Sue Hayes (29 April 1951 – 23 April 2021) was a British film and television executive who, as London Film Commissioner, was instrumental in championing London as an international filming destination.[1] She also directed Edinburgh International Film & Television Festival and won an International Emmy for her documentary "For The Sake of the Children" in 1991.
Sue Hayes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 29 April 1951 London, England |
| Died | 23 April 2021 (aged 69) |
| Occupation(s) | Film producer and London Film Commissioner |
| Known for | Supporting film in London |
Early life
editSue Hayes was born 29 April 1951 in London, eldest child of James Hayes (who worked in the Vauxhall Car Plant in Luton) and Alice Hayes (née Manuel).[2]
She attended Apsley Grammar School, Hemel Hempstead, and studied economics and sociology at City University.[2]
Career
editHayes' early career was as a journalist for the Daily Mirror, Der Spiegel and the Sunday Times,[2] before working as a researcher for Granada TV and then as a producer at companies including Channel 4, ITV, Granada TV and The History Channel.[3]
From 1979 to 1983 she was director of the Edinburgh International Television Festival.
In 1989 she launched an independent production company, VPL, which made TV documentaries,[4] including For the Sake of the Children (1991), which won an International Emmy.[2]
In 2000, Hayes was appointed the commissioner of the London Film Commission[5] (now Film London),[3] and was its head until 2010.[2] She was involved in the establishment of the London Filming Partnership and in both these roles was a key figure in London becoming a go-to location for international productions.
Death
editHayes died on 23 April 2021, at the age of 69.[1] Hayes was survived by her partner, producer Rod Caird.[6] He died on 12 October 2021, at the age of 73.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "Sue Hayes". www.bafta.org. 2021-05-05. Retrieved 2021-05-26.
- ^ a b c d e Cooper, Wendy (2021-05-06). "Sue Hayes obituary". the Guardian. Retrieved 2021-05-26.
- ^ a b Ramachandran, Naman (2021-04-29). "Sue Hayes, Former London Film Commissioner and Edinburgh TV Festival Director, Dies at 69". Variety. Retrieved 2021-05-26.
- ^ Goodman, Walter (April 26, 1993). "Review/Television; A Benevolent Journey to Peru's Poor". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ Minns, Adam (September 19, 2000). "London Film Commission appoints Hayes as head". Screen Daily. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ Veteran factual producer Rod Caird passes away at 73
- ^ "Rod Caird". www.bafta.org. Retrieved 2021-11-23.