The Creative Exodus Is Real

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

The creative industries are losing brilliant women and underrepresented talent at an alarming rate. Burnout, toxic cultures, lack of recognition, and systemic barriers have forced too many of us out of the spaces we once fought to enter.

This bold state-of-the-industry conversation asks: what’s really driving the exodus—and what are we building instead?

Join Katie Cadwell (Creative Director + Industry Advocate), Nikita Dare (Founder of SISTALAND), and Kim MacAskill (Screenwriter, TV Writer and AAA Game Writer) as they cut through the noise with unfiltered honesty. Expect sharp truths, lived experience, and radical ideas for reshaping the future of creative work.

Proudly sponsored by Lucky Dip and the NDA Podcast, this session isn’t about quiet exits—it’s about bold, collective action.

The Untold Power of Female Unit Stills

Unit stills are more than just behind-the-scenes snapshots — they shape the story a project tells the world. Yet women and non-binary photographers are still underrepresented in this space.

Workshop

Jess (founder of The Stills Sister Collective) shares why bringing female perspectives onto sets matters — from representation and trust with cast/crew, to the unique artistry and authenticity women bring to stills. Expect an open, inspiring session on re-thinking industry norms, championing inclusivity, and practical advice for producers, directors, and creatives on hiring female photographers.

Wild & Ready: A Survival Guide for Women Filming in Remote Locations

A practical, confidence-building workshop for women stepping into outdoor, remote, or challenging environments — from UK fields to deserts, rainforests, and mountain tops. Led by survivalist and expedition leader Megan Hine, this session equips you with the essentials to stay safe, comfortable, and in control while focusing on your creative work.

Hands-on workshop (60–90 mins) with practical demos, small-group exercises, and Q&A.

What you’ll learn:

• Safety & Security Essentials – situational awareness, reading your environment, solo/crew travel habits, and personal security kit.

• Feminine Hygiene & Comfort in the Field – smart ways to manage periods, privacy, and hygiene in all conditions.

• Basic Outdoor Skills – packing light, water purification, weather protection, and what to do if plans change.

• Thrivalist Mindset – staying resilient, managing fear and fatigue, and making clear decisions under pressure.

RADICAL IMAGINEERING with Sonia Wargacka

What if your boldest ideas weren’t “too much” but exactly what the world needs? In this interactive workshop, Sonia Wargacka invites you to stretch the limits of your imagination and experiment with turning radical concepts into tangible change.

Workshop (60mins) with practical tips and Q&A.

Together, we’ll:

• Break the mould – challenge assumptions and dismantle creative blocks.

• Prototype the impossible – play with tools and frameworks to bring visionary ideas to life.

• Rewire culture – explore how imaginative thinking can shift narratives and spark movements.

Expect a mix of playful exercises, group ideation, and practical takeaways you can apply to your work, activism, or creative practice.

This isn’t just about dreaming—it’s about doing.

About Sonia
Bristol-based producer and activist whose credits span global TV hits like Sex Education (Netflix), Industry (BBC/HBO), and His Dark Materials (BBC/HBO). Alongside prestige drama, she champions stories with impact—producing award-winning projects like the documentary Rave On for the Avon, the horror short Hungry Joe, and What Was She Wearing?, a film tackling sexual harassment in schools.

She co-founded DoesItFeelGood.com, a global social impact video company, creating films across five continents for organisations driving positive change. With a Master’s in Humanitarianism, Conflict, and Development, and as a familiar face on Polish TV charity broadcasts, Sonia blends storytelling with activism to entertain, challenge, and inspire.

Pitch Without Permission

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

The traditional pitching process is broken—too often shutting out women and underrepresented talent before the conversation even begins. But what happens when we stop waiting for permission, and start telling our stories on our own terms?

This empowering session flips the script on how to share your vision, land opportunities, and stand out without diluting who you are. Expect real-world strategies, confidence-building tools, and unapologetic honesty about navigating rejection, bias, and the power dynamics at play.

With Amanda Graham (Writer, Script Editor + Public Speaker) and more speakers to be announced, this panel is a must for anyone tired of playing by outdated rules and ready to rewrite them.

Build the Shit You Want to See

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

Tired of waiting for permission? This session is about rolling up your sleeves and creating the films, businesses, collectives, and opportunities you wish already existed. It’s for the rebels, the innovators, and the doers who know that if we want change, we have to build it ourselves.

Hosted by Lois (SHORTIES), with Jodie Deakin (Founder of A Beautiful Place to Get Lost) and Sara Harrak (British-Moroccan Writer and Director), this conversation will dig into the highs, lows, and practical realities of making your own lane. From crowdfunding to creative resilience, expect sharp insights and raw honesty.

Proudly sponsored by SHORTIES, this panel is a rallying cry to stop waiting and start building.

Networking IRL: From Awkward to Authentic

A practical, confidence-building session that helps you ditch the small talk and feel more at ease when connecting in person. Learn simple techniques to approach new people, start genuine conversations, and leave behind the pressure of “networking” in favour of creating authentic, lasting relationships. You’ll also pick up tips and tricks on how to stand out and be memorable for all the right reasons.

About Amanda
Amanda is a screenwriter and story consultant whose work spans TV, film, and development projects with major companies including Apple, BBC, Channel 4, and Zero Gravity Group. She’s written 23 episodes of Apple/BBC TV, ghostwritten and script-edited over 90 projects, and collaborated with names like Olivia Colman, Ed Sinclair, Tristram Shapeero, and Carol Kolb. Alongside her industry experience, Amanda shares practical strategies on building confidence, navigating creative industries, and connecting authentically with others.

Workshop (60mins) with practical tips and Q&A.

Fail Big, Bounce Hard

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

Failure is inevitable in the creative industries—but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. In fact, the biggest stumbles often spark the boldest comebacks.

This unapologetic session explores the power of failure as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and reinvention. Expect raw honesty, laughter, and hard-won lessons on how to survive the lows, learn from them, and bounce back stronger.

Featuring Emma Ahlert (Founder of Elsie) with more speakers to be announced soon, this conversation will remind you that “failure” isn’t a dirty word—it’s part of the process..

Mental Health Is Not Up for Negotiation

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

Too often, the creative industries demand everything—long hours, relentless hustle, constant availability—at the expense of our wellbeing. But mental health is not a “nice to have.” It’s non-negotiable.

This essential session challenges toxic norms and explores how we can create healthier, more sustainable ways of working. Expect honest conversation about boundaries, burnout, and building support systems that actually work.

With Abbie Hills (Access Coordinator + Mental Health Advocate) and more speakers to be announced, this discussion is for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to sacrifice their wellbeing just to stay in the game.