Tom and Paul’s journey into filmmaking began through different paths but with the same dedication to the industry.

Paul, a BAFTA Connect Member and Master of The Arts, has built his career from the ground up, working across UK stage tours and feature film roles before stepping behind the camera as a producer. His deep understanding of performance and collaboration comes from years of working closely with actors and creatives. Now an accomplished producer, Paul has been behind several award-winning short and long-form films, positioning himself as an emerging force in the North West’s production scene.

Tom made his directorial debut in 2016 with the documentary Autism: A Curious Case of the Human Mind, a deeply personal project about his younger brother’s neurological condition and their relationship. Shot on a budget of just £300, the film went on to win Best of Festival and Best Feature Documentary at the 2017 Carmarthen Bay Film Festival, along with international recognition. His subsequent work, Sticks & Feathers, followed a young hockey captain navigating grief and was awarded Best Factual Film at the Nottingham Film Festival in 2018. More recently, Tom has worked on behind-the-scenes documentary content for BBC’s Boiling Point series, further cementing his reputation as a director with a keen eye for human stories.

Together, as co-owners of Old Swan Films, Tom and Paul combine their expertise to produce powerful, character-driven stories. Their recent documentary, The Little Things, highlights the incredible work of Derian House Children’s Hospice and has been praised for its sensitivity and storytelling, it was picked up by Buffalo 8 for Global Distribution. Old Swan Films is dedicated to supporting emerging talent, fostering collaborative filmmaking, and bringing diverse voices to the screen. Old Swan Films have now collaborated with notable figures such as BAFTA-winning Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9, The League of Gentlemen), actress and producer Kayleigh-Paige Rees (Sanditon, 2023 National Film Award Winning Keep Calm & Carry On), singer Kiki Deville (The Voice), actress Debbie Honeywood (Sorry We Missed You) and Buffalo 8 founders Matthew Helderman and Luke Taylor.