Project Development

Gemma is a creative therapist who holds a Masters Degree in dramatherapy from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.   This, combined with her training as an actress at Manchester Metropolitan’s School of Theatre, and her vast experience as both an actress and a theatre-maker over the past 20 years, has given her a unique perspective on how to use clowning, story-telling, role method and internal family systems to inform the development and the application of the various elements of Narrative Alchemy’s work.  She is an actress, a director, and a fellow of The Royal Society of Arts (RSA).

As well as her role as co-artistic director, Gemma is the head of wellbeing within the company.  Whether a full-time member of staff or a project specific freelance professional on a short or long-term contract, Gemma is commited to supporting all of our teams’ wellbeing and mental health.

Writer/Director

Sean is a writer and director.  He trained originally as an actor at The Oxford School of Drama, but soon found that his passion lay in writing and directing, rather than performing.

He is a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), a regular guest director for The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival, a trained facilitator for US based Narrative 4, and is currently continuing his personal and professional development with an MSt in Writing for Performance at The University of Cambridge (Selwyn College).  His interests lie in the interplay between modern breakthroughs in Narrative Theory, and the ancient magic, myth and ritual of simple story-telling.

As well as his role as co-artistic director, Sean is our resident writer and head of project development.  This sees him take the lead on all project research, development and writing.

Producer

Kate is a producer with a background in childcare and child development, bringing both practical experience and creative insight to her work with young people.

Her early career in the childcare sector gave her a strong understanding of how children think, communicate and process the world around them. That foundation continues to inform her approach to storytelling, particularly when exploring complex themes in age-appropriate and responsible ways.

Kate later co-founded Skinny Boy Films with her partner, Steve, where she led on production management, client relationships and strategic development. Through this work, she developed a particular interest in using narrative film as a tool for early intervention and safeguarding education.

At 2 Pears Films, Kate oversees development and production, working closely with partners across education, public health and safeguarding to ensure projects are both creatively compelling and professionally grounded. She is especially focused on how story can open meaningful conversations while maintaining ethical responsibility.

As both a producer and a parent, Kate brings a strong sense of care and accountability to the work she creates for young audiences. She is committed to producing films that are thoughtful, research-informed and designed to support prevention work in real-world settings.

Cinematographer / Editor

Steve is a filmmaker with a first-class degree in Film Production and extensive experience across film and television. Early in his career, he worked as an Assistant Director, collaborating with leading UK filmmakers including writer-director Mike Leigh on Another Year, which received an Academy Award nomination.

This formative experience gave Steve a deep understanding of performance-led filmmaking and the importance of rehearsal, nuance and emotional truth on screen.

In 2013, he co-founded Skinny Boy Films, where he has since led on cinematography and post-production across a wide range of narrative and documentary projects. His work is defined by a cinematic approach grounded in character, atmosphere and careful visual storytelling.

At 2 Pears Films, Steve oversees cinematography and editing, ensuring that each project balances creative ambition with clarity and responsibility, particularly when working with sensitive subject matter.

As both a filmmaker and a parent, Steve brings care and integrity to the stories he helps bring to screen.