Born in Wales, raised in Yorkshire, trained in London and shaped by experiences around the world, ScreenSkills’ new Training Liaison Manager for Wales, Hannah Roose, is now back in North Wales and looking forward to supporting the Nation’s screen workforce.
We caught up with Hannah to get her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and to allow her to introduce herself to a new ScreenSkills audience.
I began my career as an Assistant Director in HETV and Film, progressing into producing and later moving into consulting, mentoring, and training. Over time, I’ve become a dedicated advocate and ambassador for positive change across the screen industries, championing authentic inclusivity, diversity and accessibility at every stage.
An innovative thinker (proudly powered by ADHD), I bring energy, creativity and lived experience to everything I do. I’m passionate about building more equitable spaces and support systems, helping others to thrive in an industry that truly reflects the diversity of our society.
A career highlight was working as the Wales Consultant on House of the Dragon Season 2, where I helped the production build strong local connections and ensured the region was authentically represented. I also had the rewarding experience of project managing the ScreenSkills First Break programme, supporting emerging talent as they took their first steps into the industry.
Have you always had an interest in the screen industries, what inspired you?
Yes, absolutely! I’ve been interested in the screen industries for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest inspirations was seeing Judith Chalmers on Wish You Were Here when I was about four, I was convinced I wanted to be a travel presenter! At college, I studied Media alongside Travel and Tourism, thinking that would be the perfect path to presenting on sandy beaches… but I quickly realised I was far more suited to being behind the camera, encouraging people to be quiet, in a dark studio in London.
How can ScreenSkills support the screen workforce in Wales?
ScreenSkills has a valuable opportunity to support the screen workforce in Wales by working collaboratively with local partners to ensure training and development opportunities are accessible across the region, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds. There’s also a clear need for more targeted support at the mid-career level to help individuals build sustainable careers beyond entry-level roles. Through tailored training, mentoring and on-the-job development, we can help strengthen the talent pipeline and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient screen sector in Wales.
What can you tell us about potential future focus in Wales?
Looking ahead, there’s a real opportunity to support a more connected and inclusive screen sector across Wales, one where talent can thrive, not just survive. Strengthening sustainability for mid-level crew is key and that includes creating clearer progression pathways and fostering transferable skills across genres and departments. At the same time, improving access for disabled talent and ensuring events, training and networking opportunities are genuinely pan-Wales will help address regional imbalances and build a more resilient, representative workforce. By working collaboratively with local partners, we can support long-term careers and a stronger, more inclusive industry across the country.
How important are the relationships with local working groups, organisations and partners?
Relationships with local working groups, organisations and partners are essential. They bring invaluable on-the-ground insight, trusted networks and a deep understanding of local context, communities and challenges. By working collaboratively, we can ensure support is responsive, relevant and genuinely accessible, especially to underrepresented talent. These partnerships are key to delivering impact in a way that’s rooted in place, builds trust, and strengthens the wider screen ecosystem across Wales.
What upcoming training are you particularly excited about?
Numerous step-up programmes in HETV with Sgil Cymru and Screen Alliance Wales (SAW). There’s a great location department opportunity coming up, one of the many grade specific ones championed by the Wales Working Group so I’m excited to see the different initiatives come to life.
There’s also some training around the 5A’s that is really important in supporting accessibility.
Do you have any favourite Welsh productions?
One of my favourite films of all time is Submarine. I was fortunate to work with Richard Ayoade and Craig Roberts a couple of years after it’s release, on a film called The Double. I was an AD runner and was completely in awe!
I also loved Dream Horse, such an inspiring story, I was in floods of tears by the end!
More recently, Lost Boys and Fairies was incredibly powerful and beautifully made and of course, Sex Education has done so much to put Wales on the map in terms of location and talent. It’s an exciting time for Welsh production!
I’m really looking forward to watching Madfabulous – from the team over at Mad as Birds.
Discover more
Read more about ScreenSkills activity in Wales