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Focus Forward

The back of a camera operator's head looking into a camera viewscreen. The person they are interviewing stands in the distance. A microphone is positioned under them.

Focus Forward supports Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent creatives to develop their freelance career in film, TV or video production

Whether you're just starting out, need help staying on track, or want to grow your business, we're here to support you.


Quick Links


Next event

  • Routes into Screen, with director: Owen Tooth, writer: Amanda Graham, chaired by Sarah Leigh of Inclusivity Films

  • This is a joint session with Inclusive Lens

  • Tuesday 30th September 2025

  • 1.30 - 2.30pm

  • On Zoom

  • Find out more and book by clicking here


How it works

Online Events

  • What: Monthly, one-hour online meetings with other creatives (last Tuesday of each month).

  • Why: These sessions are a great way to learn new things, share ideas, and connect with other people in the industry. They're a relaxed way to get started and see what we're all about.

  • Topics: We cover practical topics like creating an Access Rider to communicate your needs to clients, different ways to plan your creative business, and how to get support from the Access to Work scheme

One-to-One mentoring

  • What: If you're based in the North East, you can apply for more focused, one-on-one support.

  • Why: We'll work with you to set your personal career goals and create a plan to reach them. We'll help you develop contacts and find business leads.

  • Paid Commissions: As part of this, you may have the opportunity to be matched with a client for a paid film project.

Join our online community to

  • Catch up with meetings so far

  • More features will be added soon! (Including useful resources)


Where Focus Forward comes from

Focus Forward is built on years of experience and learning from our other successful projects. We know what works because we’ve been doing it. Our network is successful because we:

  • Listen to you: Our event topics are guided based on feedback from creatives like you

  • Provide real opportunities: We've helped our filmmakers get over 1,000 hours of paid work creating video content for clients from the NHS to the Northumbria University; from local authorities to an Emmy-award winning production company.

  • Give you the tools you need: Our past programmes have helped creatives launch new businesses and have provided guidance on things like inclusive networking.


Event Access

  • When you book your tickets, you will be asked about any access requirements you have.

  • BSL interpretation is available.

  • Auto-captions are provided for all sessions.

  • You are welcome to join the meeting hosts in person (hybrid) at their Newcastle office.

  • If you'd like to be joined by a supporter / PA, they'd be welcome. There is no need to book a second ticket. Just forward them the Zoom link when it arrives.

  • For any other access-related questions, please contact Will Sader (will@beaconfilms.org.uk)


Interested to find out more? Contact Will at will@beaconfilms.org.uk or call the office on 0191 580 7000

A picture with Supported by written at the top. 3 logos are displayed. The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the Community Foundation and Sir James Knott Trust.