Tolu Stedford

Tolu brings over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, with a diverse portfolio of credits as a producer, writer, and associate director across television, film, and stage. As the former CEO of the Independent Film Trust, she played a key role in nurturing BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated talent, particularly championing voices from marginalised communities.

She is the co-founder of Story Compounds, a vibrant production company and consultancy that focuses on film, television, and immersive media. The company is dedicated to amplifying untold stories from the global majority that have universal resonance, with several projects currently in commissioned development.

Tolu recently completed her debut documentary, "THE MEDALLION," commissioned by BFI Doc Society. The film has received critical acclaim with official selections at IDA, Cinema Honours, and the Golden Gate Awards, where it took home a win. It has been acquired for global distribution by Condé Nast Entertainment.

She also serves as Executive Producer for Media Trust. She has produced six short films, Criminal Justice Alliance, exploring the criminal justice system and 2 Films for John Lyons Foundation, exploring youth services. Five of these were honoured at the Smiles Charity Awards—known as the Oscars of the charity world—including her film Fair Check, which won Top GOLD Winner for Best Film.

Recognised as an emerging industry leader, Tolu was selected for Film London's Breaking the Glass Ceiling 2023 cohort, collaborating with leading figures such as Jay Hunt (Creative Director, Apple TV) and Eva Yates (Film Director). In 2025, she was named a Breakthrough Leader by The TV Collective and voted among the Top 50 Black Female Gamechangers in Media.

Tolu’s thought leadership in policy and representation has seen her speak at numerous high-level forums. Her work and insights have been featured in prominent publications such as British Cinematographer, Screen Daily, Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter and Broadcast Magazine, where she continues to contribute to vital industry conversations and solutions.