BIO
TOLU STEDFORD has over 20 years of industry experience and has produced, written, and associate director credits encompassing television, film, and stage. As the former CEO of the Independent Film Trust, she has supported and developed BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated talent and projects created by marginalized creatives. Tolu is a co-founder of Story Compounds, a dynamic film, TV, and immersive media production company and consultancy with a particular emphasis on sharing the untold stories of the global majority that resonate globally. It has several projects in commissioned development.
She recently completed her debut documentary, "THE MEDALLION," commissioned by BFI DOC SOCIETY. This compelling documentary has noteworthy official selections and has been acquired by the renowned The NEW YORKER Magazine (Conde Nast Entertainment for worldwide distribution.
FILM LONDON has recognized Tolu as a promising industry leader as part of the Breaking Glass Ceiling 23 cohort and has been partnered with JAY HUNT (APPLE TV Creative Director) and EVA YATES (Director of the film). Tolu is also a thought leader in the area of advocacy for better representation and access for underrepresented creatives, a BAFTA Connect member, British Screen Forum's FUTURE LEADER, Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre 'INDUSTRY CHAMPION', Film and TV Charity IPP panel member, RECLAIM the FRAME Advisory board member, KIFF Film Festival jury member as well as a member of the ScreenSkills Film Council.
Tolu has worked with many global studios, including SKY, SONY Entertainment TV, Warner Brothers, YouTube, Universal Studios, and British industry bodies such as BFI and BBC.
Through her work, she has advocated for improved representation and accessibility for underrepresented creatives and the privilege of hosting and speaking on policy matters. Her work has been featured in various esteemed publications such as BRITISH CINEMATOGRAPHER, SCREEN DAILY, VARIETY, DEADLINE, and BROADCAST MAGAZINE, where she shared insights and contributions to industry solutions.