Into Film Appoints Fiona Evans as new CEO

Into Film is pleased to announce the appointment of Fiona Evans as its new CEO, following an extensive recruitment process conducted by the Board, and with the support of executive recruitment firm Saxton Bampfylde. Fiona will succeed Paul Reeve MBE, who announced in October 2023 his intention to step down after ten years in the role.

Fiona will join Into Film in late April 2024 and joins from the National Literacy Trust, where she currently holds the position of Director of School Programmes. She has worked in schools and across the education sector for over 20 years, teaching across the age range and curriculum, holding senior management positions in primary schools in Essex and Thurrock, including over nine years as a SENCO and Inclusion Manager. As a Primary English Advisor and teacher trainer for the Local Authority in Thurrock, she was part of the national team responsible for rolling out the Department for Education's 'Every Child a Reader' initiative, which targeted the long tail of under-achievement in literacy.

At the National Literacy Trust, Fiona led the Schools Programme Division for over eight years, scaling up ground-breaking, evidence-based programmes to deliver lasting impact for children and the education sector. Her vision for the 'Libraries for Primaries' campaign - the largest, multi-sector, school library development programme the UK has ever seen - leaves a lasting legacy for hundreds and thousands of children across the UK.

Fiona Evans commented: "It is a privilege to be taking over the reins from Paul Reeve, coming in to work alongside the formidable Into Film team and Trustees to inspire and nurture the next generation of film makers and visual storytellers; the young people who will shape our creative industries for the future. I can't wait to build on the brilliant work of this important charity, to broaden its reach and influence, opening up the power of film and moving image to all."

Eric Fellner, Co-Chair of Working Title and Chair of the Into Film board added: "We are delighted to welcome Fiona as the new CEO of Into Film. She joins the organisation at a pivotal time as it launches a new programme focused on screen careers, filmmaking and the use of film as a tool for learning in classrooms across the UK. Fiona's broad skillset, extensive experience and knowledge of UK education will be a real asset to the organisation. The trustees look forward to working with her to achieve further success and impact over the coming years. We thank Paul for all of the incredible work he has done over the past decade to get us where we are today, and wish him the very best for his next chapter."