Ian has enjoyed over 20 years as a key creative in film and TV; producing UK Film Council shorts, writing commissioned screenplays and directing high profile, network TV drama. As a screenwriter, he has worked on projects with Robson Green's Coastal Productions and with Keith and Dawn Thompson at Diplomat Films. Ian has directed almost 100 eps of C4's HOLLYOAKS and was a leading director on the much loved Sky One series DREAM TEAM.THE GATHERERS; Ian’s first film to hit UK screens. Funded by Sony UK and Lottery Film, this was one of the world’s first digital cinema works. The film toured the UK, climaxing at Edinburgh Film Festival. In 2018, the 20th anniversary remastered film returned to the land of its creation to premier in a screening revival. Turn of the century: Ian held a unique position in British theatre; Film Maker In Residence @ Northern Stage Theatre: Artistic Director Alan Lyddiard. Ian devised & hosted SCREEN LAB, bringing filmmaking opportunities to all.Ian directed hi-action second unit on WARNER BROS movie, CENTURION (Director Neil Marshall); starring Michael Fassbender.As a world leader in cross platform content creation, Ian directed innovative cross platform teen-drama serial THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE (Clarion Gold Award) and Freshers for E4 / Lime Pictures. Hollyoaks DOCYOU, won the 2013 RTS Award for “Innovation in Cross Platform”. The same team consolidated successes when commissioned, two years running,to create DISNEY'S EVERMOOR CONFIDENTIAL CHRONICLES.As creator of social media road safety campaign #FRIENDSDRIVESAFE (Red Balloon Productions for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service), Ian and his team scooped the 2016 EVCOM CLARION SILVER AWARD and ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY AWARD 2017.As Creative Director of Screenworks Ian is co-creator of developing TV serial THE ACADEMY. Commissioned as screenwriter on UK-EIRE romcom movie WHERE THERE’S A WILL, Ian is proud to be working with Director David Hayman and producers Daniel Midwinter, Warren de Rosa - currently in preproduction. Ian has also returned to his musical roots, writing, performing and releasing a collection of contemporary songs with THE COTTONTOWN SOUND CORPORATION (all digital platforms).Work commenced in 2020 lockdown on debut novel THE BALLAD OF A ROCK n ROLL NOBODY. Ongoing. Ian continues to inspire, educate and mentor screen creatives of the future in his much cherished role as Senior Lecturer/Year Leader at University of the Arts London (LCC). Recently qualified as MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER