FACTORY - Key Persons
Alex has been fascinated by music and sound ever since he was taught how to play the drums, by his father at 11 years old. Over the years he has taught himself how to play many other instruments, like the guitar and piano, which sparked the creativity to begin writing and recording his own music at home.
Experimenting with sound piqued Alex's interest, and on most days, it's all he ever thinks about.
Living in a small town in Essex, Alex has always been making a racket. So just at 19 years old, he made the hard decision to quit his day job and pursue his dream of becoming an engineer in the sound industry. After working hard, searching, and gaining as much experience as he could for many months, Alex was given the opportunity to join Factory's Runners team in January 2023.
In his spare time, apart from writing music and jamming with his brother, Alex likes to play sports with friends like football and golf. Plus, he also enjoys going to see his favourite artists live as well as discovering new music in smaller venues.
From a young age, Alex developed a passion for music, initially playing the guitar but thereafter, becoming a multi-instrumentalist, writing and touring with his band throughout his teenage years.
This interest in music and audio led to the acquisition of a 1st class honours in a Music Production and Sound Engineering degree in Bristol. Here he discovered an aptitude for all things sound design (the idyllic marriage of both his love of film and audio) and has since been practising the craft as a freelancer, before joining the Factory family as Head Runner.
In his free time, Alex enjoys mountain biking, painting and illustrating, writing original compositions and indulging in the delights of London's rich live music scene.
Ever since learning guitar as a kid and picking apart music production with his dad, Andy has always had a passion for all things audio. During his time at college, he discovered that he had a particular knack for sound design, and from then on he's been hooked!
He decided to shift the focus of his Undergraduate and Master's degrees in Creative Music Technology towards sound design projects and bagged himself a 1st in both for his efforts. Since university, Andy has worked freelance as a sound designer and as a transfer engineer at several leading audio post-production studios in London, bringing unique experiences from each to the team.
Job Titles:
- Chief Creative Officer
- Founding Partner
- Owner and Chief Creative Officer of the Factory Family Group
- Supervising Sound Editor
Anthony is the Owner and Chief Creative Officer of the Factory Family Group, which is the creative collective comprising of Factory Studios, SIREN & Factory Originals. With over 25 years experience in audio, sound design, music and broadcasting, Anthony has produced some of the most awarded and revered commercial work of modern times.
Always at the forefront of creativity and storytelling, Anthony is passionate about promoting the craft of sound design and his work has been globally recognised by the likes of the British Arrows, Cannes Lions, BAFTA, D&AD, Music And Sound Awards, The One Show and Clio's. In 2019, The British Arrows honoured Anthony's outstanding contribution to his craft by awarding him the prestigious British Arrows Fellowship.
Career projects of note include an impressive body of work created for WK London and Honda, with films such as ‘Hands', ‘Ignition' and ‘The Other Side'. Anthony has also worked closely with Adam&Eve DDB on every John Lewis Christmas campaign since the launch of the iconic ‘Long Wait' back in 2011 through to 2022's ‘The Beginner'.
Anthony has also created the stunning soundtrack to Channel 4's legendary ‘We're The Super Humans' for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and more recently, the ground-breaking follow-up film ‘Super. Human.' for Tokyo 2020. In 2023, 4Creative & Channel 4 commissioned Anthony to create a new sonic mnemonic and audio identity to herald the legendary channel's fresh new look for life in the digital age. More recent work has seen Anthony designing the sound across new campaigns for Apple, EE, Coca-Cola, B&Q, Channel 4, Virgin Media, Mcdonald's and the BBC.
As a Supervising Sound Editor, Anthony undertakes long-form, episodic and experiential projects across a number of genres including the ground-breaking soundscape for Aoife McArdle's debut feature film ‘Kissing Candice' and a recent immersive installation for The Science Museum's ‘Voyage To The Edge Of Imagination' exhibition in London. Future projects currently in production include commissions to create and curate sound and music experiences for major theme parks and immersive attractions.
In his role as a music composer, Anthony is represented by SIREN where he strives to blur the lines between sound design and music to create sonic experiences that truly connect with audiences on an emotional and physical level.
Becs has been part of the Factory Family for over 10 years and during that time has worked across Production and Operations and knows the business inside out. She has produced a whole host of iconic and award-winning work with brands such as John Lewis, Honda, Apple and O2. As Head of Operations, Becs works closely with Anthony and Lou in the efficient running of the company and to ensure all staff are happy and healthy. With two young ‘spirited' kids, spare time is virtually non-existent but that doesn't stop Becs from trying to keep up her gig going and holiday planning!
Job Titles:
- Group Technical Director
- Sound Engineer
- Technical Director / Originals Creative Director
Ben is a member of several organisations including the AES (Audio Engineering Society) & EBU (European Broadcast Union).
With experience of over 20 years working as a Sound Engineer, Ben has specialised in sound design and mixing projects across the world of music and advertising, having worked with a multitude of global advertising agencies and music industry clients such as Sony Music Group, Universal Music, Warner Music Group and many more.
Beth graduated from the University of Manchester with a History of Art degree, which has come in very useful for her career in audio.
After joining the running team in 2018, she quickly worked her way up through the ranks and is now an integral part of the fabulous production team.
She has worked on campaigns for clients such as John Lewis, Tesco, BBC, BT and Camelot, and has started to dip her toe into long form projects as well.
In her spare time, Beth is usually at the pub or looking at pictures of dogs on Instagram.
After working at numerous post-production facilities, Ciara decided to combine her love for sound, music and production and move permanently into Audio Post. She has over 5 years of experience working as an Audio Producer across Commercials and TV projects with career highlights including campaigns for Nike, BT, and B&Q.
Outside of work she enjoys going to gigs and festivals and can often be found standing outside a pub in Soho sipping rosé.
Dan is probably the best looking of the Factory Sound Designers, but he tries to remain modest.
With an accountant father and secretary mother, he was always destined for a long and distinguished career in audio.
After studying Music Tech at Leeds College of Music, and picking up a love for syncing sound and music to picture, he made his first steps on the audio post-production ladder. After gaining some early experience at Silk Sound, and then following a chance meeting with Lisette Nice and Lou Allen at the 2007 Yakety Yak Xmas party, he began life at Factory in early 2008.
With sound design experience spanning over 17 years, Dan has led and supervised on an eclectic mix of commercial, short/long form, and immersive work based both in the UK and abroad. As Creative Director, and alongside a talented team, Dan strives to push boundaries, utilising the latest in audio technology and always looking to expand his skillset. Dan has produced mixes for brands such as Adidas, Lurpak, FIFA, Camelot and Playstation, and has been awarded by Cllo Sports, Aerial Awards, Music & Sound Awards, and mixed the recent D&AD Black Pencil winner, Frontline19.
Job Titles:
- Executive Producer
- Head of Production
Deborah is Head of Production at Factory Studios. She began her career working in offline and long form before following her true passion into sound production.
Since joining Factory, Deborah has produced many award winning campaigns for clients such as PlayStation, Nike, Honda and the BBC.
Growing up with a session musician grandparent meant sound and music were always bound to influence Em's life; from taking part in Theatre School for ten years to falling in love with the sound of cinema through her degree in Film at the University of Brighton. Em embarked on her journey into the industry as a Production Assistant in 2022, working across both ADR for TV and Film and commercial audio projects, quickly working her way through the ranks to join Factory as a Junior Audio Producer. In her free time, Em enjoys paddle-boarding near her stretch of the Thames, and can often be found in a pub garden with pals.
After hanging up his Nando's cap and apron for one last time in 2019, Ethan joined the Factory Family as a runner. Since then Ethan has climbed the ranks to Front of House & Facility Coordinator where he uses his customer service experience to ensure everyone who steps into to Factory receives a 5-star service.
Ethan loves nothing more than a big lunch so don't be surprised if he asks you what you're having for lunch before he's even had his breakfast!
Harry, one of Factory's homegrown talents, joined in 2015 as a runner and has since progressed to Sound Designer.
He's applied his skill and experience in creative sound design & mixing to various Factory projects including commercials, short films, music videos and trailers. In 2023, he won the Saatchi & Saatchi New Creators Talent Award for Most Promising Sound Designer at The Creative Circle Awards and made the shortlist for Sound Design & Mix at the Young Arrows.
Harry is also an important part of Factory's exciting immersive team. He has fostered a developing talent in interactive audio design & integration for everything from VR AR to apps, games, attractions, installations & immersive exhibitions. His showreel includes work for ‘Nike', ‘The Science Museum' & ‘House of the Dragon: DracARys', as well as the critically acclaimed AR game ‘Space Invaders: World Defence'.
Beyond sound design, Harry also dabbles in composition, with credits on a short film and Immersive installation and can often be found lending his hand as a Foley artist, not to mention the occasional bit of voice work.
As a former chef, Harry spends most of his spare time in the kitchen - watch this space for a plant-based cookbook!
Jack is an award-winning Senior Sound Designer, his enthusiasm for sound and music sprung from his early days after graduating with a Distinction in Music Production, he then joined the Factory Family in 2013.
Jack's talent for creative sound design is shown across his work for brands such as FIFA, Nike, Coca-Cola, John Lewis and Channel 4. He has worked on some of the most recognisable advertising campaigns of recent years across TV, Radio and Cinema.
Outside of work, Jack has a passion for all things hip hop including old Drum Machines and records.
Jake's introduction to music & sound began when he was handed a copy of Ableton Live at 15 years old.
Since then he has gone on to release music on a number of different labels, had his music played on BBC1, and has played across the country & internationally.
After completing a degree in Creative Music Production Jake began working in the post-production industry, gaining a couple of years of experience elsewhere before joining Factory as a Transfer Engineer.
James joined the Factory Family in 2013 and progressed within the company to become a Sound Designer.
Over the years, James has honed his craft by working across numerous campaigns for brands such as Coca-Cola, BBC, Volkswagon and PlayStation to name a few.
James is particularly proud of his work on the 2017 BAFTA-winning short film 'Home.' Alongside this, his other projects have earned numerous accolades from the Clios, Creative Circle, Music and Sound Awards & The One Club and most recently his work in collaboration with Anthony Moore won Gold for Sound Mixing at the 2021 Kinsale Shark Awards for C4 Paralympics Tokyo 2020.
Job Titles:
- Creative Director
- Creative Director & Composer
Jon Clarke, Creative Director at Factory Studios, is renowned for his cutting-edge work in Sound Design and Music Composition, earning him multiple award wins and nominations. Throughout his career, Jon has been awarded three golds for sound design at the British Arrows, specifically for his contributions to advertising campaigns such as Save The Children - "One Second A Day," Red Cross - "Hope," and Temptations - "Keep Them Busy." Additionally, he has won gold awards at Ciclope and Shots plus an impressive six MAS Awards. His talent has been recognised across further awards bodies including Kinsale, HPA, the Clios, and Cannes Lions, to name just a few.
Beyond his achievements in advertising, Jon's expertise extends to film and TV. He recently served as the Supervising Sound Designer and Composer for the film Raging Grace, which went on to win the Narrative Feature Competition/Grand Jury Prize at SXSW 2023. Jon's debut feature film score for Kissing Candice, directed by Aoife McArdle, premiered at the TIFF and Berlinale Film Festivals, earning a nomination for "Best composition in a feature film" at the 2019 MAS Awards.
In 2022, Jon showcased his skills in sound design and mixing for the Netflix comedy special "A Whole Lifetime With Jamie Demetriou." Moreover, his role as the sound supervisor for the TV series "Stath Let's Flats" played a significant part in securing Jamie Demetriou's third BAFTA win for the show. Jon's portfolio also includes notable highlights such as the documentary feature film "The Quiet One," directed by Oliver Murray, and the BAFTA-winning short film "Home," featuring Jack O'Connell and Holliday Grainger.
Jon has gained global recognition for his outstanding sound design across various platforms which has led him to serve as a respected jury member on several prestigious awards panels.
Jon is exclusively represented by Factory Studios for sound design and by SIREN for music composition
Job Titles:
- Family in 2018 As an Assistant Engineer
- Sound Designer
Josh joined the Factory Family in 2018 as an Assistant Engineer and progressed to Sound Designer in 2020.
He came to us after a career change from working as a Recording Engineer for Trevor Horn at the famous Sarm Studios, where he worked on Grammy Award winning/nominated albums for Rihanna and Khalid as well as working with many other renowned artists.
Josh picked up a Kinsale Shark Award for mixing in his first year at Factory for Everyman Cinema x Apple and has most recently arranged and programmed drums for the Clio winning Ladbrokes Drummers Campaigns. Enjoying all aspects of sound design he is very proud of getting to work on the shorts, The Devils Harmony (Sundance Jury Selection Winner) and most recently Femme (BAFTA nominated).
Josh also enjoys making a good Homebrew but be prepared if you're offered one its stronger than you think!
Lou Allen - Managing Director
Lou began her career in Audio Post Production over 20 years ago.
She joined Factory in 2007 where she quickly established a production department, leading her to Head of Production.
She is extremely proud to have produced some award-winning projects, including Honda ‘Paper', John Lewis ‘The Long Wait' Christmas campaign & Aoife McArdle's feature film, ‘Kissing Candice'.
Whilst she's very proud of the work she's produced over the years, she is equally proud of the unique team she's helped nurture.
As the Managing Director, she is excited about the future of diverse projects for the Factory Family and is equally excited to help the team grow both professionally and personally.
In her spare time, she likes to hang out with friends and find new places to walk Winnie, her cheeky whippet pup.
Mark started his sound design career in 2012 and quickly worked his way up the Soho engineering ranks.
With a passion for creative sound design and mixing, Mark has a wealth of experience that has seen him work across a wide range of projects from advertising to broadcast, feature films to games.
Mark is also a talented composer and enjoys producing an eclectic collection of tracks and scores with several of his productions being released through independent labels.
Michael joined Factory in 2015 after completing his BSc & MSc degrees in Sound Engineering. Starting as a runner, Michael worked up to Sound Designer in 2023.
Michael is a multifaceted Sound Engineer and Designer who has been credited for Sound Design, SFX Editing, Dialogue Editing and Music Composition across Advertising, Feature Length & Short Films and TV. Michael is particularly proud of his recent work on the feature-length projects Raging Grace and Femme. Raging Grace has gone on to win the Narrative Grand Jury Prize and Best Debut Feature awards at the 2023 South By South West film festival.
Michael loves getting stuck into helping people tell their stories and is one of Factory's young rising stars who has the skills to deliver quality and exciting sound design across any audio-post project.
Mike studied Music Technology at London College of Music where he developed a keen interest in all aspects of sound design and graduated with a first-class degree.
He has worked in the industry for 5 years and in addition to his day-to-day role has worked on a number of award-winning short films.
Mike is a keen cook, loves spending time with his family and can often be spotted racing around the city on his beloved bike.
Job Titles:
- Executive Producer - Immersiv
Mike's love for audio began at the age of seven when his exhausted parents gave him a trumpet in a desperate attempt to try and find a way of channelling his hyperactivity. Many years of puffed red cheeks later he was well and truly hooked to music and sound, culminating in a degree in Audio Recording Technology and a move into the sound industry soon after. He has spent over a decade across both technical and production departments and offers a wide range of knowledge from both sides of an audio facility. With a keen passion for emerging technology and experiential projects, Mike's career highlight to date was being the Lead Audio Producer on four theme park rides for Lionsgate Entertainment World in Zhuhai, China; including the world's first purpose-built VR rollercoaster!
Shannon has been passionate about the creative industries ever since she set off to LSBU University to study Film. After graduation, she became a voluntary social media assistant for an online magazine and a podcast. She now produces the podcast newsletter each week and has also begun to dip her toes into the BTS of planning and scheduling.
Having joined the Factory runner's team in the late summer of 2022, Shannon is enjoying learning as much as she can from her colleagues and is excited for her future as part of the Factory Family.
In her spare time, Shannon enjoys writing, learning how to play the keyboard, roller-skating (badly) and giving all her love and attention to her Labrador, Wilbur.
Job Titles:
- Direction
- Production Design / Art Direction
- Retail
Will is Factory's resident Geek, occupying the Technical Audio seat within the Immersive Department.
He began his career in Audio Post as a runner, moving up to Head of Transfer before upskilling and studying for a Master's in Audio for Video Games. Putting Pro Tools on the bench, Will's weapons of choice are Game Engines, Audio Middleware and some good old Code. He loves crafting interactive audio systems, helping bring Factory's superb audio design to life; and making himself seem clever while he's at it.