ACADEMY
MEET THE TEAM
ROBERT DOUGLAS - Academy Director
With 13+ years of experience in developing people Robert has a passion for helping young creatives from underrepresented backgrounds overcome barriers to working in this industry.
Robert is responsible for all of our training and development initiatives and works closely with other organisations such as BFI, ITV, Princes Trust and Slick Films to create development and employment opportunities for our network of young people.
Favourite Film? TRAINING DAY
Favourite Tv show? THE WIRE
GLEN FUNNELL - Commercial Director
A Film graduate from the University of Roehampton, starting his career in the Square Mile, Glen previously led on all commercial activities. He is now responsible for all our Commercial, Industry and Community partnerships ensuring the development of the young people we engage with is at the heart of everything we do.
He is also Industry Board Member and Enterprise Adviser of Global Academy to provide mentoring, advice, opportunities and support to the students, careers advice and more.
Favourite Film? THE GRADUATE
Favourite Tv show? BELOW DECK
SHERIFFAH AREWA - Content Producer
A recent Politics and International Relations graduate from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sheri manages all things creative at SPA. After previously training to be a professional athlete she has moved into a creative pathway.
Sheri was also on the decision maker panel that decided which youth organisations in the UK receive funding from Comic Relief and the KFC Future Lookin’ Good Foundation.
Favourite Film? PEARL HARBOUR
Favourite Tv show? ATTACK ON TITAN (SHINGEKI NO KYOJIN)
NAOMI WARING - Lead Facilitator
Naomi is an award winning Director, whose films have screened at Oscar and Bafta qualifying festivals. Her Film Ode was commissioned by BBC N.I. Her style is a mix of narrative and documentary, often working with communities to explore and create the films she is working on. Naomi is a core member of The Change Collective, who are interested in exploring how the arts help navigate change.
Naomi is a regular visiting lecturer at RCSSD and is committed to diversity in front and behind the camera, opening the doors to filmmaking, for communities often marginalised in the arts.
WE ALSO HAVE INCREDIBLE RANGE OF FREELANCE CREATIVES THAT WORK ACROSS OUR BUSINESS