Film London CEO awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London, has been awarded an OBE for his services to film.

Wootton heads Film London, the charitable organisation responsible for attracting major film and TV productions to the capital and championing the city’s talent, infrastructure and expertise. The city’s screen industries – film, TV, VFX, animation and games – generate billions for the UK economy and support thousands of jobs, and research shows that Film London’s activity generated some £225m in additional revenue in 2016 while supporting over 1,500 jobs. Wootton has had a life-long career in the film industry, covering exhibition, programming, curation, festival management and lecturing.

“I’m completely surprised and totally delighted to receive this honour,” said Wootton. “Film has been my lifelong passion, and I feel incredibly lucky to have carved out a career in such a marvellous, inspirational, creative industry. Along the way I’ve had the good fortune to be supported by my wife Karen, daughter Beth, parents, family and friends. I’ve also learnt from a wide range of educators, mentors and professional peers who’ve had a profound impact on my career. From my schooldays at Netherstowe School in Lichfield to my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at UEA, to my first paid programming job at the Bradford Playhouse, my subsequent role as founding director of Nottingham’s Broadway Media Centre and then to the BFI I owe a huge debt of thanks to those who’ve helped, guided and supported me on my journey. I’m also extremely grateful to my colleagues at Film London, whose work, expertise and determination help ensure our city remains one of the world’s top destinations for the global film and TV industries – this award, if anything, is a tribute to all of them.”