Louise Acheson, Head of Business and Market Development
Louise Acheson is the Head of Business and Market Development for Screen Scotland. She joined the team three years ago as a Screen Executive Officer, originally working across a range of film & television development and production projects. She now leads on a programme of interventions to support business resilience and build capacity within the sector, including high quality third party delivery of business support, and market development and engagement of producers, nationally and internationally. She has led on a number of partnership initiatives with broadcasters, such as Sky Documentaries and BBC Three, to provide market and growth opportunities for TV production companies in Scotland.
Sarah Smyth, International Distribution and Commercial Development Officer
Before joining Screen Scotland, Sarah worked in the cultural cinema sector in Ireland specialising in film festival delivery. Former positions include Marketing and Development Manager at Dublin International Film Festival and Festival Director at Kerry Film Festival as well as providing event management consultancy to Cork Film Festival and Queens Film Theatre, Belfast.
Sarah has an MA in Media Studies and holds a PhD from the University of St Andrews where her research addressed the role of film festivals as a form of cultural regeneration in post-industrial cities. She has taught courses on cultural event management, global cinema and film theory.
Dee Edmonds, Business Development Officer
With over 30 years’ experience in the Arts & Entertainment Industry Dee has worked across theatre, music, opera, ballet, film and documentary.
Beginning her career working in costume and props she moved into the screen industry in 2000 working as a runner. From there she advanced in Production Management across a variety of genres to become Head of Production for Finestripe Productions, managing the business affairs for the company.
In 2020 she set up her own company ‘The Production Business’ with the ambition of providing support to small or emerging indies in Scotland, with their productions and business affairs needs, in a financially manageable ad.hoc. manner. Since then, she continues to work with several companies providing advice and support. Additionally, she also provides training support to TRC’s fast track programme in business affairs and production practice.
At Screen Scotland, Dee works part-time as Business Development Officer and supports the Business and Market Development team in helping Scotland based film and TV companies to be competitive and strategic in their business development.