Lisa Opie Takes the Helm at ScreenSkills

ScreenSkills has just made a decision that is bound to spark some conversation over tea and crumpets: they’ve officially appointed Lisa Opie as their next chair. This follows a slightly dramatic interim phase where she took the reins after Richard Johnston bowed out in April—probably with a flourish, knowing the entertainment biz. After a rigorous selection process (let’s just imagine the intense roundtable discussions), Lisa has been confirmed, and frankly, it sounds like they could use a chairwoman who knows her way around a budget and a creative strategy!

Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate what Opie brings to the table. She’s not just a one-trick pony; her résumé reads like the career ladder has been practically licked clean. With positions as part-time chair of Together TV and managing director of Ubisoft Leamington and Reflections, her experience is akin to having a Swiss Army knife at a picnic. Before she exited her role as managing director of BBC Studios production in 2021, she spent nearly a decade in the hallowed halls of the BBC, which, let’s be honest, is akin to being knighted in the world of broadcasting. And if that wasn’t enough, she also had a hand at Channel 5 and Two Four Digital. Truly, this woman has been around the block, and she probably does laps just for fun.

In her new role, Opie will collaborate with ScreenSkills’ chief exec Laura Mansfield to chart a course for the organization that will likely involve more strategy meetings than one could shake a stick at. They’ll oversee everything from strategy development to monitoring progress toward key goals—because, why not add a touch of corporate lingo to an already charming picture? She is also tasked with nurturing the board of trustees, ensuring that it’s not just a collection of yes-people but a diverse blend of perspectives. It’s wonderful to think about a boardroom that buzzes with creativity, rather than the sound of crickets.

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. Opie will have the delightful task of keeping an eye on ScreenSkills’ financial health. This includes maintaining budget approvals and risk management. Imagine her hunched over spreadsheets with a side of coffee—this is the part of the job that could easily relegate many to come to terms with their deep-seated coffee addictions.

In her own words, “Never has it been more important to support sustainable careers across the screen industries, ensuring an inclusive workforce fit for the future.” You can practically hear the rallying cry, can’t you? She’s set on collaborating with partners across the UK to continue building on the UK’s creative successes internationally. And who wouldn't be excited about that? The screen industries can be as unpredictable as a first date, but Opie is ready to brave the wild dance of innovation.

As for Mansfield, she sees Opie’s appointment as a “testament to her dedication, expertise, and passion for the screen industries.” It seems like Opie’s leadership will be crucial as ScreenSkills navigates the ever-shifting sands of the industry landscape. So, here’s to Lisa Opie—the new chair with a vision and perhaps a tendency to sprinkle her new meetings with a bit more humor than the usual fare.