Tracey Bell

Name: Tracey Bell
Company: Scream Theatre School
Position: Owner

Brief CV:
I started work at the age of 13, working as a waitress in a hotel. After I finished my A levels I worked as a chorographer for First Leisure and then as Operations Director, where I got a real taste for the industry.

After that I worked in the entertainment department of a newspaper and numerous radio stations before starting my own business.

I wrote and co-produced a kids’ TV show called Copycat Kids in 2002 and in 2009 and received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Vision+Media.

Most recently I assisted on a documentary called The Arbor, which was awarded Best Documentary at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.

I launched Scream Theatre School in 1998 because I wanted to do something for all the talented youngsters in Lancashire. It’s a centre of excellence for young people where we run workshops and classes in dance, drama and singing.

I currently sit on the board of the Blackpool Children’s Trust and also manage two other companies, Scream Management and Red Door Management, representing extras and talented artists in film, commercials, television, theatre, radio and music.

Somehow in the middle of all this I managed to fit in having three children!

What’s keeping you busy at work at the moment?
We recently opened a new office at MediaCityUK and are looking at raising our profile in the area.

We are currently managing successful TV and film artists for clients including Disney, Nickelodeon, BBC and ITV and have recently secured lead roles in Waterloo Road, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, as well as casting characters in Doctors, Hollywood movie St Trinians 2 and a Bernard Matthews advert!

Favourite music of the moment:
I love music and have a very eclectic taste. Anything ranging from musical theatre, punk rock and jazz to R&B, blues and pop.

Your must-watch TV:
I adore BBC’s Outnumbered. It’s just pure brilliance and the concept of the script being mainly ad-libbed is genius. I think it’s a great way to work with a young cast. A true British gem.

Ideal way to wind down after work:
I visit the gym on a regular basis, but more than anything, I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy reading and am really into Steig Larsson at the moment.

Best piece of business advice:
Get as much free advice as you can, stick to your instincts because they are always right. Never give up.