Ian Fenton

Ian Fenton is an award-winning filmmaker who has worked as a writer, director, producer and executive producer in television, film and interactive. Credits include designing and leading the Arts Council England/BBC-funded talent development initiative New Creatives North, executive producing 101 works in film, audio or interactive by new talent for platforms including BBC4, iPlayer, Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds. Before that he led Random Acts North, a talent development initiative funded by Arts Council England and delivered in partnership with Channel 4, producing 72 short films by young artists from across the North of England. Writing credits include a BAFTA-nominated episode of the children’s television classic Byker Grove, 24 episode of Emmerdale and the feature film White Settlers, which screened at several international film festivals, including Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.

Ian has a significant background in education in both formal and informal settings, having worked with new entrants to the film and television industries for over fifteen years. His roles include Professor of Practice in the School of Modern Languages and Culture at Durham University and Creative Director of Learning and Participation at Tyneside Cinema, where he led on the design and delivery an award-winning year-round educational programme for young filmmakers between 2012 and 2023.

His research spans talent development in the screen industries, participatory practice in the arts, and creative collaborative practice. He explores innovative methods for nurturing emerging talent, rethinking film education, and fostering creative partnerships. His work often intersects education and industry, particularly focusing on inclusive practices that bring diverse voices into the creative sector.

Strategies for talent development

Interdisciplinary and collaborative practice 

Creative collaboration

Integration of new technologies