How a BAFTA-Winning Producer's Unconventional Path Can Inspire Your Creative Career in the UK

Vanessa Amberleigh's Journey from University of Winchester to BAFTA Success

Great career advice and inspiring stories were shared by a panel of creatives at the FRAME (Futures in Real-world Arts, Media, and Entertainment) event at the University of Winchester. The keynote speaker was alumna Vanessa Amberleigh, a six-time BAFTA-winning writer and producer of children's TV, with credits including Big Cook Little Cook, Basil Brush, and Gigglebiz.

Vanessa studied Drama, Theatre and TV Studies at Winchester when it was still King Alfred's College. After graduating, she faced a choice between a drama teacher role and a sidekick to Zippo the Clown—she chose the latter, setting her on an unexpected path.

Her initial dreams of becoming a serious actress shifted as she discovered a natural talent for connecting with children, whom she called "the audience with the best imaginations in the world." After numerous rejections, she landed a presenter role on the BBC's Playbus, which evolved into Playdays.

Vanessa transitioned from presenting to writing and producing, becoming a key figure in launching the BBC's CBeebies channel. She created Bedtime Stories and has worked for major networks like BBC, ITV, Sky, Nickelodeon, and Disney, later focusing on animated shows such as Bitz and Bob. In 2025, she received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Winchester.

"Pre-school TV is a passion. I love this age group," said Vanessa, emphasizing the importance of children's programmes. "Your programme may be the only thing that makes a child laugh that day." She concluded, "I am overwhelmingly fortunate to have made a difference to children's lives."

She offered key advice for students starting their careers: be kind, be prepared to make mistakes, be brave, volunteer, embrace challenges, and look after your health.

Insights from Industry Professionals at the FRAME Panel

Following Vanessa's talk, a panel event was chaired by Rob Ferrin, Film Lecturer and Deputy Head of the University's School of Creative Performance and Production. Panelists included Winchester alumni and industry experts:

• Charlotte Hall, Artistic Director of The Point at Eastleigh
• Natasha Farina, corporate film producer and director for Tailwind Group
• Sam Quested, theatre producer at Qube Theatricals
• Dominic Lambrechts, speakers and rigging technician with Britannia Row Audio
• Tobias Hunter, Design Lead at IBM

Charlotte Hall noted that career paths in the arts are seldom linear, predicting many would pursue portfolio careers. She advised, "Go and see work—do not enter a sector you are not participating in as an audience member." Having run her own touring company, she added, "Create your own space and make work with an audience in mind."

Dominic Lambrechts, a recent graduate in Music and Sound Production, stressed the importance of keeping CVs up to date and posting them on every available platform. He shared that during his interview with Britannia Row, "There were more qualified candidates, but I said I was willing to learn and grow with the job." His real-world experience from university events, like the Winchester Books Festival, significantly boosted his CV.

The FRAME event also featured break-out sessions on How to Gain Arts Funding, How to Market Yourself as an Actor, and How to Impress at Interview, providing practical tools for aspiring creatives.