Sarah
Leigh

After completing an MA in TV Journalism in 2005, Sarah Leigh has gone on to become a Writer, Director, and founder of Inclusivity Films. Inclusivity films was founded to tell stories that raise awareness to social issues, stories that advocate for others, and stories that represent the disabled, neurodivergent & d/Deaf communities both on and off the screen.

Sarah talks to us about why she chose to study at NTU, the challenges that she has faced, and shares some excellent advice for our alumni community.

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

I chose to study at NTU as I’d seen that previous students from the course had gone on to work in TV, which was what I wanted to do.

What did you learn – both inside and outside of lectures?

Our course leader said to us on the first day, “Everyone has a story.” I’ve never forgotten that and I bring it into my work today – everyone has something to share. I learned that I had a strong work ethic and that I enjoyed being part of a team. The course was very vocational and hands on and I loved that. When I started in the TV industry, it had given me a good grounding on how things worked. My fellow students were phenomenal, and I loved progressing alongside them. I commuted daily to Nottingham from Hertfordshire, as I was a single mother, and I fondly remember my journey into the city – I still love coming to visit to this day.

What does your current day involve?

It depends where we are in production – development, pre-production for a shoot, a shoot, post production, festivals – I love all parts! Currently I’m writing a feature film and attending festivals with two short films. I’m lucky enough that my day starts with being able to take my son to school on most days. I appreciate a work-life balance and know how hard it is to achieve. I’ll always have a coffee once back from the school run and then answer emails and set an alarm to schedule in some writing time. If we’re in pre-production or I’m prepping for some access consultancy work, then my day will usually include several Zoom meetings and busy group chats! In production weeks, I’m proud that we work to an 8 hour day. In our industry, it’s typical to work 12-16 hour days. This isn’t accessible for me. I try and schedule post-production around school hours as much as possible as well.

What attracted you to this field of work?

I love movies and TV! Ever since being a child it would be a way for me to escape and use my imagination. Through writing, journalism and filmmaking I have been able to fulfil my dream of being a storyteller.

What challenges have you faced?

I’ve been a mother pretty much my whole adult life, so there has always been a juggle between work and caring for my sons. Challenges I’ve faced, have usually been other people’s attitudes to what they think is achievable for me. I like to smash their perceptions and stereotypical ways of thinking though.

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

Highlights have truly been being able to give other people opportunities to work in film and TV. I love supporting emerging artists. I’m also proud of launching Inclusivity Films and what we have achieved in a short space of time. It’s also always a lovely feeling when a script receives recognition – writing can be quite isolating and I’m often unsure if my work will resonate so when it does, it feels like a win!

What are your plans for the future?

To keep making films and offering opportunities to others who are underrepresented in our industry.

If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at uni?

There’s no one right path. It’s okay to follow your heart and your dreams, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s your journey, nobody else’s.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our alumni community?

Some companies/people you want to work with may seem out of reach, but my motto is “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” It’s always worth reaching out to someone – you never know where it may lead. If it doesn’t work out, you can move on and try somewhere else, but when I have braved it and reached for the stars, it’s often worked in my favour.

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