Lights, Camera, Breakthrough! A Journey in the TV & Commercial Film Industry

"We have a very London-centric view of Blackness in the UK, but Black people exist everywhere. Our stories deserve to be told too" - Makeda Matheson 

In this episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela Lyons speaks with filmmaker, writer, and producer Makeda Matheson about her unexpected journey into the creative industry. Beginning her career in fashion styling in New York, Makeda transitioned into filmmaking and TV writing, demonstrating that persistence and self-belief can open doors, even without industry connections. She discusses how celebrity stylist Robert Verdi became a vital mentor, the challenges of breaking into film, and why black stories, particularly those beyond London, deserve more representation in media.

Makeda also discusses taking risks, trusting her instincts, and how her teenage dream of working with Chanel has come full circle in a way she never anticipated. She now concentrates on writing and directing fictional films, bringing fresh northern black voices to UK screens. 

Links and Resources

Visit Makeda's website: https://www.makedamatheson.com/

Follow Makeda on Instagram:
@makedamathesonfilm
@makedamatheson

Follow Makeda on LinkedIn here

Chapters

• 1:13 Introducing Makeda Matheson
• 6:23 How did you get started with work?
• 11:50 What work did you do on the TV show 'The Voice'?
• 14:13 What projects on you working on currently?
• 15:49 How was Robert Virdi a catalyst for change for you?
• 25:53 What would you tell your teenage self?