Meet the team

The London Screenwriters’ Festival is run by screenwriters, producers and filmmakers just like you. In 2010 we recognised the need for an event that offered intensive training, networking, but most of all a meeting place for like minded people at all stages in the journey to their own goals… and the LSF became a reality. We believe passionately that we are all in it together.


Chris Jones

Chris Jones – creative director

Guerilla filmmaker, educator and screenwriter Chris runs the festival

Judy Goldberg

Judy Goldberg – festival manager

Screenwriter Judy makes the festival happen

Lucy V Hay

Lucy V Hay – director of education

Lucy is a screenwriter, script reader and novelist

Alaina Draper

Alaina Draper – festival manager

Alaina puts together the festival

Chris Wickett

Chris Wickett – digital manager

Chris is a writer of comedy, drama and absurd fiction. He also runs the internet, which includes the festival website.

Gail Hackston

Gail Hackston – head of marketing and PR

Gail is a screenwriter and digital marketer

Stephen Follows

Stephen Follows – festival producer

Stephen is an award-winning writer and producer based in the UK

Rajita Shah

Rajita Shah – Producers' Forum manager

Producer Rajita manages the Producers' Forum

Phoebe Gibson

Phoebe Gibson – volunteer co-ordinator

Phoebe is a professional writer and lecturer who oversees festival staff logistics

Oliver Purches

Oliver Purches – stage manager

Oli is a writer, director and actor who oversees stage tech at the festival

Steven Russell

Steven Russell – script reader

Loves Me Not Films' Steven is heading up our script reading this year