Claire Watkinson
CEO & Founder
My pronouns are she/her
I lead and manage the day-to-day running of E.D.E.N. I founded E.D.E.N. because I am determined to strive for equality and diversity while raising awareness through my passion that is filmmaking. It has been an amazing journey, meeting and working with so many inspirational people while producing material that is raising vital awareness for key issues.
I work as Project Manager and Lead Facilitator on our projects which train members of the LGBTQ+ community with filmmaking skills. I am also the main camera operator and editor on our work where we produce videos for a range of clients.
I have a BA (Hons) Degree in Contemporary Film and Video and have worked as a freelance filmmaker since 2012 working on a range of projects such as the first same-sex marriage in Sheffield, a short film that was selected for Cannes ‘The Short Corner’ and various other productions including weddings, events, corporate shoots and short films. I also self-shot/directed a feature documentary, ‘Living With Me And My OCD’, which currently has over 70,000 views on YouTube.
In 2015 I founded Storytellers Wedding Studio, a wedding videography service. I have filmed and edited a variety of weddings.
Thomas Reaney
Chair
My pronouns are he/him
Most of my adult, professional life has been spent working at both universities in Sheffield, and being involved in their staff LGBTQ+ networks. This has offered me the opportunity to get involved in some fantastic projects and groups in the city, and E.D.E.N. Film Productions is no exception.
Since 2014’s ‘Families Like Ours’ I’ve been an avid follower, and have jumped at the chance to spread the word about the fantastic work that E.D.E.N. does. With each project, there is a positive impact on the individuals and communities involved and reflected on film, and having seen this first-hand, it fills me with pride to be Chair of such a fantastic team.
Jay Baker
Director
My pronouns are he/him or they/them
I have been involved with E.D.E.N. Film Productions on and off over the years, both formally and informally as a supporter of the organisation and the good work it delivers, and excited to join the Board of Directors.
I am a Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs and have worked in the non-profit sector for nearly twenty years at various levels, as a founder of the FreeTech Project, co-founder of AFC Unity, founding director of Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance (ROAR), and a former elected director of Wilfrid Laurier Students Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG) while living in Canada. As a freelance facilitator, I have run many projects and workshops, mostly based on the DIY “punk” ethic – focused on listening to and empowering various marginalised communities to overcome oppression and achieve their own aims through being equipped with the support, skills, and tools to do so. In addition, I am a former guerrilla documentarian, and am passionate about the power of media to raise awareness of important issues – and I’m extremely enthusiastic about any opportunity to help the LGBTQ+ community vocalise our experiences, challenges, and needs through the powerful medium of film.
With that in mind, it is a great honour and privilege to be able to assist E.D.E.N. Film Productions build on its incredibly impactful preexisting portfolio in whatever way I can.
Diane Howard
Director
My pronouns are she/her
The first time I heard of E.D.E.N. Film Productions was when I attended a film debate ‘Do we need a ‘gay’ scene’ as part of the ‘E.D.E.N Action!’ Project. I was observing the project in action and was so impressed with the quality and commitment that was shown. After this I knew I had to be involved with this company and started with ‘save the date’ film campaign for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in 2015. I have been involved with E.D.E.N. for many years now attending events, taking part in projects such as ‘Trashing Transphobia’ and ‘E.D.E.N Shorts’ alongside supporting E.D.E.N. in everything they do. This has included filming, being interviewed and helping provide information for articles for The Star and Diva Magazine of my involvement with E.D.E.N.
I am currently looking to do an Open University degree in social science alongside voluntary work to complement my studies for the next six years. I was excited when E.D.E.N. Film Productions offered me this opportunity to do voluntary work as a director, working behind the scenes in the running of E.D.E.N.
I am honoured and proud to be part of a new team, to build on E.D.E.N.’s past achievements and to move the company forward with new exciting projects and campaigns, while building on the name ‘E.D.E.N.’ which stands for:- Equality which is the goal. Diversity which is E.D.E.N’s strengths. Education which is E.D.E.N’s method and it is by Nurturing which is the passion to create a better world. Together, for the LGBTQ+ community locally and nationally.
