Speakers

Sophie Turner Laing, former CEO of Endemol Shine and MD of Sky, has been Chair of the National Film and Television School’s Board of Governors since August 2022.

As Chief Executive Officer of global content creator Endemol Shine from 2014-2020, Sophie oversaw a network of more than 120 creative production companies in 28 markets. As Managing Director of Sky, she was the driving force behind the broadcaster’s commitment to increasing investment in original British programming, leading the expansion of its portfolio of entertainment channels and revitalising Sky Arts. Sophie previously held a number of senior roles at the BBC, having started her career at Henson International Television before co-founding HIT Entertainment.

In 2018, she was awarded an OBE for her services to the media and honoured with an International Emmy – Directorate Award. In 2013, she was awarded an RTS fellowship for her outstanding contribution to British television. She has been a member of BAFTA since 2001 and recently sat on the DCMS Public Service Advisory panel.

Sophie has been an active and long-standing supporter of the NFTS for many years, previously serving on its board of governors, contributing to masterclasses and supporting its many initiatives to encourage newcomers into the industry. Throughout the course of her career, she has played a major role in championing new talent and breaking down barriers to entry, for example spearheading Sky’s sponsorship of Mama Youth Project to increase representation in front of and behind the camera.