Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre, Shy Films and Badshoes Film – Platform
The Platform project will build on the foundations of existing creative digital media and film networks, while actively collaborating with them to support small businesses and individuals in nurturing and commercialising their talent.
About Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre
Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre is a vibrant, independent cinema and digital media centre in the heart of Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Open all year, Phoenix offers a carefully curated selection of films and digital art, along with a wide range of engaging learning and enrichment opportunities for young people, families, adults, and professionals in the creative industry. It also features a lively café/bar, making it a welcoming space for all.
Our vision is to enrich lives and celebrate diversity and ambition in film and art. Our mission is to be a dynamic artistic and creative centre where everyone can enjoy, learn about and make inspirational film and art; enriching individual lives and stimulating economic growth in Leicester and beyond.
Phoenix plays an active role in the creative film and digital media sector, offering support to filmmakers and artists through networking, business development, and showcasing opportunities. We also provide hands-on learning through workshops and training for families and young people. Our newly expanded venue allows us to present an exciting year-round programme of curated films and digital art exhibitions.
About Shy Films and Badshoes Film
Alexzandra Jackson of Shy Films is a production manager and talent development facilitator, a 2024 Women in Film & TV mentoring awardee, and a shortlisted Outstanding Woman in Arts, Media, and Music nominee for the East Midlands Women Awards 2024. She has developed projects attracting investment from BFI, Innovate UK, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Her work is built on equity and creative and environmental justice, ensuring storytellers and artists have what they need to succeed. Alexzandra was a BFI NETWORK talent executive (2018-2023), producing 35 short films and developing 19 features. She previously led Phoenix’s talent and learning programme and lectured at De Montfort University. With experience in development, production, exhibition, and education, she champions accessibility in film and art.
Keith Allott is an award-winning filmmaker and producer, working across narrative fiction, documentary, and experimental film. His work has been showcased at BAFTA and Academy Award-qualifying festivals such as Aesthetica, Encounters, Depict, the London Short Film Festival, and Seattle International Film Festival.
In 2010, Keith founded Badshoes Film, a production company that collaborates with emerging filmmakers, community organisations, and national commissions across the UK. Through Badshoes, he nurtures new talent and promotes creative projects that engage diverse audiences.
Keith is also an experienced educator, having lectured in film production and theory at De Montfort University and the University of Leicester. He mentors students in all stages of filmmaking, from idea inception to the final edit, preparing them for further study and professional success.
About our UKSPF project
The Platform project will build on the foundations of existing creative digital media and film networks, while actively collaborating with them to support small businesses and individuals in nurturing and commercialising their talent. The aim is to leverage the economic potential of Leicester's creative digital industries sector. The programme is open to established small businesses in film, TV, and digital art, as well as those considering setting up their own enterprises.
Platform will offer tailored support based on the career stage and specific needs of the participants. A series of fortnightly networking events for both filmmakers and those working in creative media and contemporary digital visual arts will be organised and thoughtfully designed in collaboration with the target beneficiaries as the programme evolves. These events will provide structured industry talks and networking activities aimed at both emerging and experienced filmmakers and digital creatives.
Additionally, a cohort of participants with shared business ambitions will receive more tailored support and signposting to resources to help advance their business objectives.
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