An inclusive space where the creative and media industries come together to support each other, foster collaboration, fuel innovation, and grow professionally.
Mission
Fuelled by authenticity, our industrial landscape, and the distinctive northern can-do attitude, we aim to redefine creative excellence in the region and stick it to the south by forging robust links between northern visual artists, SMEs, not-for-profits and the educational sector.
What We Do
Unite and support creatives for growth
Empower northern talent to redefine standards
Offer tailored resources and legal/business aid
Host expert talks, workshops, and spotlights
Develop skills across a range of creative areas
Advocate networking opportunities
What We Don’t
Allow Self-Serving Practices
Passive Engagement
Enforce self-indulgent content
Our aim is to ensure that Square Lens Alliance supports the local creative landscape in achieving its full potential to compete with other regions.
Next event
Thursday 19th March 2026
at The Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough Mills, Halifax
Event Agenda
Opening Introduction: Hebden Bridge Film Festival
To begin the evening, we’ll be joined by representatives from Hebden Bridge Film Festival, who will share a short introduction to this year’s festival programme and upcoming events. This is a great opportunity to hear about one of the region’s most established film festivals and discover ways to get involved as an audience member or filmmaker.
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Guest Speaker: Christian Krupa – Storytelling Through Archives & Sound
We’re delighted to welcome Christian Krupa, an award-winning animator, filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist whose work spans film, animation, VR, live visuals and experimental sound.
In this session, Christian will share the evolving process behind his current cross-media project, which began with photographs from his grandfather’s wartime and post-war life and has expanded into writing, filmmaking and analogue electronic sound. Through images, listening and discussion, Christian will explore how archives, fragments and curiosity can become powerful starting points for storytelling.
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Workshop & Talk: Ant Croft – The Power of Sound in Film
Award-winning Sound Designer, Dialogue Editor and Re-Recording Mixer Ant Croft will lead a session exploring the powerful role sound plays in shaping how we experience film and television.
Drawing on iconic WWII films, Ant will demonstrate how silence, repetition and sonic perspective influence tension, memory and emotion on screen. Through short clips and discussion, he will share practical ways for filmmakers and creatives to think about sound earlier in the creative process.
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Q&A with Christian Krupa & Ant Croft
Following the talks, Christian and Ant will join us for a live Q&A session. This is an opportunity to ask questions about their creative processes, working with archives and experimental sound, and how to integrate sound more intentionally into your own productions.
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Networking & Community Building
Throughout the evening, enjoy refreshments and the chance to meet fellow creatives, share ideas, and discover new collaborators.
Artist talk
Christian Krupa shares the evolving process behind his latest cross-media project, exploring storytelling through archives, personal history and experimental sound.
Featured Session
Ant Croft, award-winning Sound Designer and Re-Recording Mixer, will explore how sound shapes emotion and tension in film. Through examples and discussion, he’ll share practical ways filmmakers can think about sound earlier in the creative process.
Member Spotlight
Shining a light on the extraordinary work and stories from members of the Square Lens Alliance community.
(Coming soon)
Member's activity
Critique Night – Constructive Feedback
Members share a 1–2 minute piece and receive thoughtful, constructive feedback to help develop and strengthen their skills. (Coming soon)
Why Join the Movement?
Engagement Opportunities & Collaborative Projects
Creative workshops, practical skills-building, networking events, and collaboration on projects while also helping in easing the crewing for any art-related projects.
Professional development
Seminars, training programs, mentoring schemes, and peer-to-peer support for a well-rounded support network.
Advocacy & Resource Sharing
Collective advocacy against issues affecting the creative industry. Empowering our community by sharing and showcasing knowledge, tools, and expertise with others in the community.
Legal and Business Support
Access to legal advice, business resources, and contract templates tailored for creative industries to help with legal and business aspects.
Be a part of things
We’re a friendly bunch. SLA members aren’t just names on a database, we welcome all participants to have their say in steering groups and brainstorming sessions to shape the future of the Alliance and bring your innovative input to the table.
Bimonthly Meetings
Our meetings are held every two months in the relaxed and creative atmosphere of the Copper Auditorium at Square Chapel Arts Centre, located in the heart of Halifax
About Us: Who are we?
Members of Square Lens Alliance are passionate about creating visual stories that entertain, inspire, and challenge. We believe in the power of collaborative effort and the magic it brings into existence. Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a thrilling journey!
Square Lens Alliance strives to ignite the creativity of talented artists, fostering an environment of support and commitment to cinematic excellence.
Living by our vision and values is at the heart of our endeavour. Our goal? To create a collective that celebrates the power of storytelling, the creativity of our members, and the profound impact of visual storytelling.
Join Us
Get the advantage of exclusive content and meetings, extra learning, and discounts on future activities. All this without it costing you a single penny!
Founding Members
Meet the visionaries behind Square Lens Alliance.
Our members are dedicated to crafting visual narratives that captivate, motivate, and provoke thought. We kindle the artistic flame and pledge to keep that fire lit. Full stop.
We nurture an atmosphere rooted in support and a quest for visual brilliance whilst building a community that reveres the art of storytelling, celebrates the ingenuity of our members, and recognizes the profound impact of visual narratives.
Meet the trailblazers who laid the foundation for Square Lens Alliance's vision.
DAVE HACKNEY
Filmmaker
ALIXE LOBATO
Creative Director
Laura Channing
Marketing & Comms
Dawn Feather
Filmmaker & Lecturer
SLA Programming
Our programming includes expert talks from invited guests, pitching opportunities, behind-the-scenes presentations with Q&A sessions, project case studies with challenges plus Q&A, panel discussions, technical workshops, and competitions.
The best showcase will be rewarded at the end of the year, so make sure to put in your best.
Networking
Our specifically designated ice-breaking networking sessions offer the ideal opportunity to grab a cup of coffee or a pint and participate in fast-paced 2-minute speed-dating-style conversations with fellow members, all while exploring the potential for future collaborations.
Upcoming Topics
Women in Documentary, Accessibility & Neurodiversity in the Screen Industries, In Motion: Exploring Animation & Movement, Combat & Action in Film, Fundraising Approaches for Creative Projects, AI for Creatives
Join Us
Get the advantage of exclusive content and meetings, extra learning, and discounts on future activities. All this without it costing you a single penny!
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