London Film School (LFS) announce the appointment of three distinguished industry leaders, Anne Sheehan, Jane Lush, Neil Blair, to its Board of Governors. Their extensive experience and leadership in the creative industries will further strengthen LFS’s mission to nurture the next generation of global filmmaking talent.
Anne Sheehan is an executive producer and business affairs consultant specialising in structuring film investments for financier and producer clients. Since January 2022, she has executive produced films including Firebrand and One Life, and prior to this, worked on films such as The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Dig. Previously, as Director of Film Finance at Prescience (2009–2013), she managed financial appraisal and business affairs for investments like The King’s Speech. She also held finance roles at Renaissance Films, Palace Pictures, BBC Films, PolyGram Film International, and FilmFour after beginning her career as an international auditor for Warner Communications Inc.
Jane Lush had a long career at the BBC, becoming Controller of BBC Daytime where she was responsible for a raft of breakthrough shows including The Weakest Link, Doctors and Bargain Hunt. She later became Controller of Entertainment and Comedy commissioning a string of hits such as Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den while also discovering and nurturing talent including Graham Norton, Jill Dando, Anne Robinson and Kirsty Young. Since leaving the BBC, she has worked in the independent television sector and served on multiple charity boards. She was Chair of BAFTA (2016–18), founding Chair of the BBC’s Performing Arts Fund (which helped Adele as a child), and currently chairs Friends of BAFTA USA. She is also a Trustee of Reprieve and Youth Aliyah Child Rescue supporting disadvantaged children in Israel. Her proudest productions remain her children and grandchildren.
Neil Blair is J.K. Rowling’s literary agent and business manager, overseeing all extensions of the Harry Potter universe as Founding Partner of The Blair Partnership. He chairs Pottermore, Brontë Productions, and his own production companies, Snowed-In and Snowstorm, acting as Executive Producer on numerous projects, including Mrs Wilson, Too Close, Stonehouse, and the Strike series. Previously Head of Business Affairs at Warner Bros. Europe, he worked on Band of Brothers and Eyes Wide Shut and was Executive Producer on Fantastic Beasts. He co-founded Harry Potter Theatrical Productions and is Executive Producer of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. A passionate philanthropist, he has chaired LUMOS and supports numerous charitable organisations. An Oxford law graduate, he is a devoted family man, football (West Ham) and rugby (Saracens) fan, and dog lover.
All three new Governors will join Greg Dyke, Chair of the Board and play a crucial role in ensuring the school’s success by providing strategic oversight, governance, and leadership.
Commenting on the new appointments, Chris Auty, Director at LFS said: “We are delighted to welcome Anne, Jane, and Neil to our Board of Governors. Their collective expertise across film, television, literature, and technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of London Film School as we continue to evolve in an ever-changing industry. We look forward to their invaluable contributions to our vision of excellence in film education.”
LFS remains dedicated to fostering creative talent and innovation in filmmaking. The addition of these esteemed leaders to the Board marks a significant milestone in LFS’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the global screen industries.
