Meet the MDPs

Eleven new Media Development Professionals have been appointed by Northwest Vision and Media to nurture the next generation of creative talent.

Working in conjunction with the regional screen agency, the MDPs will be on hand to offer advice and expertise to anyone hoping to follow in their footsteps within the film, TV, radio or digital industries.

“We’re incredibly fortunate in that we’ve been able to bring together a group of people with a huge and varied amount of professional experience, contacts and networks,” explains Lynn Kelly, Head of Skills at Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the digital and creative industries in the Northwest to grow a world-class digital and creative economy within the region.

“The Media Development Professionals (MDPs) will work for Vision and Media on a freelance basis, acting as trainers, mentors and ambassadors of the region’s creative talent. They have a huge wealth of experience between them, and we’re delighted that they’re willing to use that personal expertise to help guide the next generation of talent,” adds Lynn.

From the world of TV drama, Vicky Swift is one of two MDPs. As a Production Manager and Exec with over 11 years experience, she’s worked for a number of high profile employers in the drama sector, such as Red Productions, Channel 4, the Bigger Picture Company and Shed. Vicky’s credits include Bad Girls and Footballers Wives. Also offering expert TV drama advice is Marcus Wilson, who has 14 years experience, working in a variety of roles including floor manager, location manager, 1st AD, Associate Producer, Co-Producer and Producer. Marcus has worked on many high profile dramas including Life On Mars, Cutting It, Rock Rivals, Emmerdale and Where The Heart Is.

Offering advice on the world of digital are Lucy Martin, Krishna Stott and Andrew Thomas. Lucy has been a freelance interactive designer with over 10 year’s industry experience, working as a creative director on accounts for high profile clients such as Nike, Nokia, Fiat, Sainsbury’s. Krishna specialises in interactive media, having recently won a webby award for Crimeface, a 30-minute interactive film.

Also in the field of digital, Andrew Thomas offers over 20 years experience in multi-media production, including eight years in digital media, advertising and agency work. Andrew set up the McCann UK digital offering in 1999, Mcann-i, and was responsible for helping brands such as Sainsbury’s Bank, Magnet and Thompson Holidays migrate their marketing spend online. He has experience of developing multi-channel online revenue streams and has developed significant, profitable and sustainable web businesses.

Within radio, Paul Hardy is a producer with over 10 years experience in news, current affairs and factuals. He’s worked across both TV and radio in the region, for companies such as Objective North, Hat Trick North and Smooth Operations. Paul recently created a cross platform comedy show for Radio 4 which included building a website and producing trails for BBC2. He was also nominated for a Sony Award for his radio comedy, Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf.

Also offering radio expertise is Alistair Mann, an experienced freelance sport and news journalist who’s worked on Match Of The Day, City Talk and Channel M. He has several RTS awards, as well as being a BT Sports Journalist of the Year nominee, and a qualified coach for the FA!

Within post production, Helen Lagoe and Pete Terry are now able to offer advice. Helen is an AVID and FCP editor, with over 10 years experience, and has worked across the BBC and ITV on programmes such as Question of Sport, Close Up: Rio Ferdinand, Inside Hurricane Katrina and many more. Pete Terry has over 25 years experience working in the TV industry and was BAFTA nominated for the graphic design work he did on Cold Feet. He was head of the graphics department at 3sixtymedia and ITV Granada, and has worked on programmes such as Tonight With Trevor McDonald, Stars In Their Eyes and Prime Suspect.

From the world of film, Julie Lau has agreed to pass on her industry expertise. As a producer with over 10 years experience in the UK film industry, Julie has worked on projects that range from low budget community films through to multi-million pound feature films. Her career in the region has also encompassed TV drama and music videos.

Within TV and multi platform, Moira Kean has over 20 years experience in TV production, ranging from production coordinator right through to series producer. She also has wide ranging experience in training, coaching and mentoring and has developed and delivered the BBC’s multi-platform rights workshop, Understanding Audiences, and is a member of the secretive BBC Creative Network, running creative sessions across the BBC.

For details of all future events and training opportunities featuring our new MDPs, please click here