Women In Film And Television Announce New Chair And Vice Chairs

Women in Film and Television (WFTV), the membership organisation for women working in film, television and digital media industries in the UK, has announced April Chamberlain, Managing Director of The Comedy Unit, as their new Chair, while Alison Small and Lyn Burgess have also been named as Vice-Chairs.
Having spent several years successfully managing various theatre companies, April Chamberlain started her career in television, when she was appointed Business Manager for the Comedy department of BBC Scotland.
After managing the department for three years - by which time it was not only a creative but also a financial success - she left to become a founding member and director of The Comedy Unit with Colin Gilbert.
As Managing Director, April plays an integral role in the management and development of all aspects of the company's business.
WFTV Chief Executive Kate Kinninmont said: "We are delighted to name such a prominent business woman as April as the new Chair of EFTV and her knowledge and expertise will certainly strengthen the WFTV board. April has a great deal to offer us, along with Alison and Lyn, and we are very excited about their appointments."
On her appointment, April commented: "I am thrilled to be taking over as Chair of WFTV at what is undoubtedly a vitally important time for women in the industry. These are tough times and WFTV is needed more than ever, but they are also exciting times and I am looking forward to doing my bit to develop and extend the work we do to support and celebrate women in the TV, film and digital media industries."
Newly appointed Vice-Chair, Alison Small, comes with eight years experience at the Film Commission Office of the UK Film Council. Her role is to ensure that the film production infrastructure in the UK works well for US producers who choose to locate here, ranging from the UK Government's tax relief for film, to the support available through the regional film commissions. Previous to that she taught Film, Media and Drama at further education level.
Alison is keen to ensure that women are given opportunities to succeed across all areas of the industry, particularly in technical areas that have been viewed as male dominated in the past.
Alison Small commented: "The UK has such a wealth of talent that we should be letting the international industry know of our successes."
Also working alongside Alison as Vice-Chair is Lyn Burgess. Lyn has 20 years experience working in HR and is a specialist coach for people in film and television. She has coached hundreds of people to get motivated and focused and into the jobs they are passionate about.
Lyn owns The Magic Key Partnership, a life and business coach consultancy for film and television.
WFTV UK is part of an international group with 10,000 members throughout the world.
(KMcA)