Meet The Gritty Talent Team
Reema Lorford
Chief Operating Officer
Reema has over 30 years experience in TV primarily for the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV and specialises in enabling teams to implement creative solutions on complex projects.
She has been a senior lead on multiple award winning titles - bringing the best performance out of the best people both on and off screen is core to Reema’s values.
Reema has also been a Senior Lecturer at the University of the West of England, and has worked in major production hubs across the UK and internationally.
Bristol is her adopted home and she thrives on city living and being immersed in the rich mix of people and places on her doorstep.
Vicki Lines-Gibbs
Creative Director
Vicki has lived and worked in London, Bristol, Hampshire and on cruise ships sailing around the world.
Her media career started on City Hospital, a live show broadcast daily on BBC1, and led Vicki into a decade of producing topical studio programmes such as The One Show and This Morning.
Vicki has been privileged to work with some amazing people. Whether it’s a fisherman on Loch Neagh or a world famous comedian, she believes everyone should be treated with good humour, respect and kindness.
Vicki sings in an 80s band and thinks (and talks) about food far too much. She is very excited to be part of the Gritty team, making a real difference to the television industry.
Phoebe Sinclair
Managing Director
Phoebe joined Gritty Talent in 2020 after 15 years of making high end factual documentaries for the global market.
As a Production Manager she championed new and emerging talent in off-screen production roles.
She is passionate about breaking down barriers into the TV industry both on and off screen and about promoting the role of technology to improve social, environmental and economic outcomes.
Phoebe has lived in Bristol for the last 10 years with her young family and enjoys Bristol’s food and music scene and having the countryside on her doorstep.
Remi Brand
Marketing Manager
A marketer by day and a music producer by night, Remi’s passion for creativity and expression drives his every move to find the perfect message for any and every audience.
It’s Remi’s fascination with human connection that first attracted him to the world of marketing - a world he’s now professionally inhabited for over three years after graduating from Falmouth University with a BA degree in Journalism.
Born in Freiburg, Germany, and raised in Woking, Remi’s mixed German/Jamaican heritage has given him an appreciation for culture of all forms.
Having previously worked in the social media and fintech industries, he’s excited to use his knowledge and experience to help individuals on their professional journeys.
Renée Jacobs
Operations & Innovation Manager
Renée is a professional project manager with a passion for cultivating belonging in the world of work. She has over 10 years experience of working in technology start-ups, managing exciting projects and a drive to exceed customer expectations. A Non-Executive Director on the Board of TechSpark, Renée is excited by technology, innovation and the impact that they can have on both the local area and the world.
In addition to her day-job, Renée runs a social enterprise called The Belonging Network which aims to cultivate spaces where everyone can belong. She works with organisations and individuals to address and overcome the barriers to belonging in the workplace.
Renée lives in Bath with her family and enjoys long walks, reading and visiting the many local cultural delights.
Shana Balachanthiran
Data Manager
Shana is a French-born second generation Sri-Lankan with a passion for music and the technology that enables it. With a background in South Indian classical music and years of experience in traditional Indian performances, she has developed a firm resolve for increasing the cultural and gender diversity present in music technology.
Shana studied Game Audio and Audio Innovation at an academic level, and is currently developing applications and technology that enable the expression of alternative musical cultures through modern digital audio systems.
Through her work at Gritty Talent, she aspires to raise awareness and diversity within popular media regarding the creative elements of other cultures. Shana supports the team with technical expertise including running our online events, managing and improving our operational technical solutions.
Jacob Blaidd
Data Engineer
Jacob Blaidd is a versatile technical creative, with expertise in technical audio, sound design, and programming/AI technology.
Having studied Game Audio and Innovation in Sound, Jacob has been fortunate enough to contribute as a Media Operator and Editorial Assistant to a variety of well-known factual television productions.
Originally from Carmarthenshire, Wales, Jacob is driven by a passion for understanding how things work and the challenge of building them to perfection, Jacob thrives on technical problem-solving.
At Gritty Talent, he applies this passion by designing and implementing technical AI solutions, pushing the boundaries of innovation to support the company's long-term goals.
Charlotte Ball
Casting & Talent Producer
Charlotte is an experienced Producer with keen eye for spotting new talent; leaving no stone unturned when it comes to finding the right person to fit the brief.
Determined not to have to move to London to start a career in TV she began her career in Bristol and has since worked for many of the leading independent production companies in Bristol and Wales. Charlotte has worked across a range of food, factual, history and entertainment programming for all the major UK broadcasters.
Charlotte is excited to be part of the Talent Team and can't wait to find some previously underrepresented pearls!
Nina Kitajewski-West
Talent Producer
Nina is from Wolverhampton but has split her working career between London, Bristol and Birmingham.
Over fifteen years in the industry has seen Nina work on a wide range of Factual Entertainment ranging from technology, current affairs, travel, military and culinary programming. Already having encountered an amazing and diverse range of contributors she is keen to help the Gritty team push the industry to the next level.
A passion for action and adventure has given Nina the ethos that with a little grit and determination anything may be possible, a trait she is keen to help others in the industry realise within themselves.
Mel Rodrigues
Founder & Non-Executive Director
Mel is an award-winning business leader, inclusion consultant and advocate, with 20+ years’ experience working in the TV and wider screen sector.
In 2019 she set up Gritty Talent as an impact-driven company, on the mission to support and progress people from under-represented groups in TV and Film careers.
Her own career has taken her across a range of production, training and leadership roles, including Creative Diversity Lead at Channel 4. She was appointed Chief Executive at Creative Access in July 2024.
Mel is a proud adopted Bristolian but hails originally from the West Midlands. In her spare time she’s also the Vice Chair of Women in Film and TV.
Paula Kakayi Intern
Paula is an undergraduate law student from Uganda, currently studying at the University of the West of England UWE.
Paula is interning with Gritty Talent as part of the UWE internship scheme, and is helping to seek out and develop creative talent from under-represented groups in TV and film.
Born and raised in Kampala, Paula brings a rich cultural perspective and a strong dedication to diversity and inclusion in her work.
She’s embraced Bristol life with enthusiasm, enjoying volunteering, staying active, and exploring local events.