Candid Broads Productions, a dynamic female-led independent production company based in London, is rapidly establishing itself as a vital force in the entertainment industry by championing diverse voices and impactful, character-driven narratives. Founded in 2020 by French-British actress and producer Oriane Pick, the company, co-led by producer Anaïs Ferrato, is making significant strides, transitioning from a celebrated slate of short films to ambitious feature-length projects and an upcoming television series, all while steadfastly upholding its core mission of inclusivity and authentic representation both in front of and behind the camera.
The company’s ethos is vividly reflected in its current and upcoming projects, which tackle a range of compelling and often underexplored subjects. Among its acclaimed short documentaries is Swim Sistas, narrated by Oscar-nominated actress Naomie Harris. Directed by Catherine Joy White, this short is described as a "poetic and visually rich love letter to water, sisterhood, and the resilience of Black women across generations," offering a profound exploration of identity and connection. Another notable short, Hannah Congdon’s The Long Away Game, shares the poignant journey of a female Afghan refugee soccer player discovering a new home and community in Yorkshire, England, highlighting themes of displacement and belonging.
Humor also plays a role in Candid Broads’ diverse storytelling. Julie Magnaudet’s comedic short The Contraception Fair, starring Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo (Alex Rider), Kathy Kiera Clarke (Derry Girls), and Amber Grappy (The Baby), presents a satirical yet thought-provoking scenario. The film follows a young woman navigating an imaginary "Female Contraception Fair," where various methods vie for her attention, subtly addressing the pressures and complexities women face regarding reproductive choices. These films exemplify the company’s commitment to narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and spark conversation, distinguishing Candid Broads Productions in a competitive landscape.
A Bold Mission in a Shifting Industry
At its heart, Candid Broads Productions was conceived to fill a perceived void in the industry. Oriane Pick and Anaïs Ferrato articulated a clear vision for the company on its website: "to bring unspoken truths from underrepresented communities to the forefront of the entertainment industry" and ensure "diverse female representation both in front of and behind the camera." This mission extends beyond simple quotas, aiming to infuse projects with "warmth, energy, and cinematic flair" while actively nurturing emerging filmmakers whose perspectives might otherwise be overlooked.
The name itself, "Candid Broads," is a deliberate statement of intent. Pick recounted how they sought a name that was unequivocally female-centric without resorting to clichés. "Broads" was chosen for its cool, confident resonance, while "Candid" reflects their direct, honest, and sometimes blunt approach, a trait Pick attributes to their French heritage. This combination signals to creative partners that the company operates with transparency and unwavering persistence. Pick emphasized that this candidness extends to acknowledging the industry’s challenges, telling THR that they prepare collaborators for the "tough industry" and the inevitable "nos," but also inspire them with the conviction that a single "yes" can validate the entire journey. This philosophy underpins their commitment to never giving up and taking people along on what they call "this magnificent ride."
While the company is female-centric, its storytelling isn’t exclusively focused on female protagonists. Ferrato noted that while their primary focus remains on women, they are open to a "wider net" of narratives, citing their short film Punching Bag, which centers on a male protagonist. This flexibility underscores their overarching goal: to discover and amplify distinctive voices, regardless of the gender of the subject, as long as the story offers a fresh, compelling perspective.
Navigating the Landscape of Representation
In an era marked by both increasing calls for diversity and a political backlash against it, particularly in the U.S., Candid Broads Productions remains resolute in its commitment. Oriane Pick views representation as a fundamental duty for everyone in the industry, emphasizing its importance "behind the camera or in front of the camera, or the kind of story that we tell." She highlights that their commitment extends to telling stories through the eyes of Black filmmakers about Black characters, even as Caucasian women lead the company, stressing that "any kind of representation is really, really vital."
This unwavering stance is not merely theoretical; it’s embedded in their operational practices. Candid Broads actively requires at least gender parity on its sets, a policy that often naturally results in around 60 percent women without any additional pressure. This organic achievement speaks to the company’s network and reputation for attracting diverse talent. Ferrato articulated their perspective as a simple truth: historically, a narrow demographic has dominated storytelling and on-screen presence. By actively providing opportunities, Candid Broads aims to tap into the vast reservoir of talent and stories that have traditionally been marginalized, thereby enriching the entire cultural landscape. For them, "representation is not just a word; it’s something much bigger."
Expanding Horizons: From Shorts to Features and TV
The successful foundation laid with their short films has paved the way for Candid Broads Productions to expand into more ambitious formats. The company recently wrapped production on its first feature film, Arthur & Clara. This romantic drama marks the feature debut for director Kieran Bourne and stars CJ Beckford and Mirren Mack. The synopsis hints at a story of self-discovery and connection: "When a filmmaker and an actress unknowingly run away to the same rural farmhouse hoping to find themselves, they discover they only needed one person to truly see them."
Another highly anticipated debut feature on their slate is the coming-of-age comedy Underdogs, from writer-director Fabia Martin (The Rev, Six for Gold). The film has secured Alisha Weir (Abigail, Matilda the Musical) for a starring role, with Amber Grappy also featuring. Underdogs promises a unique narrative, following two disillusioned but determined teenage girls in foster care who escape in a stolen ambulance, ultimately finding themselves illegally competing at Crufts, the world’s largest annual dog show. Grappy plays a "strung-out social worker" tasked with retrieving the girls, adding another layer of complexity to this comedic adventure.
Candid Broads is also developing Am I Nervous, the first full-length film from Amy Hodge. This feature is an adaptation of her and the company’s critically acclaimed short, The Date, which earned writer Bethan Marlow a 2024 BAFTA Cymru Breakthrough Award nomination. The original short, starring Millie Kiss, Sinead Matthews, and Precious Scott, explored a 13-year-old’s first date and her burgeoning sexuality. The feature, co-written by Hodge and Marlow in early development with Ffilm Cymru, will expand on these themes, following a teenager and a grandmother on their parallel journeys of reclaiming their sexuality, offering an intergenerational perspective on a rarely discussed topic. Further demonstrating their commitment to emerging talent, Candid Broads is also developing Loud & Clear, the next feature written by Kieran Bourne, with Oriane Pick producing alongside Alexa Waugh (Cielo).
Addressing Taboos and Venturing into Television
The company’s commitment to "unspoken truths" is powerfully illustrated by projects like the upcoming dark comedy short Vag, executive produced by Slick Films. Written and directed by Lily Britton, Vag tackles the taboo subject of vaginismus, a condition that is rarely discussed in media, and the broader politics of female pleasure and dating. Ferrato emphasized the importance of providing "much-needed representation" for this condition, highlighting the film’s synopsis: "Marianne is 27. She’s successful, vibrant, and — thanks to vaginismus — unable to have penetrative sex. When a promising romance turns sour, she’s forced to explore her own pleasure — something she’s never dared to before." This project exemplifies Candid Broads’ dedication to shedding light on intimate, often stigmatized, aspects of women’s health and sexuality.
Beyond film, Candid Broads Productions is making its first foray into television, with a series currently in development. Written by Ali Hughes (Dreaming Whilst Black), the project is being co-produced with Mischief International, with its founder Maria Ishak serving as executive producer. While specific plot details remain under wraps, this move signifies the company’s strategic expansion and its ambition to reach wider audiences through diverse platforms.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Innovation
The team at Candid Broads is not content to rest on its laurels. Ferrato highlighted their strategic goal of "bridging the gap between what we know or what we believe the audience wants, but also what the industry thinks they want and the safer choices." This indicates a deliberate effort to push boundaries and challenge conventional industry wisdom regarding commercially viable content. Their current focus is on maximizing their capacity without overextending themselves, ensuring that each project receives the dedicated attention it deserves.
Pick concluded by expressing the excitement surrounding their diverse slate, emphasizing the joy of working on varied stories at different stages of development. For Oriane Pick and Anaïs Ferrato, the continuous cycle of staying busy, learning, and challenging themselves is paramount. Their ultimate goal is "to never get bored," a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, innovative spirit of Candid Broads Productions as it continues to carve out a significant and impactful niche in the global entertainment industry. Their journey underscores the growing power of independent, mission-driven production companies in shaping a more inclusive and representative future for storytelling.
