Sallie Leak

Talent Executive

(she/her)

Sallie is responsible for off-screen talent at True North. Her background is in production, working as a Series Producer at True North for over a decade on a wide range of shows for Channel 4, BBC, Discovery and ITV.

It’s her job to build and develop relationships with all levels of production staff, from researchers to series producers. She works closely with executive producers and production management teams to staff projects in both Leeds and Manchester, and to attract and keep great talent at True North.

She’s one of our Mental Health First Aiders and has been an active member of the Diversity and Welfare committees since their inception.

When did you join True North?

2005. I can’t believe it’s over 20 years!

What do you do at True North?

I’m the Talent Executive. Which is basically a TV match-maker – finding the right people for the right productions.

What’s your favourite bit of your job?

I love finding new talent and helping people progress their careers. 

What show would you most like to make if you could make anything in the world?

A new series of W1A. As an industry, we definitely need to laugh at ourselves more.

Anything you feel really strongly about in the industry?  

Increasing diversity in all its forms and making TV truly accessible to all. The industry has come a long way in the years I’ve been working in talent, but there’s still work to be done.

We also need to find a way to retain talent. I’ve seen too many talented freelancers forced to leave the jobs they love in recent years.

Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?

I’m very friendly – so please get in touch!