Deborah Sheppard
My entry into the film business came after several years working in advertising agencies, giving me invaluable insights into branding, strategy, creative development, media buying and campaign/client-management across FMCG and blue chip brands, including Absolut Vodka, IBM, London Transport, Batchelors Foods, Virgin Money and Crown Paints.
I took up the marketing director opportunity at United International Pictures UK (Universal, Paramount and MGM joint distribution venture) and after 11 years I moved to Paramount Pictures International for a further 5 years. During this period I worked with my team to market 420 films across multiple genres and worked on over 160 premieres. In 2012 I felt it was time to leave to pursue more independent opportunities across all aspects of the film industry.
Iheartcinema was initially set up to undertake individual projects on behalf of distributors and producers and has grown to encompass a multitude of bespoke services, with affiliations to like-minded companies who work together to optimise whatever is needed. Clients include the Film Distributors Association, Universal Pictures, Volgafilms (Russia), Fox Filmed Entertainment, We Are Many Ltd, Electric Shadow Company, Spinning Head Films, Haviland Digital, ShowFilmFirst, NFTS and Raindance, Birmingham City University, Hertfordshire University, Brighton University.
Having acted as EP on an award-winning short, DRONE, in 2013, I am now also co-producing and executive producing a number of feature films covering many genres and targeting different audiences – family animation, young adult, rom com, and drama.
Testimonals
JAY TAYLOR, PRODUCER – THE HIPPOPOTAMUS
Deborah came highly recommended and it became clear quickly that we could benefit from her depth of experience on our release. She understood our motivations and objectives. …. t's a tough and very risky decision to release a movie. We honestly could not have done without Deborah and the team. Personally I learnt a lot from working with Deborah.
AMIR AMIRANI, DIRECTOR/PRODUCER – WE ARE MANY
Deborah Sheppard was a delight to work with for the independent release of our documentary, We Are Many. As the producer/director of the film, it was reassuring to have Deborah take an overall view and manage the operation, with her trusty notebook always in hand, as she kept track of the different aspects of marketing and advertising. She worked very well with the team, and was efficient and proactive, and able to effectively provide solutions to any issues. Given Deborah's extensive experience in the industry with some of the leading studios, she has both a good an excellent knowledge of the industry and good contacts. Deborah is both personable and professional, and I would not hesitate to recommend her as a consultant for independent producers seeking to release their films.
ANDREW CRIPPS - President International Distribution 20th Century Fox
Deborah has been an incredibly energetic and enthusiastic head of marketing for Paramount Pictures UK who I have had the pleasure of working with for 15 years. In that time we had some amazing successes in the UK market and her contributions to those successes were an essential ingredient.
ADAM RUBINS – MD, Way to Blue
Deborah has been a client of Way To Blue's for many years and throughout she has been extremely supportive, set clear business objectives and has inspired strong work and a positive outlook. Working with clients isn't always easy, but Deborah is certainly a joy to work with and inspires great confidence in her agency as well as her team