Sarah-Jane Wright takes over the role from Anita Overland

ScreenSkills has appointed Sarah-Jane Wright as new chair of the Film Skills Fund Council, with Tori Parry as deputy chair.

Wright is head of film & TV production at Working Title, and has been a long-time member of the council. Parry is currently head of production at Film4.

Wright takes over the role from Anita Overland, who led the council for four years. The new appointment comes amid a record-breaking year for the fund in 2024/2025, with productions filmed in the UK contributing just under £2m, marking the highest sum to date.

Guided by the Film Skills Council, the Film Skills Fund directly supports skills and training for the UK film industry. The fund is managed by ScreenSkills and paid for by the industry. More than £22 million has been invested in skills and training for UK film production, distribution and exhibition since the fund was established in 1999; 2025 marks the Fund’s 25th anniversary.

Speaking about her new role, Wright said: “Having sat on the council for almost two years already, I am proud to be stepping up as Chair during what has been a record year of investment into the fund.

“This achievement is testament to the trust the industry continues to place in the work of the fund, and I am excited to work with my fellow council members to invest these generous contributions back into the areas of our industry where their impact will be felt most keenly.”

Parry added: “I am very pleased to be appointed as Deputy Chair. I share the team’s commitment to growing a diverse, inclusive and skilled workforce across departments, so look forward to using my skills and experience to help shape the future investments of the Film Skills Fund, in response to a continually evolving screen industry.”