Meet The Gritty Talent Team
Reema Lorford
Chief Executive 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.
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.
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.
Nina Kitajewski-West
Producer
With almost twenty years in the industry, she has worked on a wide scope of Factual Entertainment ranging from technology, current affairs, travel, military and culinary programming. Having encountered an amazing and diverse range of contributors she is keen to help push the industry to the next level and really consider team dynamics within Production.
Since joining the Gritty team, Nina has focused on mentoring and coaching both on-screen and off-screen talent. She has also planned and delivered a variety of workshops to industry professionals and schoolchildren.
An avid passion for action and adventure has given Nina the ethos that with a little grit and determination anything can be possible - something she is keen to help others in the industry realise within themselves.
Shana Balachanthiran
Systems Developer
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
Charlotte Ball
Producer
Charlotte has been a part of the Gritty Team from the very beginning, previously working in TV as a producer across a range of genres. Her day-to-day includes conducting bespoke talent searches to find the best crew and presenters, producing and delivering live training, as well as analysing crucial data for Gritty’s Inclusion Accelerator service.
She has produced and worked on various live creative projects across Bristol and Cardiff focused on positively disrupting the industry - using technology to broaden horizons and creating connections that last. She is no stranger to working with a range of clients from worldwide broadcasters and production companies to influencer, marketing and media agencies.
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.
Marina Traversari Strategic Advisor
Marina is an impact-driven leader with over three decades of experience across sectors including technology, film/TV, and local government.
Marina’s strategic acumen ensures a holistic approach to business endeavours, evident in her commendable record of identifying and nurturing startups with exponential growth potential - fostering economic advancement and establishing pivotal industry connections.
Throughout her career, Marina has been an influential advocate for diversity and inclusion, championing equality and breaking down social barriers where everyone can thrive.
Her belief in the transformative power of technology, arts, and culture underscores her commitment to driving positive societal and economic change.