“The best parts of my job are when I meet a potential charity partner for the first time and learn about their ideas for the project. Seeing the end result online is always really rewarding too!”
HelpFilm would not be possible without the amazing talents and enthusiasm of our team.
Alan Walsh
Founder
I'm Alan Walsh, the founder of HelpFilm. I'm a grizzled veteran of 15 years in video production. I started out editing and directing for TV in my native Ireland but for the last 10 years I've been living in London and helping to build Citywire Studios which I now run. At Citywire Studios we create content around the world for some of the most successful, and fortunate people in the world.
One evening at a magazine launch for Positive News (a great magazine) I had the idea to use my experience, and network of professionals, to create similar content for charities. Video production and animation can be incredibly expensive and daunting. I wanted to help charities make the kinds of videos that would normally be out of their reach. So HelpFilm was born!
In my spare time I look after two gloriously spoilt cats, read, drink real ale, play hurling.
Valeria Oliveri
Co-Founder and Financial Master
Hi I’m Valeria Oliveri. I spend my days elbow deep in forecasting sales for a multinational company and my evenings running the finances for HelpFilm.
I have lived in Italy, France, Spain, USA and Switzerland and am now happily settled in London with my husband and two adorable cats.
In my spare time I do yoga, singing and gardening. The one thing I most love about the garden is that it has become home to many wonderful creatures like bees, frogs, hedgehogs, birds and a fox that comes to visit and plays with a rubber ball.
I’m passionate about animal welfare and the environment and I’m extremely proud to have helped set up HelpFilm.
Laura Balerdi
Creative Engagement and Communications Manager
My role as Creative Engagement Officer is to make sure we shout the loudest about the what, why and who of HelpFilm. I am really excited to be working with HelpFilm in a time when many charities are struggling to access vital funds. Through celebrating their work, we hope to raise even deeper awareness.
Previous to this role, I have worked as an Exhibitions Coordinator and Curator in various museums and galleries around London, as a Media, Film and English Teacher for over ten years, and more recently as a Communications Manager and Consultant in the charitable sector.
When I am not working with HelpFilm, I enjoy running and swimming, playing the sax and hanging out with my pet cat, Rolo.
Matthew Murdoch
Trustee and Filmmaker Extraordinaire
Hi, i’m Matthew, a film maker fanatic and a graduate of The Royal College of Art.
I have been in the film industry for around fifteen years and my passion for what I do is endless. I have loved participating in a range of film festivals, including the London Short Film Festival, where I launched my short ‘Fence’ and received the runner up prize for the Best British Short (2006).
The next ten years allowed me to hone my skills further, and led me to win the Best UK Short prize at the Oxford International Film Festival (2020) for my film ‘Isabel’, which I wrote and directed.
My most recent projects involve working on two feature films, one of which is with the support of the British Film Institute.
I am particularly drawn to character driven dramas that touch on universal stories and themes, and more recently I have broadened my skills to include the role of writer and director. It is with this in mind that really draws me to HelpFilm, making sure I am able to offer my experience and advice whenever needed.
Meredith Morgan
Trustee and Graphic Design Guru
My name is Meredith (but I prefer Mer).
I was born in Toronto, Canada. And have since lived in the UK from 2011 - my husband however, is convinced I’m from another planet.
I was honoured to be asked to be on the board of HelpFilm. It is such a brilliant charity, which helps smaller organisations get recognition for the things they do. My involvement within HelpFilm, is primarily from visual standpoint – I designed the logo, I assist with mood boards / ideas, and I help out with any graphic design needs.
When I am not being a design wizard, I love art, and painting. I love books; not even just reading them, but also simply having and touching them. I love animals.
All too often, I wish I could communicate with animals, and live in a tree.
Recently, pigeons have become my new obsession. I fear now, that I am locally known as the “Pigeon Lady”.