Who we are

Claire Horrocks

General Manager

Claire has been working in the creative industries for nearly 20 years, specialising in Film Exhibition as Film Programmer at Exeter Phoenix, curating Studio 74, Exeter’s only independent cinema. Claire also produces Two Short Nights Film Festival, Exeter’s annual Big Screen in the Park and many specialised film seasons.

Claire is on the advisory panel for Film eXe, was an advisor for Film London’s Young Audiences and BFI FAN SWWM and has shortlisted for festivals such as Encounters, Animated Exeter and Cork Film Fest.

Alongside her work in film exhibition, Claire helps steer the Exeter Phoenix Short Film Commissions and has executively produced over 100 regional short films. She is also a trustee for Paignton Picturehouse.

Sharon Ryan

Film Officer

Sharon has worked extensively across television production, starting out as a Researcher and working her way up to Series Producer roles. She has been responsible for putting hundreds of hours of television programming on our screens, producing documentaries and formats across the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and several digital broadcasters. She is well-versed in the complexities of setting up film shoots and understanding the evolving needs of film crews, having “been there, done that” on multiple occasions. 

As well as her work in television, Sharon established the regional edition of national lifestyle platform Muddy Stilettos, championing the people and places that make Devon such a special landscape in which to live and work.

Jonas Hawkins

Chair

Jonas has championed Devon filmmakers with 20+ years’ experience. As Exeter Phoenix’s Film & Digital Manager, he’s commissioned 130+ shorts and founded Two Short Nights Festival. Jonas is passionate about storytelling, empowering artists through skills development, funding, and strategic support and helping bold visions thrive on screen. His work celebrates regional talent and creative risk-taking.

Linda Ward

Linda is an awards winning artist filmmaker and Filmmaking Lecturer at the University of Plymouth. Has over 20 years of experience as a producer and director of factual programming for ITV and BBC. Committee Member of the Royal Television Society Devon and Cornwall, member of the British Film Designers Guild.

John Sealey

With a career spanning over two decades as both a filmmaker and educator, John has a passion for storytelling defined by a commitment to using filmmaking as a tool for empowerment; particularly among underrepresented and marginalised communities.

Rebecca Ramsden

Rebecca has worked as a Senior Producer and Production Manager for over 20 years delivering global film, digital, and branded content campaigns for leading brand and global agencies.

Although her work has taken her around the World, she is a passionate advocate for the South West and champions the incredible talent, locations, and suppliers Devon has to offer — she actively encourages productions to take full advantage of the region whenever possible. 

Alongside her production work, Rebecca is committed to supporting and nurturing new talent. She regularly hosts training sessions, previously taught at Exeter College, and has been a mentor for students at Plymouth University.

Lindsey Hall MBE

Lindsey is co-founder and CEO of the Real Ideas Organisation group, leading and managing the organisation to run its own social enterprise ventures, and enable others.

Passionate about inclusive growth, her most recent development has been to transform a former market hall building in Devonport, Plymouth into an immersive technology centre.

Lindsey is a NESTA Cultural Leadership fellow, an INSEAD graduate, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Trustee of Kernow Education Arts Partnership, Newquay Community Orchard, Destination Plymouth and the Rank Foundation. Member of the Exeter University Business School’s International Advisory Board, chair of Plymouth Culture, co-chair of the Inclusive Growth Group, member of Plymouth Growth Board and one of the WISE100 social enterprise leaders.

Lee Morgan

Lee has been editing the D&CFilm website since its launch in 2007. With an interest in covering the grassroots to the treetops, the site has been bigging up the South West film scene while following filmmakers and film writers as they nurture and develop their talents.

Before going web-bound, Lee had a background in print and wistfully misses the days of hot metal.