Director - Aaron Wheeler
Aaron is naturally drawn to personal stories that break away from normalcy of life, to give insight into the deeper purpose and motivations of life. He is captivated by stories that enhance reality and challenge others to look back at themselves, in an attempt to find their true purpose.
In 2019, his first film was screened at Cannes Film Festival, after winning the Nespresso Talents UK award for his short film ‘Better Together.’ Following this, he has directed several short films and documentaries, collaborating with brands such as Liverpool FC, Barbour, and Disney with published work in The Telegraph, Complex, and The Evening Standard.
His most recent short film, Ryderz, was an Official Selection for the London International Film Festival, London Lift-Off Film Festival, and INDIs of 2021.
Producer - Natasha Hawthornthwaite
Natasha Hawthornthwaite is an Award-Winning Producer / Director and current BAFTA Connect member. She runs her own Greater Manchester based production company, Northern Heart Films established in 2017 which was recently selected on the Creative UK Female Founders scheme.
Natasha has over 9 years professional experience in documentary filmmaking. To date she has produced documentaries with BFI Doc Society, Quorn, The Guardian and the Mirror. Her work has been featured on the BBC, Waterbear and Sky Arts. Her projects have received national publicity and acclaim at film festivals around the world including Sheffield Doc Fest, Aesthetica Film Festival, Doc ‘n’ Roll and Reel Recovery Film Festival.
Natasha is passionate about crafting emotional, human-focused stories that stay with you long after the end credits have rolled. Natasha is dedicated to telling stories that offer unique perspectives of life and stories that create real emotional change.
Director of Photograph - Bryn H. Williams
Bryn H Williams has worked in the camera department as a Director of Photography, Focus Puller and Operator for more than 8 years. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in Cinema and Photography, one of his first productions was working on the Oscar winning short film ‘The Silent Child’ as the Clapper Loader, he maintains a close relationship with the production company Slick Films regularly working as DoP for them.
After meeting during a shoot, produced by Slick Films, I have worked with Bryn regularly. Our latest short film, RYDERZ, was an Official Selection for the London International Film Festival, London Lift-Off Film Festival, and INDIs of 2021.
Executive Producer - Ash Horne
Ash Horne is the Creative Director at the Academy Award® winning Slick Films.
Kick-starting his career with two seasons of the musical comedy sitcom ‘The Midnight Beast’ on E4, produced by Warp Films.
From shooting lo-fi hip-hop music videos on a dime, Ash has gone on to collaborate with the likes of Ice Cube, Selena Gomez, Bobby Lee, Dodie Clark, Rich Fulcher, Andy Dick, Nicholas Hoult, Orla Gartland, Pomplamoose, Tom George, Jon Jon Augustavo and Kevin Hart.
His most recent short film ‘PLEASE CARE!’ directed by Bertie Gilbert & starring Hugh Skinner, premiered at the BAFTA-qualifying Norwich Film Festival and went on to win ‘Best British Director’ at the British Short Film Awards 2021.
Ash’s projects for 2022 include ‘In Too Deep’ (film) directed by Oscar-winning Chris Overton, ‘Suzie’ (film) starring BAFTA-nominated Helen Behan & ‘Hear Art’ a non-profit platform in partnership with The Royal Association for Deaf people which funds and mentors deaf filmmakers.
