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

03/13/25 • 32 min

"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

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This podcast is hosted by Angela Lyons of Lyons Creative.
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"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

Links and Resources

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

Follow Makeda on Instagram:
@makedamathesonfilm
@makedamatheson

Follow Makeda on LinkedIn here

Leave a review.

Support the show

Previous Episode

Crafting culture through design and journalism

'We belong to any space we choose to be in.' - Kala Paul-Worika

In this episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela Lyons speaks with Kala Paul-Worika, a freelance journalist and the founder of By Kala X, a brand specialising in Afro-chic home interiors and clothing. Kala shares how her Nigerian heritage and love for vibrant African fabrics inspired her to start the business, initially making baby clothes and homeware as gifts before turning it into a sustainable brand. Alongside her creative work, she also writes for The Guardian Labs and reflects on her journey in journalism, from reporting on local news to covering the entertainment industry.

Kala discusses the balance of running a business, freelancing in journalism, and navigating spaces where representation has been limited. Kala also talks about the importance of sustainability in her work, particularly through her upcycled denim collection. She shares insights into her creative process, her future ambitions, and how workshops have become an important part of her brand.

Links and Resources

Website: https://www.bykalax.com

Instagram (By Kala X): https://www.instagram.com/bykalax

Instagram (The Media Mummy): https://www.instagram.com/themediamummy

Guardian Labs (for her writing work): https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-labs

We Are Black Journos : https://www.weareblackjournos.com

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Next Episode

Letting go of perfection and creating what matters

“I wanted my children to grow up knowing there is space for them.” - Sylvia Prince

This week on Creatives Like Us, Ange speaks with Sylvia Prince, designer and founder of Sylvia Prince Designs. Sylvia shares her journey from graphic design to launching her own range of Afrocentric cards, created to reflect and celebrate black and brown children, particularly those who are often underrepresented, including children with vitiligo and albinism. She opens up about overcoming perfectionism, the importance of visibility, and the encouragement that helped her finally start her business.

They also discuss the wider impact of Sylvia’s work, including her collaboration with the Vitiligo Society UK to develop school resource packs that support understanding and inclusion. Sylvia reflects on the value of creating work representing real people and experiences and how that representation can make children feel seen and celebrated.

Links and Resources

Website: sylviaprince.com

Instagram: @sylviaprince_designs

Facebook: Sylvia Prince Designs

The Vitiligo Society UK – https://vitiligosociety.org/

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Bozoma Saint John and the "Badass Workshop"

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