2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years for film in over a decade. After a few uncertain years for cinema following the pandemic and industry strikes the global film industry is returning in a big way with major studio releases, massive franchises and ambitious original films. For actors this matters more than people might think. Every large film creates a ripple effect of opportunity. Big productions require supporting actors, background performers, stunt teams, voice actors and a huge number of creative professionals across the industry.

For actors training today this year gives a fascinating insight into where the industry is heading and what casting directors are actively looking for.

​The return of blockbuster franchises
Franchise films remain one of the biggest driving forces in cinema. 2026 sees the return of some of the largest franchises in the world including Avengers Doomsday, Spider Man Brand New Day and Dune Part Three. These films dominate the global box office and require enormous casts ranging from A list leads through to character actors and supporting roles.
Large scale franchises often introduce new characters and expand their worlds which creates opportunities for emerging performers. Marvel films in particular have historically launched the careers of many actors by introducing relatively unknown performers to global audiences.

For actors this means versatility is key. Casting directors working on major franchise films often want performers who can handle action, emotional storytelling and large scale visual effects productions.

The rise of epic storytelling
Another trend in 2026 is the return of large scale epic storytelling. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is one of the most anticipated films of the year and brings an ancient myth to life with a huge ensemble cast and an enormous production scale. The film follows Odysseus and his long journey home after the Trojan War and has already been labelled one of the most ambitious productions in recent years.

Epic films like this require a wide range of actors from warriors and royalty through to villagers and travellers. Productions of this size often involve hundreds of performers both on screen and in background roles. For actors this highlights the importance of strong character work. Even a small role in an epic production must feel authentic and believable.

Science fiction continues to dominate
Science fiction remains one of the strongest genres in modern cinema. Films such as Project Hail Mary and Dune Part Three continue the trend of ambitious sci fi storytelling that blends complex themes with blockbuster spectacle.

Sci fi productions often rely heavily on physical performance and imagination. Actors frequently perform against green screens or motion capture technology which requires a strong sense of focus and creativity. For young actors training today this is an important skill set as many modern productions rely on visual effects.
For actors this means training that develops imagination and physical performance can be incredibly valuable.

Animation and voice acting opportunities
2026 is also a major year for animation with films such as Toy Story 5, Minions 3 and the next Super Mario film arriving in cinemas. Animation remains one of the most stable and successful areas of the industry and voice acting has become a highly respected discipline within the profession.

Voice work requires a very different skill set to screen acting. Performers must convey emotion, character and storytelling entirely through their voice. For actors looking to diversify their careers voice acting can open doors to video games, animation and audio dramas.
Actors who develop strong vocal performance skills often find themselves with a much wider range of opportunities.

The continued popularity of horror
Horror remains one of the most reliable genres in cinema and 2026 continues that trend with films like Scream 7 drawing audiences back to the big screen. The long running franchise continues the Ghostface story while introducing new characters and younger casts.

Horror productions are often where many actors gain early experience. These films frequently cast emerging talent and are known for launching the careers of many performers who later move into larger productions.
For actors this shows that every genre has value. Smaller genre films can often lead to significant career momentum.

Original films still matter
While franchises dominate headlines original films are still an important part of the industry. One example is Digger, an ambitious film starring Tom Cruise which explores a global disaster scenario and is expected to be one of the most ambitious original productions of the year.

Original films allow actors to explore complex characters and stories that are not tied to existing franchises. For many performers these projects provide the opportunity to showcase deeper dramatic work.
Casting directors often look for actors who can bring authenticity and originality to these roles.

A huge year for actors entering the industry

The most important takeaway from the 2026 film slate is simple. When the industry is producing more films there are more opportunities for actors.
Large blockbuster films create thousands of jobs across the industry while smaller productions and streaming projects continue to grow. Even when a production is led by established stars there are still dozens of roles being cast across every department.

For young actors this is an exciting time to be training. Casting directors are always looking for fresh faces who bring authenticity, dedication and strong performance skills.
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At IPM Acting Academy we always remind our actors that success in this industry is about preparation meeting opportunity. The films released this year will inspire the next generation of performers and many of the actors working on tomorrow’s biggest productions are training in classes today.

The future of film is constantly evolving and for actors who are willing to train, develop their craft and stay ready, the opportunities are endless.

​The 98th Academy Awards proved to be a monumental occasion. With Sinners nominated for a record-breaking sixteen awards, the first Irish woman to win a Best Actress award, the first woman and first woman of colour to win an award for Best Cinematography, and the introduction of the Academy Award for Achievement in Casting, it truly was an event to remember. Alongside One Battle After Another (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson) receiving the award for Best Picture, here are some more of last night's winners:




Michael B. Jordan - Actor in a Leading Role (Sinners)


Jordan began his career as a child model in commercials, before landing roles in shows such as The Sopranos and The Wire. After a critic stated Jordan reminded him of a “young Denzel Washington” when reviewing his performance in Fruitvale Station, Michael B. Jordan was named as a breakout star.


With his dual performance as criminal twin brothers Smoke and Stack, Jordan won his first Oscar at last night's ceremony. Similarly known for his performances in the likes of Black Panther and Creed, Jordan acknowledged fellow Black Oscar winners in his acceptance speech:


“I stand here because of the people that came before me. Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith. To be amongst those giants, amongst those greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys.”


Other nominees were: Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).




Jessie Buckley - Actress in a Leading Role (Hamnet)


As a child, Buckley participated in school productions and acting workshops and later appeared as a contestant on I’d Do Anything (a talent show centred around the search for an unknown actress to play the role of Nancy in the 2009 West End revival of Oliver Twist) on which she came second. She later attended RADA, a prestigious drama school in London.


Portraying Agnes Shakespeare and starring alongside Paul Mescal, Buckley is the first Irish woman to win an award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Buckley thanked fellow female professionals during her speech:


“Thank you to the incredible women that I stand beside; I am inspired by your art and your heart, and I want to work with every single one of you.”


Casting director and nominee for the new Best Casting award, Nina Gold was the one to cast Buckley in Hamnet. In an interview for The Credits, she said:


“I have always loved Jessie Buckley. I’ve cast her a couple of times before, and I’ve watched every single thing she’s ever done. I’ve gotten to know her quite well over the years. She’s so phenomenal, and everything about her seemed to cry out that she should be Agnes.”


Other nominees were: Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), and Emma Stone (Bugonia).




Sean Penn - Actor in a Supporting Role (One Battle After Another)


At the start of his career, Penn utilised his father’s status as a successful director in order to cement his own place in the film industry as an actor, appearing in episodes of Little House on the Prairie, and creating short films with his childhood friends (including Charlie Sheen, another successful Hollywood actor).


Now a three time Academy Award Winner, Penn was not present for the event, with Kieran Culkin collecting the award on his behalf.


Other nominees were: Benicio Del Toro (One Battle after Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein) Delroy Lindo, (Sinners), and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value).




Amy Madigan - Actress in a Supporting Role (Weapons)


Madigan took part in school plays as a child, before attending acting school as an adult. She is known for her roles not only in film and television, but also on Broadway- her most notable theatrical role being Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire (in which Alec Baldwin also starred).


With a forty year gap between her other nomination in 1986, Amy Madigan was overjoyed to finally win the award and thanked her family and her colleagues for their support. Her dynamic performance as Aunt Gladys in Weapons, was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.


Other nominees were: Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value) Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), and Teyana Taylor (One Battle after Another).




Autumn Durald Arkapaw - Best Cinematography (Sinners)


Arkpaw is the first woman and first woman of colour to receive the award for Best Cinematography in the Academy’s history. Her decision to shoot on 65mm film was groundbreakingly successful, as Sinners features stunning visuals- enhancing the atmospheric ambience of the Southern Gothic vampire horror film.


In her speech she thanks both director Ryan Coogler, and all of the women who helped her along the way:


“I have felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign and have gotten to meet so many people and I just feel like moments like this happen because of you guys and I want to thank you for that.”




Other nominees were:  Dan Laustsen (Frankenstein), Darius Khondji (Marty Supreme), Michael Bauman (One Battle after Another), and Adolpho Veloso (Train Dreams).




Cassandra Kulukundis - Best Casting (One Battle After Another)


Announced in February 2024, the award for Best Casting is the first new category since 2001. Kulukundis is the first ever recipient of the award and, in her acceptance speech, she highlighted the fight for more recognition of those who work in casting, dedicating her award to all the casting directors who have been gone unnoticed by the Academy for their services over the years:


“I dedicate this to you and to the casting directors who never got a chance to get nominated, who didn’t even get a chance to get their name on the movie. So this is for you guys.”


A proposal for a casting award was rejected back in 1999 but, after the Casting Directors Branch at the Academy was established in 2013, the call for an award was significantly revived. On the announcement of the addition of the casting award, a spokesperson from the academy said:

“Casting directors play an essential role in filmmaking, and as the Academy evolves, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines that we recognize and celebrate.”


Other nominees for the inaugural award were: Nina Gold (Hamnet), Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme) Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent) Francine Maisle (Sinners).




What’s next?


As a whole, this year’s awards have rewarded outstanding talent and championed diversity and inclusion, with Mediaversity scores of the nominated films in the range of A to C-, an improved score compared to previous years. The unexpected victory of the horror genre, examples of beautiful cinematography and soundtracks, and phenomenal performances made this year’s results really stand out.


With the closing of last night’s ceremony, critics and film buffs have already been speculating about the films that will be nominated next year. Upcoming films such as The Odyssey, Digger, and Dune: Part Three top the list of 2027 Oscars predictions for Best Picture.


The Academy, established in 1928, has developed a loyal following over the decades, and are due to celebrate their centenary in 2028. Following the trend of introducing the casting award, the 100th Academy Awards will include the new Best Stunt Design category- a certain sign that the award ceremony is continuing to recognise the unsung heroes of the film industry.

Mehdi Mangoli starring alongside Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry in Giant (2026)

If the clock struck midnight on the 31st December, and your first thought was ‘this is the year I become an actor’, I understand your desire.

The industry is a complicated place and often comes forth with an aura of uncertainty. If you have no sense of direction, how are you to know which way to go?
Breaking into the industry as an actor may seem like a linear objective, but getting that first job, that first opportunity can feel like a lifetime away.
But what if I told you, that the UK film industry is shifting. Transforming to a place where new talent is emerging, trends are favouring localised productions, and it is now easier than ever to start your acting career.2026 is the best year to take that leap.
And here’s why.

People Like Real People
It is instinctively human to want realness. A real connection. An understanding of genuine personalities. When we see people who are truly themselves, we are drawn to them. We want to get to know them, become friends with them. The industry is starting to want that too. Now, more than ever, casting directors and agents are looking for individuals who showcase their sincere and honest personality. People who can bring their unique perspective to a character or production, are the people who are going to be hired. If we think about it literally, people want to work with people they like.When you go out for an audition or a role, the casting team are not only assessing your talent but alsoyour personality, to see whether you would mesh well with other actors or bring a good energy to set.If you’ve got a unique characteristic, now is the time to harness that, and let that guide you when auditioning.
Sue Odell, casting director for My Brother Is a Mermaid (2019), Bleach (2016), FrenchExchange (2011), states she ‘likes personality’ and ‘thinks it’s important that they seem open’.
Productions want good people to work with, so give them the easy opportunity by showing your rare qualities. Casting directors want real people.
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Be Social – Use the Platforms
Social media is everywhere and it’s very hard to get away from it. What started as a tool for connection and friendship, has slowly turned into a haven for industry experts and talent to engage with each other. Now, I’m definitely not saying you need to gather thousands of followers, but an appreciation and exploration of your personal brand as an actor can do a lot of good, in showing potential casting directors and productions that you take yourself and your career seriously. Consider your profile as a job application, what can people gather about you from your social media? Does it show what sort of roles and opportunities you are seeking? Can you understand your personality and unique perspective? How can you utilise this, to put yourself out for more work? You would be surprised with how much talent scouting, also includes social media. So, make sure your own is in good condition, in case your next opportunity should arise through this instead.

Projects Are Coming to the North
If you’ve seen an influx of new diverse shows and films featuring actors, talent and locations from the north, you haven’t gone crazy. Times are shifting. And the concept of our great capital London being the hub for the industry is slowly becoming an idea of the past. Productions set in the north are thriving. 2025 alone saw an appreciation of Northern talent and locations, with films such as The Choral (2025), featuring substantial northern actors and filming in Saltaire and around Yorkshire, as well as shows such as Adolescence (2025) and House of Guinness (2025) which were filmed and set in the north. Productions are localising, and becoming dedicated to auditioning and telling the stories of local talent. Now, the opportunity to audition for these roles is becoming more and more accessible, with emphasis placed on finding real and local people who can develop these stories. If there was ever time to get into the industry, now would be the chance to show where you’re from, because you never know where projects might be filming next.

Self-tapes, Self-tapes and more Self-tapes.
Pre-lockdown was a different time for casting opportunities. What once was a trip down to an office for an in-person audition, now becomes an at home experience with yourself, a tripod and an often nonchalant friend or parent helping read in for you. The scope for in person experiences is limited now, still there yes, but often much later down the casting process line. Self-tapes give actors the ability to access casting calls, from wherever. 2026 shows a strong leaning towards initial self-tapes to show your talent to casting directors. Its financially smarter, more accessible and easier to produce. The more tapes you do, the more you get seen by people who can cast you in the future.
There is always a downside to every argument, however.
More people going out for castings means that you will be going against more talent that could potentially take the job. For this reason, you must make sure your completely proud and have brought everything you could have for your tape. Give the casting team an easy job by showing how well you can play that character. Let your personality show how well you would fit into the project. Give them any reason to believe that you’re the correct person for the role.

The Shift of the Showreel
A showreel, is a collection of an actor’s work, produced to show an agent or casting director what sort of actor they are like. Previously, longer, more detailed showreels were given as examples of work.Casting favoured seeing the development of a scene and the transformation of character. Due to the implementation of self-tapes being the main casting tool for agents and casting teams, casting directors haven’t got the time to sit and look through 500 8-minute long showreels anymore. They want to see that you can get into character and show range, as quickly as possible. 2026 trends predict the rise of shorter showreels, which prioritise a few short bursts of action and character versus the typical longer scene. Casting teams only watch a few seconds of a showreel, before deciding if the actor would fit within their character brief.This might seem daunting, but it promotes the productivity of showreels and shows the importance of this within casting. With this in mind, actors can use this to their advantage. Instead of needing to create several elaborate showreel scenes, you can just pick your best moments and compile them. This makes creating and refining your showreel, a lot easier. When thinking about your showreel, keep this in mind. And always make sure to put your best work first.

The Genres of 2026
So, what are people actually casting for? If we look towards upcoming releases, and projects still in development, we can see a real need and exploration of high stakes narratives. Actions/adventure films still dominate the box office, with new titles such as Supergirl, Spiderman: Brand New Day andThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping all releasing this year, showing a consumer want for epic imagery and driven narratives. Similarly, romance and fantasy continue to become major themes in upcoming films like Reminders of Him, Girls Like Girls and The Odyssey, all featuring romance and fantasy as the driving force of their stories. But what remains consistent in trend, is the craving for character-based stories, and explorative films focused on humanness. This is, especially, where new and emerging talent is showcased. Actors wanting to get into the industry can utilise this when thinking about what skills and talents they can showcase, whether that be through their showreel, self-tapes or auditions. If you know what’s filming, you can figure out how to be a part of it.

Upcoming UK Based Projects for 2026
The British film and television industry is constantly bringing out new stories to tell. Here’s a few projects, for upcoming release in the UK.

•  TOMB RAIDER

Produced for Prime Video, this epic action series features Sophie Turner as Lara Croft with lots of other Hollywood cast such as Jason Isaacs, Celia Imrie and Sigourney Weaver with Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge as both writer and directors. If you’re a fan of the games, you’re not going to want to miss this one.

•  MOBLAND (Season 2)

This intense crime drama is back for its next series. Centered on two rival families, the star-studded cast includes Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren. Currently filming in East London, the series is set to release later this year, to a much anticipated response.

• CHORK

Written and directed by Shane Meadows, Chork follows two foster siblings who flee to the coast ofEngland, seeking a better life. Set to be released later this year, Chork shows incredible promise in delivering an underrepresented story, grounded in reality.

• RIVALS (Season 2)

Following on from the success of season one, David Tennant returns with his cast of business enemies and romance couples. Aimed to release later this year, Rivals is set to show more of the power struggles of the 1980s business ventures.

• NUMBER 10

Set in the infamous political centre of England, this comedy drama series follows Rafe Spall as the Prime Minister, Katherine Parkinson as his chief of staff, and Jenna Coleman as the deputy chief. The series will be available on Channel Four later this year

• INK

Staring Guy Pearce, Jack O’Connel and Claire Foy, this new upcoming British biographical drama film is set to release later in 2026. Filming took place in the north, featuring locations such as Halifax, York and Hebden Bridge, with Danny Boyle set to direct.

• THE BEATLES

With some of the biggest names attached to the cast, this four-film franchise is described to be the biographical event of the decade. Shooting in Liverpool, and showcasing the upbringing of Yorkshire artists, the Beatles biopic is one of the UK’s most anticipated feature films released.

AI – and The Industries Battle Against It
It is now easier than ever to use AI. It’s on our phones, it’s shown in advertising, its utilised in business. Its present in our every day, even if we don’t see it. The film industry has a troubled relationship with AI. From a business perspective, AI can provide a cheaper alternative to expensive shots. It can generate an image or video in seconds, saving production both time and money, which is invaluable during production shoots. For the creative side, it causes a dilemma of morals: why should we generate when we can produce ourselves?With the invention of Tilly Norwood, an AI generated actress curated to take the place of real actors in projects, its clear the industry is unsure of which lane to pick, and whether there should even be a lane in the first place.
However, I can say, with some confidence, that with the shift to electronic and digital advancements in the screen industry, there will be a greater need for actors and talent to have a greater presence and personality. There will be an emphasis placed on showing unique artists, with real and great perspective. As explained, people want real people. And this is no different for the people we see onscreen as well. Now is the time to understand your unique selling point as an actor and a brand, and start taking your talent and abilities to the next level.
2026 is the time to jumpstart your acting career.
There has never been a better time in the industry than now to put yourself forward. Casting is leaning towards local talent. There is more of an opportunity for real, grounded storytelling. Television and films are seeking the next generation of artists, and you might just be what they are looking for.
The UK industry is shifting. And with current trend predictions, will make the year 2026 a particularly exciting year for television and film alike.

Ntozake Shange once said: “Where there is a woman, there is magic.”
The magic is already in the air as the weekend approaches and International Women’s Day will soon be upon us. It is a time to celebrate the amazing women in our lives and recognise their achievements.
Yorkshire is primarily renowned in film for social realism, highlighting the region’s industrial heritage and working-class life. Its rich culture and distinctive landscapes also lend themselves beautifully to period dramas, another genre Yorkshire productions are known for. From these genres, many incredible actors have emerged.
You have probably heard of names such as Louis Tomlinson, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Jeremy Clarkson. But what about the women? After all, it is their day. So let’s shine a light on a few brilliant actresses you may not have known were from Yorkshire — women who were once simply girls with a dream.


Judi DenchStarting with our beloved Judi Dench, who simply cannot go unnoticed. Known for her versatile stage roles, as well as her work in television and film, she is perhaps most widely recognised for her role in the James Bond series. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Dench has won more than 50 major industry awards, including an Academy Award, a record eight Laurence Olivier Awards, and six BAFTA Film Awards. She has also received four BAFTA TV Awards, two Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award — talk about a success story.
Dench was born in York and grew up in a theatrical family. Both of her brothers wanted to become actors, and her parents took part in amateur dramatics. As a result, much of her childhood was spent around theatres, so it comes as no surprise that the world of performance eventually captured her entirely.
Interestingly, Dench originally wanted to become a set designer, not an actor. However, she quickly pivoted to acting after her first role — as a snail. Yes, a snail. At her prep school, she played a snail in an adaptation of the nursery rhyme Four and Twenty Tailors Went to Kill a Snail. Dench has said she never had a single defining moment when she decided to become an actress — it happened gradually. But if you ever get the opportunity to play a snail? Prep school or not… take the chance.
Her first professional debut was as Ophelia in Hamlet, which launched her extraordinary theatrical career and long relationship with Shakespeare. Dench even titled her book Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, as many of her roles were drawn from Shakespeare’s plays.
She also received critical acclaim on television, starring in the series A Fine Romance (1981–1984) and As Time Goes By (1992–2005). She later rose to international fame as M in GoldenEye (1995), a role she continued in the James Bond franchise until Spectre (2015).
With a career spanning more than 70 years, Judi Dench remains an inspiration to young actors. Regarded as a national treasure, she is celebrated for portraying strong-willed, authoritative and emotionally complex women. For that reason, she is certainly someone worth celebrating on International Women’s Day. 


Christina PicklesYou probably know Judy Geller, Ross and Monica’s mother from Friends, played by Christina Pickles. But did you know that Pickles — an Emmy nominee — was born in Halifax, Yorkshire?
Like Dench, Pickles came from a theatrical family. Her uncle, Wilfred Pickles, was a famous comedian during the war in England and hosted his own radio programme. Pickles always knew she wanted to be an actress and began pursuing acting from a young age. At just 14 years old, she was studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
It might surprise many people that Pickles is from Yorkshire, as she later moved to New York City in the late 1950s after graduating from RADA to pursue her acting career. She began performing in theatre, appearing in several Broadway productions during the 1960s and 70s, including Sherlock Holmes.
She later transitioned into television, finding roles in daytime soap operas such as Guiding Light and Another World, which helped her become a familiar face to TV audiences. Her breakthrough role came in 1982 as Nurse Helen Rosenthal in the medical drama St. Elsewhere. The show followed the lives of doctors and nurses at a hospital in Boston, and the role earned Pickles five Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
Christina Pickles is a reminder that if you truly have a dream and the passion to pursue it, you should go for it. After all, what is the worst that can happen?


Jodie WhittakerJodie Whittaker, the thirteenth Doctor Who, is also from Yorkshire — something that may be more obvious given that she primarily works in British productions.
Whittaker grew up in Skelmanthorpe, where she carefully planned her future career. She took a gap year to travel and work before applying to drama school in London. It clearly paid off — she gained a place at her first-choice drama school, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Whittaker made history as the first woman to play the Doctor in the long-running series Doctor Who. While other actresses have appeared in spin-offs or special episodes, she was the first woman to headline the main television series.
Her casting sparked mixed reactions. Many fans were excited by the change, welcoming greater representation for women in science fiction and offering young girls a new role model. Others were less enthusiastic, arguing that the Doctor had been male for more than 50 years.
However, Charlotte Moore, BBC Director of Content, responded by saying:
“Making history is what Doctor Who is all about.”
When asked how it felt to become the first female Doctor, Whittaker said:
“It feels completely overwhelming… as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human… It feels incredible.”
Her words highlight an important point: there are still unspoken expectations placed on women within the film industry. Challenging those expectations helps create new opportunities.
Whittaker herself said she did not want fans to be “scared by [her] gender,” adding:
“This is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change.”
Whittaker is a perfect example of why change is not only positive, but necessary.
She is an inspiration for women pushing boundaries in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Her career has earned her multiple awards, including Best Actress and Best Breakthrough Performance at the 2017 National Film Awards for Adult Life Skills, as well as nominations including a Saturn Award (2019) and a Critics’ Choice Super Award (2022) for her role in Doctor Who.


Candour ProductionsSpeaking of women shaping the industry, let’s take a look at Candour Productions, a female-led, multi-award-winning independent production company based in Leeds, run by Anna Hall.
Candour’s films offer a refreshing take on meaningful stories — warm, compassionate, and full of integrity. The company is passionate about supporting female directors and helping them remain within the industry.
In an industry that can still feel male-dominated, companies like Candour create real opportunities for women working in production — particularly outside London.
Candour has built an impressive reputation over the past decade. In 2023, they won a BAFTA for Best Factual Series for Libby, Are You Home Yet?
Across 28 productions, only three have been directed by men — a statistic that is incredibly rare within the industry.
Candour continues to open doors for women who might otherwise struggle to find opportunities in film production.


Take inspiration from these women. They were once simply girls from Yorkshire with dreams. Through drive, passion and hard work, they have become some of the most recognised women in the industry.
Remember — some dreams are worth fighting for.
You can even begin that journey right here at IPM Acting Academy,  for aspiring actors who want to develop their skills and work towards their dreams.
Happy International Women’s Day!