Our Team

Northern Silents is made up of a small group of enthusiastic freelancers who work together to bring our unique cinematic experiences to audiences across the North.

  • Jonny Best

    Jonny is one of the UK's leading improvising silent film pianists and the founding artistic director of Northern Silents. He researches silent era moving picture accompaniment practice, has a PhD in music, and is a Clore Fellow.

    Jonny Best, artistic director

  • Symon Payne

    Symon is frequently spotted as a blur rushing around behind the scenes, programming, subtitling and editing the digital screenings, setting up the venues and projecting the films. As the technical guy, he makes sure everything you see looks the best it can.

    Symon Payne, technical manager

Claire Bowdler, trustee
Porl Cooper, trustee
Rosa Freedman, trustee