We’re a boutique recruitment & executive search company working exclusively in the creative, media & entertainment industries.
One partner, two expert teams: an end-to-end solution for finding the right people at every level.
For over 25 years, we have connected top talent with the creative, media, and entertainment world across every corner of the industry.
Our goal? To deliver standout recruitment & executive search services that simplify hiring for our global clients and offer genuine support and guidance to the incredible candidates we work with.
We’re not just filling roles—we’re building careers, teams, and futures.
Our Sectors
Production
Gaming
Post Production
Corporate Production & Events
Music
Sports
Arts
Consumer Product Licensing
Digital Talent Management & Content Creation
Live & Immersive Experiences
Advertising & Brand Marketing
Film, Television & Distribution
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“I have worked with Searchlight for several years and see them as a partner to the HR team, offering excellent knowledge and recruitment expertise across Film and TV. They always go the extra mile, offering more than just a recruitment service, they know everybody in the industry so can move quickly to select the right talent for any role. I can’t recommend them highly enough”.
Head of HR, STUDIOCANAL
“Cathy and Amy have consulted with Fremantle for over 15 years and has successfully supported us with many key hires. They are exceptionally well networked across the market, and they build and maintain strong relationships with candidates. They manage our expectations, are upfront and honest and are intellectually bright around the key attributes of roles. ”
HR Business Partner, Fremantle
“I’ve worked with Searchlight for many years now and find them to be incredibly insightful with what’s going on in the industry, to have the best candidates and are genuinely a lovely company to work with. I couldn’t recommend them enough.”
Head of Recruitment UK, Hogarth Worldwide
"Searchlight played a key role in supporting NEOM Media Industries with senior C-level hires for our media division. Their industry expertise and extensive network enabled them to thoroughly map the market delivering outstanding candidates. The team were flexible, patient with evolving regional dynamics and consistently thought outside the box. They were our trusted talent partners for 18 months."
Strategy, HR and Business Operations, NEOM
"We have worked with the Searchlight team on several occasions. I have always found them to be highly professional, approachable, and extremely helpful. They take the time to understand our requirements and consistently put forward suitable, high-quality candidates. Their efficiency means no time is wasted, and the service they provide is both reliable and effective. They are a pleasure to deal with and, without fail, always deliver!"
Business & Marketing Director BBC Studioworks
“Searchlight are highly efficient in sourcing excellent candidates for bespoke roles at all levels, dedicated and thorough in their recruitment process while also offering a personal touch. I would highly recommend them for their skills and capabilities!”
SVP & Head of Human Resources, Lionsgate UK
“We have recently worked with Searchlight Executive, and were very satisfied with the result. They were highly professional, fully understood the brief and were very quick and efficient”.
Head of Production, SISTER
“I have worked with Searchlight for many years and they always deliver. The company’s USP is the ability to handle senior searches to a high standard, as well as contingency recruitment across all disciplines, so they offer a truly all-round service.”
Director, Executive Search, NBC Universal
Forbes: 7 Media Trends That Will Redefine Entertainment In 2026
Entertainment in 2026 has entered a new phase and Forbes suggests the shift will be hard to miss. AI is moving into the creative process in a much bigger way, audiences are leaning toward more interactive and immersive experiences.
Events to Attend in 2026
2026 brings a full calendar of industry events across film, television, advertising, gaming, music, licensing, sport and much more! From major global festivals and trade shows to sector-specific conferences and markets, these gatherings remain key moments for our industry.
AI in Action: Applications in TV Production
Highlights from the Royal Television Society’s “AI in Action” event—how TV teams are using AI tools in production, the challenges ahead, and why AI fluency is now essential.
AI Powered Advertising to Drive Growth in the Global Media and Entertainment Industry
PwC forecasts media and entertainment growth to $3.5T by 2029—driven by AI, digital advertising, ad-supported streaming, retail media, and gaming’s expanding ad revenue.
5 Key Takeaways from Brand Licensing Europe 2025
Five key takeaways from Brand Licensing Europe 2025: Europe’s licensing growth, immersive brand experiences, localised strategies, the role of agents, and Gen Alpha engagement.
Sport and Media Rights
Media and sport are converging fast—explore the money behind major broadcast rights, pay-per-view events, and the rise of esports and competitive gaming in today’s sports media landscape.
International Women’s Day 2025
Celebrating International Women’s Day at Searchlight, with reflections from our team on inspiration, career barriers, and advice for young women.
Searchlight Hr Forum 2025 – Shaping Tomorrow: Innovation And The Evolving Workplace
Highlights from Searchlight’s 2025 HR Forum at Selfridges: Gen Z engagement, employment law updates, harassment, ESG, AI and DEI.
Searchlight & Versa Manchester
Searchlight and VERSA Studios hosted a Manchester event promoting Northern production, featuring RED’s Mags Conway, an expert panel, and a studio tour.
Searchlight At Rts Futures!
Searchlight partnered with an RTS Futures panel to share CV and application advice for early-career talent, with insights from TV and hiring leaders.
Bafta Guru Live Round-Up
A recap of Searchlight’s BAFTA Guru Live session in London—freelancing advice from Sara Putt, a lively Q&A, plus CV surgery and showreel reviews.
Media Trust: Creativity Works At Searchlight
Searchlight hosted Media Trust trainees at WeWork Aldwych House, sharing CV and cover letter tips plus a workshop on breaking into media careers.
Searchlight At Bafta Guru Live
Searchlight supports BAFTA Guru Live in London and Glasgow, sponsoring “How to Freelance” and offering CV clinics plus showreel advice.
The Future Of The Creative Industries
A look at what’s next for the UK’s creative industries—Brexit impacts, new funding, immersive tech growth, and support for emerging talent.
Searchlight To Sponsor Bafta Guru Live
Searchlight returns to sponsor BAFTA Guru Live’s “How To Freelance” session in London, offering Q&A insights plus CV and cover letter advice.
Searchlight At The Creativity Works: Multimedia Genius Scheme
Searchlight shares highlights from delivering CV, cover letter and career-entry workshops at Google UK for Media Trust’s Creativity Works training for aspiring young creatives.
Two Minutes With.. Katharina Feistauer
Katharina shares highlights from her new VP of Programming role at Viacom Nickelodeon, from shaping UK strategy to immersing in kids’ content and team life.
Searchlight To Sponsor The Edinburgh Television Festival
Searchlight is sponsoring Wi-Fi at the Edinburgh TV Festival (22–24 Aug), keeping 2,000 delegates connected across 70+ sessions, talks and screenings.
TV Into Film
When a hit series ends, a film can be a satisfying send-off or a legacy-damaging misstep. From The Simpsons to Deadwood, what makes the jump work?
Searchlight & Lumina’s 2018 Hr Forum
HR Forum highlights from NBCUniversal: expert talks on the evolving media landscape, gender pay, workplace practice, GDPR, and the future of HR in a fast-changing industry.
Ai In Broadcasting: Added Insights And Creative Help
A recap of RTS’s “AI in Broadcasting” event at ITV Studios, exploring where AI can save time, support creativity, and why human control remains essential.
The Changing Workplace – What’s Next For Media Companies?
A quick look at how workplaces are changing, and why gender equality and fair recognition are still under scrutiny despite clear progress across parts of the media industry.
A Sit Down With Jade Tan- Director Of Programming At Shorts
Jade Tan’s move from Sky Cinema to ShortsTV shows how strong relationships and fresh challenges can lead to bigger impact, global scope, and a healthier work-life balance.
A Sit Down With Barry Quinn
From festival radio to kids TV and animation, Barry Quinn shares his career journey—and why his move to Lime Pictures feels like a real step up.
Should Cgi Replace The Use Of Real Firearms?
With CGI advancing fast, why are blank-firing guns still used on set? We unpack safety, realism, budgets, and better options.
Our Recruiter Wishlist
Tips for a smoother hiring process: treat recruiters as part of the team, share a detailed brief and full package, allow office/context visits, and give fast, clear feedback to maintain momentum.
5 Women Leading The UK Media Industry
A spotlight on five influential women shaping UK media—from Sister and Bad Wolf to the BBC, Netflix and Fremantle—highlighting progress and the C-suite gender gap.
Bafta Guru Live Round Up
Searchlight returned to BAFTA Guru Live online, sharing CV, cover letter and showreel tips to a record audience, with practical do’s and don’ts for creatives.
What Is The Future Of The Television And Video Industry?
Streaming is reshaping TV: SVOD/FAST/VOD are entrenched, platforms now produce content, ads are becoming more targeted, aggregation may return “bundle” models, and traditional players must adapt.
Searchlight Supports Media Trust And The National Film And Television School
Searchlight supported early-career talent through CV screenings and talks at Media Trust and NFTS, helping diverse students strengthen applications and enter media careers.
Can Virtual Production Help The Film & Television Industry Become More Sustainable?
Virtual production could cut TV/film emissions by reducing travel and set builds, using LED volumes and reusable digital sets to save time and carbon.
Bafta Guru Live
Searchlight will sponsor BAFTA Guru Live’s “How to freelance” session in London (15–16 Sept), sharing practical tips for managing and promoting your freelance career.
The Role Of Media In Breaking Down Stereotypes
Media and storytelling can challenge prejudice by improving authentic representation, with examples like Ms Marvel showing how inclusive narratives broaden cultural understanding.
5 Minutes With Antony Garvey
An interview with LBC’s Head of Video Antony Garvey on his move from the BBC to Global, growing the video team, and advice for building a long-term media career.
A Look At The UK Film Industry
ScreenSkills warns UK film/HETV needs 21k more workers by 2025 as production grows, with investment spreading to Scotland, Wales and NE.
Media Trust
Searchlight delivered a Media Trust session on CVs, cover letters, and breaking into media, supporting the Creativity Works training for young Londoners.
Tips To Avoid Freelance Fatigue
A practical guide for freelancers to avoid burnout: set boundaries, take breaks, say no, stop comparisons, and schedule real time off to recharge.
Reality TV: Evolving Or Stagnating?
Reality TV is booming again via streaming and social media, mixing familiar formulas with newer, more inclusive formats—raising questions about real evolution and duty of care.
Interview With – Thomas Ryan: Head Of Post-Production At Connected Pictures
An interview with Connected Pictures’ Thomas Ryan on his non-traditional path into post, rapid career growth, leading the post-production team, and working with Searchlight.
Live Action Remakes
Disney’s live-action remakes are booming at the box office, but spark debate over nostalgia vs reinvention as films like Aladdin and The Lion King aim to become new classics.
The RTS In Cambridge
RTS Cambridge highlighted media uncertainty, new streaming disruptors, and the need for UK regulation to catch up as audiences shift from linear TV to on-demand.
The Evolution Of Movie Distribution: Unraveling The Shrinking Theatrical Windows
Streaming and shifting studio strategy have shrunk cinema exclusivity to around 30 days, forcing theatres to adapt with premium experiences, flexible windows, and new tech.
Must-See Films And Tv Shows For Black History Month
A Black History Month watchlist of standout films and series celebrating Black stories, culture, and representation across drama, comedy, animation, and horror.
Console Wars
PS5’s UK launch kicks off the next console war, with Sony’s exclusives facing Xbox’s Game Pass momentum and major studio acquisitions.
The Year Ahead: What’s Next For The Media Industry
YouGov’s media outlook highlights 2022’s digital surge and predicts 2023 growth in streaming, more bundling, sports shifting to DTC, and cinemas rethinking models.
How To Hire With Diversity And Inclusion In Mind
A step-by-step guide to diversity recruiting: measure current representation, use inclusive job ads, train hiring teams, hire for culture add, align employer branding, and support retention.
How To Hire With Diversity & Inclusion In Mind
A practical guide to inclusive hiring: write unbiased job specs, widen candidate sourcing, shortlist fairly, and run accessible, structured interviews to reduce bias.
Working With The Media Trust
Searchlight shared CV and cover letter tips with Media Trust trainees, supporting underrepresented young adults through the Creativity Works Futures bootcamp.
Searchlight & Lumina HR Forum: Shaping The Workplace Of The Future
HR Forum recap on the workplace of the future: culture, inclusion and flexibility, the “S” in ESG, key employment law updates, and respect on set.
How Can AI Revolutionise Recruitment: An Exploration In Enhancing Efficiency And Human Expertise
AI could streamline recruitment by speeding up screening, sourcing, assessments, and bias checks, freeing consultants to focus on relationships, judgement, and cultural fit.
What Does The UK General Election Mean For Employment Law?
With the 4 July 2024 election, Labour’s ‘New Deal’ could overhaul workers’ rights; employers should prepare and manage office tensions.
Lewis Silkin – Legal Update
Employment law update: stronger family leave redundancy protection, new carers leave, proactive anti-harassment duty, holiday pay and flexible working changes.
Protecting Employee (And Your Own) Mental Health
HR Forum highlights on protecting mental health at work, with practical advice on spotting issues, supporting struggling staff, and signposting help and resources.
Lisa Opie: The Future Of Gaming And The Media Industry
Ubisoft’s Lisa Opie on gaming’s unique workforce, diversity gaps, and creative power, plus rising crossover with TV via engines and hit adaptations like The Last of Us.
Can The BBC Be Both A Global Giant And A Local Champion?
Tim Davie’s BBC vision: stronger UK storytelling and BBC Verify, more AI and streaming, global growth, regional production, licence-fee reform by 2028.
Managing HR Challenges During Periods Of Significant Expansion & Contraction
HR leaders shared lessons from Lionsgate and Channel 4 on managing rapid growth and contraction through clear communication, planning, and supporting staff through change.
The Labour Government’s Impact: A Game Changer For Entertainment And Media?
Labour’s plans could boost UK entertainment and media with investment, skills, fairer freelance work, and renewed global partnerships.
The Evolution Of Job Roles In The Industry: New Titles And Skills.
The media and entertainment industries are in the midst of a digital revolution, reshaping not only how content is consumed but also who creates it, and how. As streaming platforms, social media, and immersive technologies change the landscape, new job roles have emerged, blending creativity with cutting-edge tech skills.
What The Media Industry Wants From The New Labour Government
With the recent landslide election of a Labour government, the UK film and television industry is hoping for new policies to reshape and reinvigorate the industry. Representatives from various sectors of the industry have voiced their desires for comprehensive support and strategic reforms to address current challenges and harness future opportunities.
AI In Recruitment, Executive Search, And HR
At Searchlight, we’ve been looking at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can reshape the recruitment landscape. Through exploring the perks and pitfalls, we’ve gathered some insights into how it can transform our work—and yours.
25 Years Of Searchlight.
Searchlight turns 25: a Paris celebration and reflections from founders and long-standing team members on the moments that shaped the journey
Shaping The Spotlight: Black Visionaries Shaping Film, TV, Music And Gaming.
Honouring Black History Month with a spotlight on creators driving film, TV, music and gaming forward—on screen and behind it.
Channel 4 Spending Bounceback
Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer Ian Katz has spoken on the broadcaster’s recent strategic decisions aimed at reinforcing its ability to support independent producers in the long run.
So You Have A Video Interview?
Video interviews are here to stay. This guide shares hiring managers’ top tips to help you feel confident on camera—from testing your tech and choosing the right setup, to preparing competency examples, looking professional, and making a strong impression with clear answers and smart questions.
Feeling Stuck? Here’s How You Can Take The Next Step
Landing a job in the media and entertainment industry can be tough and it’s normal to feel a bit stuck at times. We’ve put together some FAQs we think could really help guide you on your journey.
Global Supply Chains Hit By Trump’s Tariff Rule. Here’s What It Means:
On Sunday 4th May 2025, Trump stunned Hollywood by declaring ‘Commerce Department and USTR to impose a 100% tariff on every movie coming into our country produced in foreign lands’ via his X account. His declaration sent the industry into a frenzy just as Avengers: Doomsday has begun filming in England.
Recruitment Trends To Watch In 2025: What They Mean For Us
As recruitment professionals, Searchlight has seen the field evolve significantly over the years. As we’ve entered 2025, several key trends are redefining how we connect talent with opportunity. These changes affect how we work as well as how we create stronger and more inclusive professional communities.
Understanding Media Consumption Across Generations
As UK media habits shift, traditional TV viewing is declining—those watching 3+ hours a day fell from 58.8% (2022) to 52.3% (2024)—while streaming continues to grow, with 60.6% of consumers watching at least an hour of streamed TV daily.
The Podcast Industry In 2025
Since 2023, podcasts have become one of the most accessible and engaging forms of media, with convenience cited as one of the key reasons for their success. Podcasts allow for learning and entertainment whilst multitasking, making them an ideal companion for today’s busy lifestyles.