Part of nownownow. It's a thing.
It’s a particularly busy time at work (the BFI, in London):
- In the Exec team we’re working on efficiency and income plans to address financial sustainability in the face of rising costs and flat (in real terms falling) public funding. I’m leading a couple of workstreams and supporting others, and doing a lot of thinking about reshaping the org to achieve as much impact as we can with what we’ve got.
- My digital and tech dept is rolling out various improved digital services (across portfolios of streaming, cinemas, editorial, archive, industry support) to expand digital reach and improve user experiences, while upgrading and securing tech underpinnings internally.
- Another big thing I’m doing this year is fixing the governance of all that, and wrangling it all into a visible roadmap, which has been lacking.
- On top of all that we’re navigating a London office HQ relocation, a big change to our governing board (6 leaving, 6 joining) and all the wonderful BFI output across cinemas, festivals and services for the screen culture sector.
It’s a particularly busy time at home, too (South London, with my wife and two teen boys):
- I’m currently very committed to working on my health and fitness. I’m doing that with an excellent Personal Trainer who has already got me in the best shape of my life, as I approach 50 this September. In the gym 3 x week, which is tough to fit in around parenting and work.
- Son 1 is doing his A-Levels and getting ready to leave the nest this autumn. It’s going to be a big wrench for the rest of us to not have him living with us any more.
- Son 2 is preparing for his GCSEs next year. I’m trying to arrange work experience for him in jobs relating to psychology, therapy, and sales/finance/recruitment which are areas he’s shown interest in.
As usual I’m also:
- Watching a lot of films, because they’re the perfect vessel for storytelling (none better). The Drama and Obsession are the 2026 releases I’ve loved the most, so far.
- I’ve usually got a couple of video games and books on the go, too. Right now I’m reading The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howerd and playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PS5) and Dave the Diver (Switch 2)
- Playing modern board games, with my family when they’ll indulge me, and 3 old friends in Notts 2 or 3 weekends a year. I’m pondering setting up a work board games club, too. Current faves are 7 Wonders, Azul, Nemesis and LOTR A Trick Taking Game.