The multi-million bestselling author

Meet the Judges

LJ Ross

LJ Ross is an international bestselling author of atmospheric crime and mystery thrillers, whose books are all inspired by and set in the North East and have sold over seven million copies worldwide. She was born and bred in the region, where she continues to live with her husband and young childrenThrough her own publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, Louise undertakes a number of philanthropic ventures, including founding and sponsoring the Northern Film Prize to support creative arts in the region she loves.

Thomas Bentley

Thomas was one of the assistant directors that worked on Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves which was filmed in Alnwick (2021).  

In the ten years that Thomas has worked in the industry, he has worked his way from runner to a 1st assistant director on some of the largest film franchises in the world. His credits include: Rogue One A Star Wars Story (2016), Wonder Woman (2017 & 2020), Mission Impossible 6 Fallout (2018), and the last Bond movie No Time to Die (2021).  

More recent projects include: Doctor Strange 2 (2022), Aquaman 2 and Barbie yet to be released  

He has also worked making films with the Alnwick community, getting young people involved and working in the film industry. 

Catherine Neil

Catherine Neil has worked in the Creative Industries for 30 years. Prior to working at Alnwick Castle, Catherine was Head of Development at Ultimate Pictures and went on to run Skipyard Productions developing films and TV projects about Climate Change. Catherine is now Head of Alnwick Castle Ventures in January 2022. Alnwick Castle has been used as a film location for over 60 years, most famously known for its location role in the first two Harry Potter films but also for Elizabeth, Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves, Transformers, Downton Abbey and Black Adder.

Magnus Dennison

Magnus Dennison is Managing Director of Meerkat Films, an award-winning production company specialising in TV and film based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Magnus is a producer and cinematographer who has produced numerous docs, dramas and commercials for major broadcasters including BBC, ITV and Channel 4. 

Michael Chaplin

Michael Chaplin is a playwright, television and non-fiction writer, as well as a former producer and executive at ITV and the BBC. His writing credits include the highly successful television series Grafters and Monarch of the Glen, as well as nearly 100 plays for the theatre and BBC Radio 4. Michael’s new book Newcastle United Stole My Heart: Sixty Years in Black and White is out now.  

Jen Bradfield

Jen Bradfield is a BFI Talent Development Exec at Film Hub North and Talent Manager at regional development agency North East Screen. Over the last 10 years she has worked across short and feature film development, television development and digital innovation.

Jen has commissioned and managed the production of 30 short films, 60 audio and 2 interactive projects for BBC and Arts Council programme New Creatives. As well as exec producing music videos for SUBTRKT and Radiohead’s Philip Selway. She has devised and delivered numerous talent development and digital innovation programmes in partnership with broadcasters and film development agencies.

Other areas of Philanthropy

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