Next Northern Voices is a panel discussion event exploring the role of creative voices in shaping local culture and identity. Topics of conversation will include: where the next big thing in Northern filmmaking might come from, and how we ensure the stories that get told are authentic and representative of the region.
We’ll hear from a panel featuring:
Oz Arshad (Writer/Director of Hub-funded short Expiation)
Nader Mabadi (Head of Production, Emmerdale - ITV)
Charlotte Michael (Partnership and Skills Manager, Channel 4)
Usman Mullan (Development Producer, BBC Writersroom)
Jo Schofield (Head of Talent Development, Screen Yorkshire)
Join us at The Tetley (Leeds) from 16:00-17:30 on Tuesday 9 May for a discussion about the opportunities for new and emerging filmmakers in the North. Tickets are free.
Next Northern Voices is presented in partnership by Film Hub North, BFI and Channel 4. Part of Northern Voices: a celebration of Northern talent, culture and its impact across UK film and television.
Speaker bios
Oz Arshad
Oz transitioned into filmmaking after a successful, decade-long career as a high school teacher. Oz attended the National Film and Television School’s Diverse Directors program where he wrote and directed the drama short Cur:few. He is also the director of award-winning shorts The Right and Nasrin.
Charlotte Michael
Charlotte supports the delivery of Channel 4’s commitment to the UK’s Nations and Regions, with a particular focus on managing Channel 4’s £5m training and development strategy, 4Skills. Across 2022, 4Skills offered 23,000 training, placement and development opportunities to people across the UK, with a focus on those from underrepresented groups.
Usman Mullan
Usman leads on BBC Writersroom’s core UK-wide development programmes such as Drama Room, the Writers’ Access Group and Voices. His speciality is identifying, nurturing and developing new screenwriting talent and finding them opportunities across the BBC, with a focus on the North of England and beyond.
Jo Schofield
Jo is a BAFTA and Emmy-nominated Creative Producer and Senior Talent Executive at Screen Yorkshire, where she delivers FLEX; a ground-breaking development hub which supports Writers, Directors and Producers to challenge the status quo of on-screen narratives.
