Meet our ambassadors

BAFTA-winning filmmaker Amma Asante MBE is the first Black director to receive the accolade for writing and directing. In 2017 Amma was awarded an MBE and last year delivered the Loyal Address to The King at the Charity’s Royal Film Performance of Gladiator II. There she cited the power of film to bring people together while also recognising the challenges people working in the creative sector face.

Asante said: ​“When it comes to looking after wellbeing, I’m aware of the best and worst of set life. For this reason, and because I know the positive impact the Charity can have with its support and through its work to change the industry’s culture, I’m incredibly proud to become one of its first official ambassadors. Change takes time, and I’m looking forward to joining the Charity’s team on their journey to a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.”

David Morrissey is regarded as one of the most versatile British actors of his generation, thanks to electrifying performances in film, TV, and stage productions such as The Walking Dead, Sherwood, Daddy Issues and The Long Shadow. David has also stepped behind the camera, directing Passer-By, Sweet Revenge (both for BBC) and the feature film Don’t Worry About Me. He also produced Thorne for Sky and The Driver for BBC, and is Exec Producer on Daddy Issues and the forthcoming In Plain Sight for ITV.

Morrissey said: ​“When I heard about the support the Charity offers people who experience bullying, harassment, or discrimination in our industry – something that’s inexcusably still happening far too often – I felt compelled to lend my voice to their work. I’m passionate about the industry becoming more inclusive, and we have to create an environment that enables that. The Film and TV Charity is vital to the change we need to see and I’m excited to do whatever I can to help them help others.” 

Kit de Waal is an award-winning writer who set up the Kit de Waal Creative Writing Scholarship to help improve working-class representation in the arts. In 2020 she turned her hand to screenwriting with The Third Day, a TV series starring Jude Law and Emily Watson. As a Film and TV Charity ambassador, she will continue her work to improve representation in the industry.

De Waal said: ​“As an ambassador I want to champion the Charity’s work to support everyone behind the camera, especially people working outside of London. The financial support the Charity provides to make sure people from working class backgrounds can stay in the industry when they face hardship is so desperately needed. By working together, we can ensure that talent from all backgrounds feels valued and supported.” 

Marverine Cole is an award-winning broadcast journalist who’s worked in the industry for the last 21 years – 16 of those as a freelancer. Currently one of the newsreader team for ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Marverine is a long-time supporter of the Charity’s work and will use her role as ambassador to highlight the challenges faced by freelancers.

Cole said: ​“I’ve recognised and witnessed the impact of poor mental health in the industry for over a decade, especially the detrimental way it can impact talent from underrepresented groups. The Film and TV Charity’s commitment to providing essential support is something I deeply believe in. I look forward to working with the team to address the issues facing our industry, as well as continuing to advocate for better support for the freelance community.”