ISABELLE STEAD
Stutton,North Yorkshire
Summary
Award-winning producer with over two decades of experience in conceptualizing, producing, and globally distributing socially impactful films. A proven leader with expertise in strategic planning, international co-productions, audience engagement, and innovative funding strategies. Recognized for championing diverse voices in the global documentary film industry, with accolades including British Council "Producer on the Move" and Sundance Fellow.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2007
2007
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Producer
Human Film
10.2007 - 01.2021
- Founded and directed Human Film, creating a globally recognized brand for socially conscious films distributed in over 30 countries
- Secured up to £2M per project, leveraging partnerships with BFI, CNC, and Sundance Institute to fund award-winning films
- Directed all aspects of business operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and compliance with industry standards
- Produced internationally acclaimed films, such as Son of Babylon (30+ awards, including Berlinale Peace Award) and In My Mother’s Arms (Asia Pacific Screen Award)
- Developed bilingual co-production, sales, and distribution agreements to maximize reach and profitability
- Spearheaded audience engagement initiatives to connect films with communities, driving impact and sales
- Represented the company at international festivals and sales markets, fostering strategic relationships
Lecturer of Film
Leeds Trinity University
09.2017 - 01.2018
- Lecturing in Screenwriting, U.K
- Film Industry II, Advanced Film Production & Script to Screen
- I was tasked to overhaul the course modules to promote equality and diversity – I swiftly modernised the course
- In 1-on-1 tutoring sessions, I supported students with their coursework and overall well-being
Part-Time Lecturer B.A. Film, T.V. Production – Producing
York St. John’s University
09.2006 - 01.2007
- Designed and delivered modules in Screenwriting, Advanced Film Production, and the UK Film Industry
- Modernized course content to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in filmmaking
- Provided one-on-one mentorship, supporting students' academic progress and personal well-being
Producer
Manmade Entertainment Productions Inc.
11.2002 - 12.2005
- Produced and distributed in-house projects, raising the company’s profile through innovative campaigns
- Oversaw production budgets, schedules, and creative direction to deliver high-quality content
Line Producer
M.I.G. Group/Red Herring Productions/M.I.G. Records
07.2001 - 11.2002
- Developed and managed all in-house productions
Education
M.A. - Film & Moving Image
Leeds Metropolitan University
European Certificate - Audiovisual Financing & Commercialisation
ECAFIC
B.A. - Film & Media
Sunderland University
B.A. - Film & Television
Roehampton University
A’ Levels - Law, Politics, and English Lit. & Language
Park Lane College
Credit - English Lit/Lang
R.S.A.
Distinction - European Politics & E.U. Law
R.S.A.
G.C.S.E. - Math and English
Priesthorpe High School
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Strategic Partnerships & Fundraising
- Film Production & Distribution
- Project Management & Budgeting
- Diversity Advocacy in Storytelling
- Audience Engagement & Sales Strategies
- Governance & Compliance
- Achievement of KPIs & Targets
- Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Affiliations
- Asia Pacific Screen Academy, 2012
- British Council's 'Producer on the Move', 2010
- Sundance Institute Fellow, 2007 & Alumni 2010
Selected Filmography
- 2016, The Journey, Delegate Producer & Writer, H.D. Feature Film, 90mins, co-production UK, France & Iraq (Currently Locked Cut) – a film about a female suicide bomber.
- 2015, Les Oublies de L’Historie, Executive Producer, Episodes 9, 10 & 11 | H.D., Arte France, 3 x 23 min biographical documentaries: George Best, Bobby Sands & Tom Simpson. Co-production with France.
- 2014, Gift of My Father, Executive Producer & Sales, 6, 35mm Short Films, through Human Film's 35mm Baghdad workshop.
- 2013, In The Sands of Babylon, Delegate Producer, 35mm/H.D. Feature Film ‘Best Arab Film' Abu Dhabi I.F.F. 2013, U.K., Iraq & Hungary co-production.
- 2012, In My Mother's Arms, Delegate Producer, Officially selected for Toronto I.F.F., a feature-length documentary produced in co-production with Al Jazeera English.
- 2011, Kosher, Director, 35mm short – an award-winning short sold internationally.
- 2010, Son of Babylon, Producer Delegate, 35mm feature film: Produced under the Sundance Filmmaking Program.
- 2010, Iraq, War, Love, God & Madness, Producer, DV Cam feature-length Documentary.
- 2007, 35MM Workshop, Jordan, Producer, In Association with The Royal Film Commission Jordan.
- 2004, Edge of Nowhere, Producer/2ND Unit Director, HD feature film.
Timeline
Lecturer of Film
Leeds Trinity University
09.2017 - 01.2018
Producer
Human Film
10.2007 - 01.2021
Part-Time Lecturer B.A. Film, T.V. Production – Producing
York St. John’s University
09.2006 - 01.2007
Producer
Manmade Entertainment Productions Inc.
11.2002 - 12.2005
Line Producer
M.I.G. Group/Red Herring Productions/M.I.G. Records
07.2001 - 11.2002
European Certificate - Audiovisual Financing & Commercialisation
ECAFIC
B.A. - Film & Media
Sunderland University
B.A. - Film & Television
Roehampton University
A’ Levels - Law, Politics, and English Lit. & Language
Park Lane College
Credit - English Lit/Lang
R.S.A.
Distinction - European Politics & E.U. Law
R.S.A.
G.C.S.E. - Math and English
Priesthorpe High School
M.A. - Film & Moving Image
Leeds Metropolitan University
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