Routes into Screen, with Owen Tooth, Amanda Graham and Sarah Leigh
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Our Focus Forward and Inclusive Lens projects kicked off with a joint opening event.
Sarah Leigh, of Inclusivity Films, welcomed director Owen Tooth and writer Amanda Graham to talk about their routes into the screen industry.
In 2025, Derbyshire director Owen Tooth made history as the first disabled director of EastEnders in its 40-year run.
His debut block culminated in the VE-Day special which trended on X and garnered headlines saying it was ‘Perfect’, ‘Beautiful’, and ‘Left fans gasping for breath’.
His shorts have won festivals and earned Best Film, Audience Choice, Best Director, Best Comedy, and Best Documentary awards, screening in competition at Oscar and BAFTA qualifiers worldwide.
Owen’s feature debut sold globally. Owen is a Broadcast Hot Shot ’25.
As a wheelchair user and an ally, Owen pushes for collaborative change in the industry.
Amanda Graham has written for major networks like Apple and the BBC, with 23 episodes of TV and ghostwriting for over 90 film and TV projects.
Her current work includes comedy projects with Olivia Colman and director Tristram Shapeero, a US comedy with Carol Kolb, and an Italian rom-com. She also has partnerships with Disney's Travis Blaise and DreamMore Films' Jadey Duffield.
A BAFTA Connect member and public speaker, Amanda has presented for organisations including the BFI, Film London, and the National Film and Television School. She's also a disability consultant for TV, working with the Institute of Neurodiversity, and hosts their podcast, Neuro Disruptors.
Sarah Leigh is a neurodivergent, working-class filmmaker and advocate.
She founded INCLUSIVITY FILMS, a production company dedicated to ensuring at least half of its cast and crew identify as d/Deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent.
In 2022, she was supported by Creative UK/BFI, and in 2023, she was a mentee for Women in Film & Television UK. She also co-founded INCLUSIVE TALENT, a talent agency for underrepresented actors.
Her directing work on the short film Typical? won a Royal Television Society award, and she was nominated for a Directors UK award. She also wrote and directed One for the Road, a Stephen King adaptation. Her screenplaysOne Day and Call It Out have been recognised in multiple festivals and competitions.
As an advocate, Sarah helped develop Healthcare Passports with the NHS for disabled children and campaigns for Changing Places toilets. She also consults on equitable workplaces and advises organisations like Creative UK and Hire Survivors Hollywood.