Darren has a wealth of experience leading and facilitating commercial success across a range of private, public, and non-governmental organisations. He has led complex multi-stakeholder environments both internally and externally across various local communities and authorities, government agencies, and corporate organisations.As director of Shinfield Studios, Darren conceptualised and led the development of a new 1,000,000-square-foot complex of 18 sound stages within the Thames Valley Science Park. This pioneering and sustainable innovation park features 270acres of commercial development (including ‘Cine Valley’, of which Shinfield Studios is the anchor tenant), and is projected to create approximately 15,000 new jobs in the local area.
Darrell has extensive media operations experience as an Executive Director (Digital) of Granada / ITV. As head of Digital & Media Operations for Arsenal Football Club, he led the commercial development of Arsenal TV and the transition of Arsenal FC’s digital property from Granada TV / Arsenal JV into Arsenal Broadband Ltd. His team pioneered online micro payments for live televised football matches, was the first to market with micro televised clips, and brought the first live (streaming) football matches to mass market.
With over 30 years’ experience in the media and entertainment sector, Chris’s expertise covers a broad range of verticals including film, television, music and live events; public offerings; asset backed securitisations; debt and equity financings; bankruptcies; and general advisory.
Chris has valued over $10 billion in media and entertainment assets, helped raise over $4 billion in debt, restructured over $2 billion in debt, and provided advisory services to over 70 clients worldwide.
A thought leader and expert in creative industries, talent, and education with two decades’ experience across the private, grammar, state, further education, and higher education sectors, Bebe is passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented young adults, as well as building strong careers within the film and television industry.
As well as experience running a successful industry skills training school, Bebe has written and delivered courses for numerous further education colleges and universities including Creative Media Skills Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire College Group, and Buckinghamshire New University. She has also written and led the education strategy for Cine Valley and Shinfield Studios, and is currently working with Marlow Studios in writing and delivering their education and skills strategy.
For almost 23 years Karen has been a property management and development consultant to developers and individual clients. Setting up her own business, Karen gained first-hand experience of the planning and construction process and has been pivotal in bringing many developments from greenfield sites to completion.
Karen provides property valuation, letting, property management, and sales advice both to individuals and corporate clients in Ireland and the United Kingdom. She is a member of the Institute o fProfessional Auctioneers and Valuer Institute.
Lizzie is a published writer and freelance content writer, editor, and teacher with a PhD in Old English from the University of St Andrews. Lizzie’s first book, Wolves in Beowulf and Other Old English Texts came out in 2022, and her second, a history of wolves in Britain and Ireland, is due soon.
Our expert consultancy encompasses the acquisition and development of location-based entertainment experience venues of all shapes and sizes, including sponsor ship and naming rights, from stadiums, museums to gaming centres.
Lagonda Studios provides comprehensive feasibility reports and “proof of site” consultancy; thorough due diligence advisory encompassing real estate, legal, commercial, and operational counsel; and asset consultancy including guidance for maximisation of returns.
With a dedicated Talent, Training & Education specialist, we offer tailored talent and education strategies, delivering schemes to create and foster talent for the film and television industry and to support local communities.