About The Author

Stephen Follows is a leading film data analyst in the film industry, who has also worked as a producer and screenwriter. Over the course of his career, Stephen has produced over 100 short films and two feature films, winning numerous awards for his scriptwriting and producing. His expertise spans both creative and logistical aspects of filmmaking, with a particular focus on data-driven research that informs industry practices. He regularly shares his findings through his website, StephenFollows.com, where his work on topics like gender inequality, box office trends, and audience behaviour has attracted global attention. His insights are highly valued, with major Hollywood studios and organisations like the Smithsonian frequently consulting him for guidance.

In addition to his hands-on film production work, Stephen is a dedicated educator, teaching at some of the world's leading film institutions. He has lectured at the National Film and Television School (NFTS), Met Film School, and New York University (NYU), where he shares his knowledge of film production, marketing, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the industry. His deep understanding of the filmmaking process, combined with his unique ability to analyse industry data, makes him a sought-after speaker and educator, helping to shape the next generation of filmmakers.

Stephen is also a passionate advocate for equality and representation within the film industry. His data-led research has played a crucial role in highlighting the gender disparity among directors and screenwriters, with reports commissioned by organisations such as Directors UK and the Writers' Guild of Great Britain. Through his leadership roles, including serving as the Chair of Central Film School, Stephen remains dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a more inclusive future for cinema.

Beyond his work in film production and education, Stephen is also the co-founder of Catsnake, a story agency that specialises in creating narrative-driven campaigns for non-profit organisations. Through Catsnake, he has worked with clients such as Unicef, WWF, and Amnesty International, using the power of storytelling to advance charitable causes and drive social change.

Additionally, Stephen has been at the forefront of exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and screenwriting, securing a script development deal for a screenplay co-written with AI in 2022 and developing workshops on the ethical implications of AI in the creative industries.