Charles Thompson MBE, the son of a barrister hails from London via Africa and is a graduate of Film & Television Production Techniques from Pimlico Arts and Media. His 22 years experience in the UK film & TV industry includes 3 years as an editor before commencing his career as an Independent Producer with a commitment to new drama by black writers and directors. He has produced over 15 narrative films, with a number winning awards, plus several features and has worked in a producing capacity on important dramas and TV magazine shows.

In 1996 Charles helped found Off the Grove, London’s first live screenplay reading event, a forerunner to the BFI’s highly rated Script Factory. Between 1999-2002 Charles co-founded and served as Festival Co-ordinator & Director for one of Europe’s premier black film showcases, the annual BFM International Film Festival. In 2003 he founded the Screen Nation Film & TV Awards (aka ‘Black Oscars’) and he is currently developing screennation.com an innovative web based media rights company. Future plans include a series of high profile heritage events recognising the contribution black British film & TV practitioners have made to the UK industries since the early 1900’s.

His commitment to black British filmmakers has seen him develop local training and screening programs for local communities across the UK. He continues to consult and work with new writers and directors as an Exec Producer, give talks and he has put several feature/TV projects into development/production, one of which is a global entertainment show featuring the best of black Hollywood, European & African media scene.

Charles is former Chair of the Alliance of Black Media Professionals, a Millennium Awards Fellow, and a member of the Roundhouse Creative Centre Advisory Panel and in 2004 was again honoured by London Mayor, Ken Livingston for his contribution to London life.

2011 has been a fruitful year for Charles, first world wide success as the Associate producer the of the first Nollywood cross over movie The Mirror Boy and then receiving an MBE for services to the Black Film Industry.

On receiving the MBE Charles said ‘It is with great pleasure and pride that I announce that I've been awarded an MBE. What can I say? ‘Thank you your Majesty', and it feels good to know the Ancestors have guided me well enough to have finally taken a piece out of the British Empire’.