Professor Lucy Brown, Professor of Film and Television and Assistant Head of the School of Media and Communications at the University of Westminster, mentored early-career creatives at the first-ever South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in London.
Taking place between 2-7 June, SXSW is one of the most influential global events celebrating innovation in culture, technology and the creative industries. While it originated as a music festival in Austin, Texas, it has since grown into a world-renowned platform for new ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration. SXSW London 2025 marks the festival’s UK debut and brings together leaders from across the worlds of film, TV, design, tech and immersive storytelling.
Professor Lucy Brown previously spoke at SXSW Austin and returned this year as a Film and TV mentor. Her session is part of the festival’s official mentoring programme, SXSW Mentor Program, designed to support talent development across the creative sectors. Brown offered one-to-one guidance to emerging screen practitioners, covering topics such as career transitions, screenwriting advice and navigating the UK screen industry for those new to the country. She also advised them on how to build meaningful networks and take the next steps in their creative journeys.
Professor Lucy Brown is an award-winning educator and filmmaker with BAFTA and the Royal Television Society credits. Her research focuses on inclusive screen education, gender equity and industry collaboration. She is the Co-author of The TV Studio Production Handbook by Bloomsbury and Co-editor of the forthcoming Collaborative Creativity in Film and Television by Routledge. At Westminster, she plays a key role in shaping screen courses that combine hands-on practice with critical engagement and industry partnerships.
Speaking about her involvement, Professor Lucy Brown said: “It is a real honour to be part of the inaugural SXSW London. As someone based in the city and deeply connected to its creative industries, I was thrilled to meet and mentor new talent working in film and TV. Events like SXSW are vital for knowledge exchange and cultural innovation as they offer emerging voices the chance to be heard and supported.”
Professor Lucy Brown’s work and mentoring at SXSW London directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the School of Media and Communications at the University of Westminster.
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