Independent Production with Global Commercial Intent.
Lee Akehurst: CEO | Producer | Writer | Director
Lee Akehurst is an award-winning producer, writer and director with a strong focus on commercially viable feature filmmaking. His credits include Dark Rage, Night Call and The Underdog, with additional feature projects in active development.
Alongside production, Lee has worked as an international film consultant, coordinating with global partners and contributing to UK and US film finance initiatives. He was also commissioned by the UK government to deliver a professional film-industry training programme across multiple EU countries.
At IFILM Media, Lee leads company strategy, development and production, overseeing creative direction, packaging and market positioning.
IFILM Media is an independent film production company developing commercially driven feature films and screen projects for the international market. We focus on clear market positioning, strong visual identity and disciplined production strategy, building projects designed to attract financing, secure sales and travel globally across theatrical, streaming and broadcast platforms. Our approach balances creative ambition with commercial realism, ensuring every project is developed with a defined audience and route to market.
Martin J. Thomas: Producer | Writer | Director
Martin J. Thomas is an English producer, director and screenwriter whose experience spans independent and studio-level productions. His credits include The Underdog, The Bag, Soho, The Last Seven and Jack Said, alongside major studio productions including World War Z and Wrath of the Titans.
Martin brings extensive experience across development, production and delivery, with a strong focus on commercially driven storytelling. He is currently developing two new feature films scheduled for production in 2026.
Richie Hobday is an entrepreneur, film producer and actor with business interests spanning property development, sport and education. Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, he has built an acting and producing career across television and feature films, with credits on international productions for platforms including Netflix and Amazon, as well as recent roles in international Bollywood features
Together, Lee and Martin lead IFILM Media alongside strategic investor Richard Hobday, combining creative leadership with experienced financial backing to develop market-ready film projects with international appeal.
In parallel with their production activities, they are also the founders and organisers of The UK Film Awards, an IMDb-credited international film awards event dedicated to recognising outstanding independent filmmaking and emerging talent. This dual perspective operating both as producers and festival organisers gives IFILM Media a distinctive understanding of audience trends, talent discovery, market visibility and international positioning.
IFILM Media works closely with sales agents, distributors and financiers at an early development stage to ensure projects are commercially structured, deliverable on budget and aligned with current market demand. The company’s slate prioritises high-concept, audience-driven projects with clear genre positioning and strong international sales potential.
IFILM Media is a creative production and sales label operating under Independent Film Studios Ltd, a UK-registered company supporting film, festival, and media ventures.