Exclusive: “Peggy Ramsay used to say ‘agent’ is the most disgusting word in the English language,” ponders Adam Welsh, the founder of Divergent Talent Group (Dtg).
For a group of changemakers making their way through the UK’s bustling agenting landscape, the words uttered by Ramsay, one of the greats — who repped the likes of Stephen Poliakoff, David Hare and J.B. Priestley — don’t exactly chime.
These agents are spearheading the UK TV and film industry’s drive to improve representation for disabled talent, a minority that makes up 20% of the British population and yet is vastly under-utilized both on the small screen and behind the camera.
Welsh founded his agency devoted to repping neurodivergent talent in 2021. Sara Johnson and Julie Fernandez have recently joined Casarotto Ramsay in an intriguing dual role representing, training and developing talent, while long-time advocate Andrew Roach, whose clients include Britain’s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy,...
For a group of changemakers making their way through the UK’s bustling agenting landscape, the words uttered by Ramsay, one of the greats — who repped the likes of Stephen Poliakoff, David Hare and J.B. Priestley — don’t exactly chime.
These agents are spearheading the UK TV and film industry’s drive to improve representation for disabled talent, a minority that makes up 20% of the British population and yet is vastly under-utilized both on the small screen and behind the camera.
Welsh founded his agency devoted to repping neurodivergent talent in 2021. Sara Johnson and Julie Fernandez have recently joined Casarotto Ramsay in an intriguing dual role representing, training and developing talent, while long-time advocate Andrew Roach, whose clients include Britain’s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Corner Shop’s managing director Susie Gray will continue to lead the firm
UK-based entertainment PR firm Premier has acquired Scottish agency The Corner Shop.
Based in Edinburgh, The Corner Shop was founded in 2015 by managing director Susie Gray, who will continue to lead the firm as well as joining Premier’s executive board. The subsidiary will be rebranded Premier Scotland.
The acquisition marks Premier’s first foray into Scotland and follows the opening of its Manchester office earlier this year. The company also recently appointed Angela Smith as managing director of filmed entertainment.
Premier’s founder and chairman,...
UK-based entertainment PR firm Premier has acquired Scottish agency The Corner Shop.
Based in Edinburgh, The Corner Shop was founded in 2015 by managing director Susie Gray, who will continue to lead the firm as well as joining Premier’s executive board. The subsidiary will be rebranded Premier Scotland.
The acquisition marks Premier’s first foray into Scotland and follows the opening of its Manchester office earlier this year. The company also recently appointed Angela Smith as managing director of filmed entertainment.
Premier’s founder and chairman,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
UK agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates has hired Sara Johnson and Julie Fernandez, co-founders of Bridge06.
The company has said the hires are part of its plan to expand its commitment to disability representation across the UK Creative Industries.
Beginning December 4, Johnson and Fernandez will be full-time Casarotto Ramsay agents. Their role will include representing, training, and developing talent alongside supporting all those with access requirements across the film, television, and theatre industries. The agency said the pair will be tasked with growing careers and creating meaningful change with every production their access coordinators work within.
Fernandez will lead on training and then representation of access coordinators entering the industry, ensuring that Casarotto can meet the growing demand for the role, which begins in development and runs throughout production and beyond. Johnson will lead on supporting broadcasters, studios, and other industry bodies to underscore and understand the “importance” of an “access first” approach.
The company has said the hires are part of its plan to expand its commitment to disability representation across the UK Creative Industries.
Beginning December 4, Johnson and Fernandez will be full-time Casarotto Ramsay agents. Their role will include representing, training, and developing talent alongside supporting all those with access requirements across the film, television, and theatre industries. The agency said the pair will be tasked with growing careers and creating meaningful change with every production their access coordinators work within.
Fernandez will lead on training and then representation of access coordinators entering the industry, ensuring that Casarotto can meet the growing demand for the role, which begins in development and runs throughout production and beyond. Johnson will lead on supporting broadcasters, studios, and other industry bodies to underscore and understand the “importance” of an “access first” approach.
- 11/28/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Bridge06 is an agency and consultancy that supports access coordinators and disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse talent.
UK film, TV and theatre talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates has appointed access advocates Sara Johnson and Julie Fernandez, co-founders of Bridge06, to expand the agency’s committment to improve disability representation for the media and entertainment Industries.
Bridge06 is an agency and consultancy that supports access coordinators and disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse talent, as well as offering training to all areas of the film and TV industry on bringing accessibility into day-to-day business.
Johnson and Fernandez will be working full-time...
UK film, TV and theatre talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates has appointed access advocates Sara Johnson and Julie Fernandez, co-founders of Bridge06, to expand the agency’s committment to improve disability representation for the media and entertainment Industries.
Bridge06 is an agency and consultancy that supports access coordinators and disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse talent, as well as offering training to all areas of the film and TV industry on bringing accessibility into day-to-day business.
Johnson and Fernandez will be working full-time...
- 11/28/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Nicholas Winding Refn’s ‘Famous Five’ Adaptation Sets Cast
The BBC’s upcoming Famous Five adaptation from Nicholas Winding Refn has set cast and unveiled first look images. Diaana Babnicova will play the role of George, alongside Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne playing George’s cousins who come to stay at Kirrin Cottage. Joining the five are Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones) as Wentworth, Ann Akinjirin (Moon Knight) as Fanny, James Lance (Ted Lasso) as Quentin and Diana Quick (Father Brown) as Mrs Wentworth. The series is being co-produced for Zdf and comes from Drive creator Winding Refn’s byNWR along with Moonage Pictures. The show will be based on Enid Blyton’s iconic 21 stories with filming set to take place shortly across the south west of the UK. Famous Five is one of the highest-profile series to come out of the...
The BBC’s upcoming Famous Five adaptation from Nicholas Winding Refn has set cast and unveiled first look images. Diaana Babnicova will play the role of George, alongside Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne playing George’s cousins who come to stay at Kirrin Cottage. Joining the five are Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones) as Wentworth, Ann Akinjirin (Moon Knight) as Fanny, James Lance (Ted Lasso) as Quentin and Diana Quick (Father Brown) as Mrs Wentworth. The series is being co-produced for Zdf and comes from Drive creator Winding Refn’s byNWR along with Moonage Pictures. The show will be based on Enid Blyton’s iconic 21 stories with filming set to take place shortly across the south west of the UK. Famous Five is one of the highest-profile series to come out of the...
- 7/26/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Arthur Hughes, “Casualty” actor Gabriella Leon and “Coronation Street’s” Melissa Johns are among the names lined up for “About Time!” a celebration of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent set to take place in London on Friday (Oct. 28).
As well as Hughes, Leon and Johns, the actors taking part include Scottish Theater Award nominee Jack Hunter, who was nominated for his Edinburgh Fringe play “One of Two,” actor and comedian Jo Coffey (“Waterloo Road”), Nadia Nadarajah (“Vampire Academy”), Steph Lacey (“Bridgerton”), music artist Caroline Parker, Stephen Collins (“Dune”) and Tim Pritchett (“Black Mirror”).
Also part of the showcase are musical supervisor Ben Goddard and singer/songwriter Max Runham, whose music for the event will be translated into British Sign Language (Bsl) by Raphaelle Julien (“Clinks”), while duo Chris Fonseca and Harry Jardine will perform their unique brand of Bsl and rap.
Ruth Madeley (“Years and Years...
As well as Hughes, Leon and Johns, the actors taking part include Scottish Theater Award nominee Jack Hunter, who was nominated for his Edinburgh Fringe play “One of Two,” actor and comedian Jo Coffey (“Waterloo Road”), Nadia Nadarajah (“Vampire Academy”), Steph Lacey (“Bridgerton”), music artist Caroline Parker, Stephen Collins (“Dune”) and Tim Pritchett (“Black Mirror”).
Also part of the showcase are musical supervisor Ben Goddard and singer/songwriter Max Runham, whose music for the event will be translated into British Sign Language (Bsl) by Raphaelle Julien (“Clinks”), while duo Chris Fonseca and Harry Jardine will perform their unique brand of Bsl and rap.
Ruth Madeley (“Years and Years...
- 10/26/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Actress Ruth Madeley will co-host a Disney- and ITV-backed performance event at BAFTA in London later this month will aim to tackle the lack of representation and opportunity for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creatives.
Ten performers will feature in About Time!, which has been created as a call to action for broadcasters, commissioners, casting agents, producers, and agents who are central to improving the opportunities for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creative communities.
It is set for Friday, October 28, hosted by Bafta-nominated actor Madeley and Coronation Street actor Cherylee Houston.
About Time! has been devised and created by executive producer, former Fox Networks Groups and Endor Productions exec and industry veteran Sara Johnson, who now runs Bridge06; and Clare-Louise English and Jo Sargeant from Hot Coals Productions; in partnership with the ITV, ITV Studios and the Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland.
Ten performers will feature in About Time!, which has been created as a call to action for broadcasters, commissioners, casting agents, producers, and agents who are central to improving the opportunities for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creative communities.
It is set for Friday, October 28, hosted by Bafta-nominated actor Madeley and Coronation Street actor Cherylee Houston.
About Time! has been devised and created by executive producer, former Fox Networks Groups and Endor Productions exec and industry veteran Sara Johnson, who now runs Bridge06; and Clare-Louise English and Jo Sargeant from Hot Coals Productions; in partnership with the ITV, ITV Studios and the Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland.
- 10/12/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
British TV industry leaders are set to convene at an event in celebration of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent that will address their lack of representation on screen and commit attendees to specific action points.
Created by Bridge06 and Hot Coals Productions, the event — entitled About Time! — is positioned as a “call to action” for broadcasters, commissioners, casting agents, producers and agents — key roles that are central to improving the opportunities for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creative communities.
Taking place on Oct. 28 at BAFTA, the event will feature 10 working deaf, disabled and neurodivergent actors, musicians and performers and will be hosted by the BAFTA-nominated “Don’t Take My Baby” actor Ruth Madeley and “Coronation Street” star Cherylee Houston.
Five key commitments to support systemic change within the industry have been created as part of the showcase. Invited guests will be asked to commit to making one or a number of suggested agreements,...
Created by Bridge06 and Hot Coals Productions, the event — entitled About Time! — is positioned as a “call to action” for broadcasters, commissioners, casting agents, producers and agents — key roles that are central to improving the opportunities for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creative communities.
Taking place on Oct. 28 at BAFTA, the event will feature 10 working deaf, disabled and neurodivergent actors, musicians and performers and will be hosted by the BAFTA-nominated “Don’t Take My Baby” actor Ruth Madeley and “Coronation Street” star Cherylee Houston.
Five key commitments to support systemic change within the industry have been created as part of the showcase. Invited guests will be asked to commit to making one or a number of suggested agreements,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Since Jack Thorne gave a damning indictment of how the U.K. TV industry has dealt with disability during his keynote MacTaggart Lecture at last year’s Edinburgh TV Festival, the subject has become a major talking point.
Just over a year on, and a newly-announced performance event is now hoping to force change for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent currently working in the British creative industries.
About Time!, set to take place at BAFTA’s London headquarters on Oct. 28 with BAFTA-nominated actor Ruth Madeley (Years and Years) hosting, will feature 10 deaf, disabled and neurodivergent actors, musicians and performers. As part of the event, five key commitments to support systemic change within the industry have been announced as part of the continued drive to “increase visibility and opportunity for talent on and off screen,” with invited guests asked to commit to making one or...
Since Jack Thorne gave a damning indictment of how the U.K. TV industry has dealt with disability during his keynote MacTaggart Lecture at last year’s Edinburgh TV Festival, the subject has become a major talking point.
Just over a year on, and a newly-announced performance event is now hoping to force change for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent currently working in the British creative industries.
About Time!, set to take place at BAFTA’s London headquarters on Oct. 28 with BAFTA-nominated actor Ruth Madeley (Years and Years) hosting, will feature 10 deaf, disabled and neurodivergent actors, musicians and performers. As part of the event, five key commitments to support systemic change within the industry have been announced as part of the continued drive to “increase visibility and opportunity for talent on and off screen,” with invited guests asked to commit to making one or...
- 10/11/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The British TV industry is “losing the arguments around Public Service Broadcasting and hasn’t yet found the words to make an effective case,” according to Brexit: The Uncivil War and Quiz creator James Graham.
Graham, who is also behind BBC1’s upcoming drama Sherwood, said a “new case” needs to be forged to keep broadcasting in public hands, with Channel 4 potentially on the verge of being sold to a private buyer.
“Unless we can find that language and case I worry about the decline of broadcasters which, if they didn’t exist, would deplete our cultural language,” said Graham. “We are losing the arguments around Psb.”
Graham was arguing passionately at today’s Freeview Outside the Box event in a Vt alongside historian and broadcaster David Olusoga, presenter Mobeen Azhar and former Endor Creative Director Sara Johnson, who has just launched disability advocacy group Bridge 06.
Olusoga called on...
Graham, who is also behind BBC1’s upcoming drama Sherwood, said a “new case” needs to be forged to keep broadcasting in public hands, with Channel 4 potentially on the verge of being sold to a private buyer.
“Unless we can find that language and case I worry about the decline of broadcasters which, if they didn’t exist, would deplete our cultural language,” said Graham. “We are losing the arguments around Psb.”
Graham was arguing passionately at today’s Freeview Outside the Box event in a Vt alongside historian and broadcaster David Olusoga, presenter Mobeen Azhar and former Endor Creative Director Sara Johnson, who has just launched disability advocacy group Bridge 06.
Olusoga called on...
- 11/17/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Transatlantic production group Red Arrow Studios has agreed a multi-year contract extension with Hilary Bevan Jones, founder and managing director of Endor Productions, the U.K.-based scripted producer of “Vienna Blood” and “Deep State.”
Bevan Jones’s Endor Productions became part of German broadcast giant ProSiebenSat.1’s production subsidiary Red Arrow Studios in 2012.
The deal follows a busy spell for Endor. Its acclaimed recent Orf and Zdf series “Vienna Blood” was acquired by the BBC and PBS, while it has made two seasons of Matthew Parkhill’s “Deep State” for Fox Networks Group. Coming up is new BBC One drama “But When We Dance,” written by Paul Mayhew-Archer.
Last month, ProSiebenSat.1 canceled a proposed sale of Red Arrow Studios — which comprises 20 production companies including Kinetic Content, the producer behind Netflix hit “Love is Bliind” — amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Over her career, Bevan Jones has worked on dramas including: “Roald Dahl...
Bevan Jones’s Endor Productions became part of German broadcast giant ProSiebenSat.1’s production subsidiary Red Arrow Studios in 2012.
The deal follows a busy spell for Endor. Its acclaimed recent Orf and Zdf series “Vienna Blood” was acquired by the BBC and PBS, while it has made two seasons of Matthew Parkhill’s “Deep State” for Fox Networks Group. Coming up is new BBC One drama “But When We Dance,” written by Paul Mayhew-Archer.
Last month, ProSiebenSat.1 canceled a proposed sale of Red Arrow Studios — which comprises 20 production companies including Kinetic Content, the producer behind Netflix hit “Love is Bliind” — amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Over her career, Bevan Jones has worked on dramas including: “Roald Dahl...
- 4/22/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
British broadcaster UKTV has unveiled its latest slate for entertainment network Dave. The BBC Studios-backed network has ordered Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable, a comedy format fronted by the former Great British Bake Off host and comedy and food format Big Zuu’s Big Eats as well as new series of motoring show World’s Most Dangerous Roads and comedy format Hypothetical. Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable is an eight-part series, produced by Expectation, where three celebrities are invited in to a confessional to find out who’s committed sins that are so bad that they should be declared unforgivable. Big Zuu’s Big Eats, which is produced by Twofour Group’s Boomerang, follows comedians including Desiree Burch, Ed Gamble, Jamali Maddix, Jimmy Carr and London Hughes as they eat on tour. Finally, Hypothetical, produced by Episodes producer Hat Trick, returns for a third season with Josh Widdicombe and James Acaster, while World’s Most Dangerous Roads,...
- 2/5/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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