Written by Shona Smith on Oct 14, 2019. Posted in General Interest

Producer Alex Boden appointed chair of The Production Guild of Great Britain

Independent film and television producer Alex Boden is appointed as chair, as Production Controller Guy Barker steps down after four years in the role. The announcement comes as membership swells over one thousand since founded in 1999.

The Production Guild of Great Britain represents those working within production office, production accounts, location management, VFX, post-production or assistant directing roles, all of which have seen an increase in demand amidst the continued rise in film production spend and explosion in HETV drama production. Outgoing Chair Guy Barker notes, “I believe I’m leaving the PG in a good place; our work and our membership goes from strength to strength. Thank you to all of you, especially Alison, our CEO.”

New Chair Alex Boden says: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Chair at a time when production levels are consistently rising. Our skilled crew are in high demand which is great news and the UK industry is working together to ensure we maintain our competitive edge in terms of production excellence. More and more crew are seeking the advocacy, training and networking support that PG offers and it’s more important than ever that we enable them to do their best work whilst championing their expertise behind the scenes.

In addition to Boden’s appointment, Bond Co-producer and Financial Controller Andrew Noakes (Eon Productions) and Producer Debbie Vertue (Hartswood Films) are jointly appointed Co-Vice Chairs following the retirement of Kevin Trehy (SVP, Physical Production WB/DC) from the executive committee. Finally, Jo Evans Production Executive, (Tiger Aspect and Fifty Fathoms) is a new appointment to the board.

Boden states, “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with CEO Alison Small, Co-Vice Chairs Andrew Noakes and Debbie Vertue and to welcome Jo Evans to the board. With boundaries between film and high end TV drama crews becoming far less distinct as HETV production budgets rise, Debbie and Jo’s involvement further strengthens representation for our members working in TV drama”.

Alison Small, CEO of The Production Guild says: “I’m extremely pleased to welcome Alex as our new Chair. His knowledge of the industry spans both European and US studio production, so he’s extremely well versed in the work our members do at home and abroad and the changing landscape of production in the UK and overseas. I know he’ll be a strong and rational guiding hand for the organisation.

 The executive committee now comprise Alex Boden, Chair Andrew Noakes and Debbie Vertue as Co-Vice Chairs, and Natalie Moore as Treasurer. Jo Evans (Production Executive, Tiger Aspect Drama & Fifty Fathoms) is a new appointment to the board. Re-elected to the board are John Graydon (Partner, Saffery Champness) and Lara Sargent (Co-Director, Sargent-Disc Ltd). Once again co-opted by the board are Stephen Bristow (Partner, Saffery Champness) and Kelly Phillips (Director of Production Finance for Original Series UK, Netflix).  Executive Producer Jo Burn (Cats, Overlord, Entebbe), Line Producer Brian Donovan (Allied, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword) and Ali Moshref (Production Executive, Film Finances) complete the board.

Also standing down are Producers Steve Clark Hall and Iain Smith OBE.