Kerri McLean | Director | Screen Drama & Film

Director

I'm an award-winning UK-based director working towards high-end screen drama and film, having built my craft across continuing drama, theatre, immersive performance and commercial work. Character, drive and emotion are the focus of my collaborations with talented cast and crew. I'm a BAFTA Connect member and was selected to join the BBC Studios and EastEnders Director Multi-Camera Scheme in 2024..

FILM & TV

Selection — Short Film (Teaser)
Writer-Director: Kerri McLean | DOP: Robin Fox

Director 2024 Project Reel

Highlights of directing projects I’ve worked on during 2024 which include;

Selection short film teaser, Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and BBC Studios Eastenders mini series Tracey - A Day in the Life.

DIRECTOR SHOWREEL

DIRECTOR SCENE REEL

COMMERCIAL / WORLDWIDE BROADCAST

F1 Opening Titles 2021 - Directors Cut

Worldwide Broadcast

Producer - The Strand, Drive Studio & F1

F1 2020 Welcome to The Edge (Helmet/Studio Direction)

Worldwide Broadcast

Producer - The Strand & F1

MUSIC VIDEO

Toodar, Ten Paces Music Video (Directors Cut)

Producer - Izzy Selger-Moyler

IMMERSIVE & INTERACTIVE LIVE PERFORMANCE

“***** - Kerri McLean’s razor-sharp direction results in pacy, engaging tableux”.”

— Everything Theatre, 'Lockdown Town', 2020

‘Lockdown Town’ One Night Records, London Bridge, 2020. London’s first socially distanced immersive music/performance event, audiences explore five different worlds in a maze of tunnels immersed in music history to discover London’s finest musician… — ‘Lockdown Town’ One Night Records, London Bridge, 2020. London’s first socially distanced immersive music/performance event, audiences explore five different worlds in a maze of tunnels immersed in music history to discover London’s finest musicians telling the story of iconic music eras from Rock & Roll bursting out of the lockdown of the 1950s to Ragtime during the Spanish influenza in 1919.
Produced by One Night Records
**** *A joyous celebration of live music that also starts important conversations.” -* The Stage.
******“The best thing to do in London during the pandemic, the best thing to do in London full stop.” -* Theatre Weekly.
**** I wish they could have left me there all night.” - The Daily Telegraph.

‘Glimmers’, Brighton Digital Festival, 2013. Interactive multi-narrative storytelling via The Glimmers ‘phone app. Have you ever left a ‘phone message that was never received? Did you think it was lost? What if it’s not? What if the message appeare… — ‘Glimmers’, Brighton Digital Festival, 2013. Interactive multi-narrative storytelling via The Glimmers ‘phone app. Have you ever left a ‘phone message that was never received? Did you think it was lost? What if it’s not? What if the message appeared across time in someone else’s ‘phone? ‘Glimmers’ connects you to the future. GPS allows audiences to follow different routes around the streets of Brighton, and are able to hear new parts of the story depending on their location choice; different routes creating varying narratives.
Produced by Rolemop
***“I’ve never experienced anything like it” - Participant***
***“It felt like I was tapping into the future” - Participant***
***“Magical” - Participant***

‘Broken Loops’ performed at The Vault Festival at The Old Vic Tunnels, London, 2012. An audience controlled interactive multi-narrative immerses its participants inside Fairmile, an old social club untouched since the 1990’s; a world of darts, bingo… — ‘Broken Loops’ performed at The Vault Festival at The Old Vic Tunnels, London, 2012. An audience controlled interactive multi-narrative immerses its participants inside Fairmile, an old social club untouched since the 1990’s; a world of darts, bingo games, cheesy music and heavy drinking. Inside, as the audience play darts, sink pool, take a drink, and take a seat, they trigger a forgotten history. Mother and daughter, Rose and Cheryl meet for the first time in ten long years, an emotional journey, uncovering secrets both bleak and beautiful. Unique multi-narrative, interactive storytelling.
Produced by Rolemop
***"… the audience controlling the direction of the story is very exciting" - The Independent***

THEATRE

“***** “…this is a fast and fun piece that asks pertinent questions ... make[s] you want to head uptown and make trouble.” - Kemble’s Riot Review
”

— Time Out Magazine New York

‘Reality Check’ performed at London’s Stratford Circus Theatre, 2016. Party girl Keisha has a rude awakening when she is forced to confront the consequences of family loss and police injustice when cousin Tobias bursts into her world. The voices of … — ‘Reality Check’ performed at London’s Stratford Circus Theatre, 2016. Party girl Keisha has a rude awakening when she is forced to confront the consequences of family loss and police injustice when cousin Tobias bursts into her world. The voices of the inner self and wider community play out with startling results. Pictured Tobias (Luke Wilson), Keisha (Veronica Lewis), Ian (William Frazier).
Produced by Faith Drama
*"…a poignant and relevant script…effectively and artistically staged.” -* Culture By Night
***FAITH DRAMA ‘THEATRE MADNESS WRITER/DIRECTOR AWARD WINNER’ & ‘AUDIENCE CHOICE WRITER/DIRECTOR AWARD WINNER’, 2016***

‘Snakes and Ladders Tour’, 2014, (Arcola Theatre pictured). A bold and powerful darkly comic drama about race identity and the testing of family loyalties partly inspired by real life stories and memories collected from black hairdressers in the Sou… — ‘Snakes and Ladders Tour’, 2014, (Arcola Theatre pictured). A bold and powerful darkly comic drama about race identity and the testing of family loyalties partly inspired by real life stories and memories collected from black hairdressers in the South East. of England. Sista - Janet Kumah, Amma - Cathy Tyson (Golden Globe Winner & BAFTA Nominee).
Produced by Rolemop & Plenty Productions
*“The show was brilliant...each character distinct and true. Each twist unseeable and devastating. Each laugh as true as each tear. Beautiful”* - Lemn Sissay

‘Kemble’s Riot’ performed at The Players Theatre, off-Broadway New York, 2013. Starring Olivier Award winning Guy Masterson as John Kemble. Produced by K McLean/Rolemop***** "…this is a fast and fun piece that asks pertinent questions ... make[s] yo… — ‘Kemble’s Riot’ performed at The Players Theatre, off-Broadway New York, 2013. Starring Olivier Award winning Guy Masterson as John Kemble.
Produced by K McLean/Rolemop
**"...spirited and complicated production, do see it immediately.” - Curtain Up, NYC for Kemble's Riot**
***‘WINNER OF NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL FRINGE OVERALL EXCELLENCE AWARD 2013’***

‘Snakes and Ladders’ Tour 2014 performed at The Hawth Theatre. Kitten played by Best long-running show performer Allyson Eva-Brown and Sista played by Janet Kumah. “ I loved it, I love the music and the comedy ... I want to come back and see Snakes… — ‘Snakes and Ladders’ Tour 2014 performed at The Hawth Theatre. Kitten played by Best long-running show performer Allyson Eva-Brown and Sista played by Janet Kumah.
*“ I loved it, I love the music and the comedy ... I want to come back and see Snakes and Ladders every night.!”* ***Shari Rogers***

‘Kemble’s Riot’ performed at The Players Theatre, NYC in 2013. Sarah Siddons played by The Stage Best Actress winner Beth Fitzgerald and John Kemble played by Olivier Award winning Guy Masterson  **** "...gratifying to learn of a magical age wh… — ‘Kemble’s Riot’ performed at The Players Theatre, NYC in 2013. Sarah Siddons played by The Stage Best Actress winner Beth Fitzgerald and John Kemble played by Olivier Award winning Guy Masterson
**** *"...gratifying to learn of a magical age when hoi polloi thought theatre was worth fighting for. -* New York Times

‘Snakes and Ladders’ Development Project performed at The Brighton Dome, 2011. Amma played by Akila Monica Richards.

New writing adaptation of Conrad’s ‘The Secret Agent’ toured The South East and London, 2008. Performance at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. A noir inspired take on this modern classic about the first suicide bombing in England at the turn of The twentie… — New writing adaptation of Conrad’s ‘The Secret Agent’ toured The South East and London, 2008. Performance at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. A noir inspired take on this modern classic about the first suicide bombing in England at the turn of The twentieth century. Professor played by Seth Morgan, Winnie played by Heather Urquhart and Verloc played by Dave Moundfield.
*“Spirited performances and clever staging...” -* The Brighton Argus

A Fine Line Between Laughter and Loathing performed at The Brighton Festival 2006. Paula played Bryoni James and Bobo played by Mina Meane. ***** Kerri McLean's direction is very effective'‘ - Latest Magazine Review — *A Fine Line Between Laughter and Loathing* performed at The Brighton Festival 2006. Paula played Bryoni James and Bobo played by Mina Meane.
***** *Kerri McLean's direction is very effective'‘ -* Latest Magazine Review

Award winning theatre and screen director Kerri McLean — Reality Check, Written & Directed by Kerri McLean
Faith Drama ‘Theatre Madness writer/director Award winner & ‘Audience Choice Writer/Director Award Winne, 2016’.

“...an inspired US-meets-UK culture clash ...The production was a great success; it was very well directed, professionally slick, had good word of mouth, and received excellent reviews in a crowded field;”

— Jackie Green - Press Representative at Boneau Byran-Brown, New York City. Commenting on Kerri's production of 'Kemble's Riot'.

DIRECTING CREDITS

TV - Eastenders, BBC Studios - 2026
1 Episode - (Ep 7268)
TV - Hollyoaks, Lime Pictures/Channel 4 - 2026
3 Episodes - (Eps 6740, 6741, 6742, 6742.1)
TV - Hollyoaks, Lime Pictures/Channel 4 - 2026
3 Episodes, (Eps 6696, 6697, 6698)
DIRECTOR, Film - Selection (Teaser), Producer - Kerri McLean & Robin Fox - 2025
TV - Hollyoaks, Lime Pictures/Channel 4 - 2025
3 Episodes - (Eps 6620, 6621, 6622)
TV - Hollyoaks, Lime Pictures/Channel 4 - 2025
3 episodes - (Eps 6518, 6519, 6520)
DIRECTOR, TV - Tracey, A Day In The Life, 5-part Eastenders spin-off mini series, Eastenders & BBC Studios - 2024
TV - Hollyoaks, Lime Pictures/Channel 4 - 2024
Five episodes - (Eps 6291, 6292, 6293, 6294, 6295).
TV - Hollyoaks, Lime Pictures/Channel 4 - 2023
Two episodes - (Eps 6089, 6090)
DIRECTOR, TV - F1 title sequence film & Opening Ceremony film,
Worldwide broadcast - 2021
TV – F1 Title Sequence & Opening Ceremony Films, Worldwide Broadcast – 2020 / 2019 / 2018
TV – F1 Title Sequence & Opening Ceremony Films, Worldwide Broadcast – 2017
Filming in Austin, TX, with all F1 racing drivers and principals for worldwide broadcast.
Immersive Theatre – Lockdown Town – 2020
Creative content development for a large-scale immersive performance within 30,000 sq ft of tunnels.
DIRECTOR& WRITER, Theatre – Reality Check, Stratford Circus Theatre, London – 2016
Faith Drama Theatre Madness Writer/Director Award and Audience Choice Writer/Director Award, 2016.
Music Video – Toodar, 'Ten Paces' – 2015
A cinematic, Angela Carter-esque urban fairytale for band Toodar's single release.
DIRECTOR/SOUND DESIGNER/PRODUCER, Theatre – Snakes and Ladders, South East & London Tour – 2014
tarring BAFTA winner Cathy Tyson.
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER, Theatre – Kemble's Riot, Players Theatre, New York – 2013
Winner, New York International Fringe Overall Excellence Award, 2013.
DIRECTOR/WRITER/ACTOR, Theatre – Memories of Mermaids, Bernie Grant Arts London & Brighton Dome Studio Theatre – 2014
Arts Council England funded, developed during Kerri's residency at Bernie Grant Arts Centre.
DIRECTOR/SOUND DESIGNER, Interactive – Glimmers, Brighton Digital Festival – 2013
Arts Council funded.

Kerri was Artistic Director of Rolemop Arts theatre company, which she set up and ran for 10-years. She directed and produced a wide range of theatre and live arts productions. Take a look at further theatre projects Kerri has directed on the Rolemop website, just hit the button below.

Rolemop Arts Production Co.

IMDB

Kerri's CV