EXCLUSIVE: Former BFI and Creative England exec joins film team.

Jay Arnold

The British Council has hired Jay Arnold to the role of senior programme manager for film.

He replaces Will Massa, who joined the BFI’s National Archive team in June.

Arnold will play a key role in the development and management of the Council’s increasing film portfolio, making sure that film and media play an important part in the organisation’s cultural relations work.

He will work closely with the Council’s five film programme managers in a team lead by director of film Briony Hanson.

Arnold worked at Sheffield’s independent cinema The Showroom from its opening in 1995 until 2003. He also had a stint at Screen Yorkshire, before joining Creative England as head of film culture and then the BFI, where he worked on the Film Audience Network.

Since 2014, he has worked in freelance roles for organisations including the National Science & Media Museum, Creative Scotland, Sheffield Doc/Fest, and Live Cinema UK, where he was projects director, working across regional film promotion and sector consultancy.

Briony Hanson commented: “We are hugely excited to have Jay join the Film team at what feels like a watershed moment, after we have worked for the last five years to build up a series of essential relationships and programmes with the UK and international film sectors.

Jay Arnold said: “It is a privilege to join such a respected team and be part of The British Council’s inspiring programme of film work. Being on board and appreciating the scale and impact of these projects is hugely exciting.”