For our next in-person session, we have invited renowned Grammy Award-winning director Meji Alabi and 4x British Arrow, Clios and D&AD winning director, Sophia Ray. The film-makers will lead an in-depth workshop that breaks down the tools, technical skills and craft needed to become a successful director of commercials and branded content.

The directors will explore the process of creating treatments and mood boards, pitching best practices, dealing with clients and agencies, and understanding contracts and when directors need them. The directors will also utilise case studies from their own projects, taking us on a journey from concept to completion and covering the life cycle of an ad campaign for a director.

How do you spot emerging trends? How do agencies choose directors? What are the benefits of being signed to a production company?

The session will also cover the process of shooting in different countries and the challenges and practicalities associated with this, ultimately, this session will dissect the notion of finding your brand and longevity as a film-maker.

This session is for filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, writers, anyone interested in exploring a career in commercials and Branded content.

MEJI ALABI

Meji Alabi is a renowned Grammy Award-winning Nigerian/British director. His music videos and commercials are some of the most talked about culture-shaping art driving work in the African market. Collaborators include Beyonce, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, Davido, and Stormzy, as well as brands such as Guinness, KFC, Toyota, Cadillac, Martell, and Nike.

Meji has a unique ability to create relevant, impactful, creative, and highly acclaimed work. He continues to gain recognition globally with his public speaking and mentorship commitments. In 2021 and 2022 Meji appeared on CNN’s African voices in support of his campaign films for Malaria No More, featuring David Beckham and Eliud Kipchoge alongside many other global stars.

LAURA CARREIRA

Laura Carreira is a Portuguese filmmaker based in Edinburgh, Scotland.​

Her short film The Shift premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2020 and was nominated for the European Film Awards and the London Critics' Circle Film Awards. In 2021 it won the New Talent Award at IndieLisboa. Her debut feature film On Falling was produced by Sixteen Films and BRO Cinema - with the support of the BFI, BBC Films, Screen Scotland, ICA and Goodfellas.

On Falling had its World premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2024 and its European premiere at the 72nd San Sebastián Film Festival where Laura won the Silver Shell for Best Director. The film also won the Sutherland Award at the 68th BFI London Film Festival. In 2025, On Falling won a BAFTA Scotland for Best Film and Laura won a BAFTA Scotland for Best Screenwriter. The film also received four nominations at the British Independent Film Awards (Best Debut Writer, Best Debut Director, Best Writer and Best Director).

​Carreira was selected as a BAFTA Breakthrough UK and chosen as The List Number 1 Scottish Artist in the Hot 100 List of 2025. On Falling won the Discovery Award for Best European Debut at the European Film Awards 2026.