Annette Westwood – Filmmaker / Director / Writer / Actor

Annette Westwood is an award-winning Director/Writer/Actor from the Midlands. After studying acting at RSAMD (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) in Glasgow, Annette has since worked as a professional actor across Film, Television and Theatre working on productions for the BBC, ITV & SMG.

Following her passion for filmmaking, Annette formed Midlands based film production company Hawkwood Productions, and working alongside her sister Emma, the Westwood Sisters produced their debut short film Whoever You Are…, Annette making her film directorial debut & co-writing the script. The film won several awards on its festival run, including award wins for Best Short, Best Indie Film, Best Inspirational Film & Best Director at UK & International Film Festivals. The film went on to receive worldwide distribution with American entertainment company IndieFlix, through its global streaming service.

Annette’s filmmaking training includes ALBERT Planet Placement Training: Onscreen, Unconscious Bias Training delivered by British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), National Film & Television School & BFI Film Academy course: Explore Filmmaking and successfully completed the City & Guilds Accredited Programme: Practical Accredited Regulations Training working with children in the entertainment industry. In addition, she has attended Sundance Short Film Masterclass: Sundance Film Festival London, BFI London Film Festival: Working Class Heroes filmmakers events, Film London: Film & TV new entrants course & BAFTA Short Sighted: London.

Annette is currently working on her next short film as writer/director This Little Girl which tells the story of an addicted mother struggling to prove herself to prevent her child being placed in care. She attended BFI NETWORK Midlands Short Film Writers Lab & Talent Camp whilst developing the script and intends to shoot the film on location in the Midlands.