breaking through, and my inclination to promote Northern voices and regional talent is at the heart of that.
Do you have any mentors or key influences who helped shape your path as a producer?
Would any of us creative producers in the North be as half as inspired if it wasn't for Barrington Paul Robinson? He has been a key inspiration to my journey and in helping me progress as a creative producer.
Rebecca Davies has also been a flagship for me in terms of support. We recently set up a production company with Sasha Ransome called Mack'em Productions, and together we are working on a slate of projects set in the North. I’m really lucky to be surrounded by incredible women in the industry including the 2025 Women in Film and Television mentorship cohort, my mentoring producer Helen Bullough, Nichola Schindler from Quaystreet Productions, my amazing agent Madeleine Cotter from WGM Atlantic, Sue Jones from Exec Management, Alison Gwyn, Gayle Woodrouffe, Lisa Laws, and many more!
Are there any specific skills or qualities you think every aspiring producer should develop?
I think you need to have good conflict management and emotional intelligence to be a producer. In the very early years of my career, I would often take the behaviours and actions of others personally – I've since learnt to navigate this, become more tolerant, and know when it deserves a response.
It is super important to promote self-care when producing and ensure you're not taking on too much. Being a people pleaser and having imposter syndrome in our industry is very common, especially for Northern and working-class filmmakers who may have been taught that a particular space is not for them. In the past I have suffered from burnout which has affected my mental health and performance at work, but now I don't say yes to everything like I used to. Through trial and error I have been able to find out who and what is worth my time, effort and expertise. Learn to value yourself and your work and the rest will follow.
What’s next for you?
I'm currently working on a major motion picture, and otherwise I’m working on the edit for A Woman of Good Abilities.
My Northern working-class short film Hide (produced with Sarah Van Parys and directed by Ian Curtis) continues its festival circuit, winning Best North West film at Manchester Film Festival, and Best North East Filmmaker award at Sunderland amongst others. We’re submitting the film to Bifa and BAFTA next to hopefully get the film on a platform or streaming service.
I'll also keep busy by writing and mentoring other filmmakers. I'm open to projects coming my way, so feel free to drop me a line if you want to connect!
Main image credit © Helen Murray Photography
In Development: Producer Lab
Are you a strong communicator who loves solving problems? Can you spot a great story? You just might be a Producer.
In Development: Producer Lab is our new in-person programme to meet like-minded producers and learn the fundamentals of developing story and managing short film productions.
Applications close Monday 4 August 2025: learn more here.
