Isabel Davis has been named as Director of BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Funds.
She leaves Screen Scotland after 8 years as Executive Director. During that time the organisation has created and implemented a 10 year strategy for Scotland’s screen sector, which has grown to be worth more than £700m per annum to the Scottish economy. The goal is to achieve £1bn by 2031.
“I’ll bring my experience in Scotland to this role, and with it a truly UK-wide perspective on the BFI’s support of independent film,” said Davis.
“So Scotland hasn’t seen the last of me – nor indeed have Northern Ireland, Wales and the English regions.”
The 5 year contract with BFI begins in October and she’ll be responsible for “creating conditions for a culturally vibrant, inclusive and economically successful UK independent film sector.”
“I’m honoured to be stepping into this role at a time when this public funding is critical to building a successful future for UK film and the public value it represents,” she continued.
“It’s a challenging moment for UK independent film, economically and structurally. But audience appetite for great stories, and for the communal experience of cinema-going, is strikingly resurgent and our filmmaking talent continues to be among the world’s best. Enabling filmmakers to produce work that connects with a broad range of audiences across the UK – through ambition, inventiveness and heart – has to be at the core of our response. Daunting, yes, but exciting too.
“My excitement is tempered only by sadness at leaving Scotland, which I’ve been lucky enough to call home for much of my adult life including through the creative upswing of the past eight years. Huge thanks to my Screen Scotland teammates, whose talent, hard work and good nature serve our industry, audiences and young people to such positive effect, and to our colleagues at Creative Scotland for their support.”
READ MORE – Screen Scotland publishes strategy to 2030
She takes over from Mia Bays, who’s led the fund since 2021 overseeing features including Kneecap, My Father’s Shadow and Two Black Boys in Paradise.
“Isabel is tenacious when it comes to doing the right thing for UK independent film and filmmakers,” added Ben Roberts, BFI CEO.
“This is such a huge job, a cornerstone of UK independent film, and Isabel brings experience, passion, and a national and a global outlook, and a firm commitment to fairness and public service. She will be an asset to the film community and the BFI.”
Nicky Bentham, producer and co-chair of Pact’s Film Producers’ Group, said:
“Isabel has a wealth of experience in providing strategic thinking and action to develop and deliver support for UK filmmaking talent. UK independent producers are facing critical challenges – from raising finance through to getting films sold and out to audiences – and I feel confident that Isabel has the right expertise to guide the BFI Filmmaking Funds so they can achieve maximum impact. I also look forward to working with her in my role at Pact as she leads on the BFI’s work to engage and support the wider UK independent filmmaking community.”
