Introducing RA Agency: Pioneering Female Empowerment in Film Crew since 2010. A niche powerhouse for women founded by Lulu Elliott, RA Agency specialises in providing top-tier Production Sound Mixers, Cinematographers, and Camera Operators for high end tv drama and features, roles which have been traditionally dominated by men.

The Directors:

The new RA Directors roster is more than a collective; it is a movement. Each director within this alliance brings a wealth of experience, a unique vision, and a steadfast commitment to storytelling excellence. These directors have honed their craft over the years, often in the shadows, and are now stepping into the spotlight to showcase their incredible talent. They are in their prime. Find out who they are below.

Statement from RA Agency:

“We are thrilled to introduce the RA Directors to the world,” said Lulu Elliott, Founder of RA Agency. “These six directors represent the strength, creativity, and resilience of women in the film industry. For too long, female directors, especially those from certain generations, have been unfairly overlooked and underrepresented. Why are women written off after 45? What does the industry miss out on? What do they bring to the directing table?”

The Current Landscape: A Statistical Overview

The representation of women in top directing roles remains alarmingly low. The number of women in senior roles fell 5% between 2019 and 2022. One in three directors are women, yet they get only a quarter of director credits. Behind these figures, women are less likely to be employed on peak-time shows, which are generally more prestigious and have larger audiences, than men.

Despite the commercial and critical successes of female-directed films such as Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” the top-grossing film of 2023, exemplifies the potential of female directors ( FYI we did have RA’s PSM Nina Rice on Barbie! ).

A study by the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University found that women comprised just 16% of directors on the 250 top-grossing films in 2023, a decline from 18% in 2022.

#### Pros: What Mature Female Directors Can Offer:

– Extensive Industry Experience

– Established Professional Networks

– Life Experience

– Emotional Authenticity

– Diverse Perspectives

– Cultural Understanding

– Nurturing Approach to Actors

– Proven Talent

– Low Risk

– Commitment to Breaking Barriers

– Excellent Preparation

– Proven Longevity

A Call to Action: #nevermindthebollocks

Accompanying the launch of the RA Directors is our social media campaign. Which is a clarion call to the industry, the campaign urges industry leaders, film enthusiasts, and the general public to wake up to the ‘overlooked’ generations of women, take part with #nevermindthebollocks

Meet the RA Directors:

RA Agency’s Directors are poised to redefine the landscape of the film and entertainment industry. Representing a powerful and often ‘overlooked’ generation of female talent, who are here to take the reins and steer the industry toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.

POLLY STEELE

Currently in post-production on the feature film ‘Four Letters of Love’, starring Pierce Brosnan and Helena Bonham Carter. Additionally her feature documentary ‘A Mountain Within Me’ is set to premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Film Festival.

‘‘I fundamentally believe in fostering an environment where cast and crew can excel. I gently guide and allow for the emergence of their best work, while maintaining my initial vision. I deeply care about the aesthetic quality of a film, with visual language being paramount to my storytelling. My sensitivity to the subtle details and nuances of human behaviour enables me to facilitate outstanding performances from the cast and featured contributors. I strive to create spaces where creativity and collaboration flourish, allowing stories to unfold organically and powerfully, to leave a lasting impact on audiences.’’

MARINELLA SETTI MANTLE

With over 25 years experience of script supervising. Recently completed work as script supervisor and splinter unit co-director for the new Apple+ series ‘Disclaimer’, directed by Alfonso Cuarón and featuring Cate Blanchett, currently in post with her latest film MESSIAH, starring Hans Matheson.

‘’My strengths include a remarkably fast mind that allows me to see solutions to problems three times as fast as anyone else, a fact proven repeatedly throughout my career. Initially, I lacked confidence in this ability and often kept my ideas to myself, only to hear them voiced by others hours later. Now, I confidently own this superpower. Another strength is my ability to produce exceptionally high-value content within tight budgets and schedules. Career highlights include directing my films, writing two of them, and seeing them come to life, as well as stepping out of my comfort zone to direct and produce my latest film. My ambitions are to direct my scripts for “Mentalo” and “Rock Rose,” focus on directing period dramas and comedies, and create a new adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” which I believe has never been properly adapted to film. Additionally, I am known for my tactfulness and equilibrium, and my background as a cult popstar in Brazil enriches my filmmaking with a deep knowledge of music.’’

ELLIE BRENT

Formally trained at BBC and is currently directing Eastenders and Hollyoaks. In addition, Ellie has written and directed many critically acclaimed short films which have all been shortlisted by major film festivals.

“I have a background in high-end shortform, from music videos and commercials to branded content, which influences the way I approach stunts and action sequences. My passion for layered drama spans from period pieces and the realization of literary classics to dark, edgy comedy. My experience ranges from soap opera to opera and everything in between. I always wanted to make people laugh until I discovered that making people cry was even more satisfying. I now direct TV drama for Hollyoaks and EastEnders, and looking to develop into Tv Drama and features.”

KATJA ROBERTS

Her stand-out BAFTA and BIFA qualifying shorts include BAFTA longlisted ‘The Ball’ and most recently ‘KISS’, which started its festival run at the Manchester International Film Festival this year to great reception.She is currently being mentored by high-end TV director China Moo-Young through the Director’s UK ‘Inspire’ scheme, alongside working on BBC’s ‘The Dumping Ground’ as shadow director.

‘‘My background in documentary filmmaking brings a thoughtful and nuanced approach to drama directing, enriched by my experience with diverse cultures, such as aged pigeon fanciers in England and Bedouin camel racers in Oman. This has honed my ability to build trusting relationships and collaborate with actors of all ages and backgrounds on challenging stories, fostering an environment of trust and open communication.

I am patient, calm, and deeply committed to creating a supportive set where everyone can excel. With 15 years of experience running my own production company, I also bring expertise in producing, writing, and editing.

I am driven to bring marginalised voices to screen, exploring profound human themes through compelling stories, and my latest short film, KISS, which addresses sexual trauma through an unusual lens, is currently gaining recognition on the festival circuit

AJ SYKES

With her latest film ‘The Biscuit Tin’, embarking on a successful festival run, garnering multiple nominations and awards so far. Recently, shadowed Director Douglas Mackinnon on ‘Good Omens’ and various directors on BBC/ STV’s ‘Shetland’ and STV news.

“My strengths include my ‘Acting Insight’, ‘Scriptwriting Ability’, and ‘Photographic Eye’, along with my love of Sci-fi. I leverage these talents through my theatrical background to foster nuanced performances, exceptional storytelling, and compelling filmic visuals. A career highlight was filming ‘Perfect Worlds’ over eight days post-Brexit, resulting in a 35-minute short film that swept international awards. Shadowing director Douglas Mackinnon on ‘Good Omens’ was another pivotal experience. Currently, I am discussing adapting and directing a story based on African mythology in a Scottish-Kenyan co-production, and I am driven to advance my projects, including ‘A Perfect World’ and ‘The Cushion Room’, while expanding my role as a sought-after director.”

MARY MULLAN

Over a decade of visual effects experience, Mary blends technical skill with artistic vision. Her multifaceted career includes VFX compositing for “The Book of Boba Fett,” and “John Wick 4,” while also producing and directing her own films like “The Bench” and “Isodate”

‘‘With an excellent visual eye and a wealth of creative ideas, I excel at crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. “A lovely heartwarming independent film”, “A rare well-polished gem” – “The Bench” reviews. As an experienced director and visual effects compositor on high-profile projects such as “The French Dispatch,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” and “John Wick 4,” I solve problems, anticipate challenges, and efficiently manage time and resources on schedule and within budget. Calm under pressure, my cast and crew are focused and motivated, my assertive yet collaborative nature fosters a trusting environment. Notable directorial achievements include award-winning films like “Jack,” “Homeboy,” and “The Bench,” with screenings and accolades from international film festivals. My ambition is to push creative boundaries, directing diverse, innovative and emotionally driven films by harnessing the power of traditional story telling structures and embracing the creative and technical developments of filmmaking.”

#### Join the Movement

Ultimately, we can’t wait for the next generation; these directors are here now to pave the way for future talent, ensuring a smoother path for those who follow. We need more UK female role models.

We invite you to follow the journey of the RA Directors on social media, share your support, celebrate their achievements, and help us amplify the message that the time for change is now.

or all inquiries, please contact:

Lulu Elliott

Founder of RA Agency

Tel: 07972129854

Email: creative@ra-agency.online

Website: www.ra-agency.online

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