We are very proud to celebrate the entrepreneurial achievements of alumna Lynsey Shaw (you may know her by her full name, Cowlishaw), recent Film graduate and Founder and Creative Director of Impossible Things Entertainment – a 360 degree, immersive theatre, TV, digital and music-based production company.
Lynsey has been nominated to represent the University of Roehampton at the Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Awards 2021 where she will join candidates from 82 participating universities to participate in an entrepreneurship training programme to perfect her business pitch. The programme will culminate in a national final where Lynsey will compete to win up to £75K of equity free seed funding and business development support.
Lynsey said, ‘it is so important to get backing in this way, and a vote of confidence that bolsters the focus I’m giving my production projects right now. Lockdown has brought my digital theatre, TV and film ventures to the fore and having the backing of the scheme means a lot. I can’t wait to meet some of the other entrants and utilise the help they offer on structuring the idea. Feeling a part of something bigger and having that support means so much to me.’
Santander Universities have been suitably impressed by Lynsey’s work with her business Impossible Things, and its new sub-branch Heroine Media, which sees Lynsey collaborating with the heritage sector to create live and digital immersive work as the foundation for artist-led, IP exploitation. This has also resulted in her successful application for a £1000 Santander Survive and Revive grant from Santander Universities. @ImpossibleThingsUK’s digital whodunit, Once Upon a Crime, created this year with the help of Arts Council, National Lottery funding, is set for an August run at this year’s Ed Fringe Festival. Another exciting first for Lynsey and the company.
After having received funding from Roehampton’s LaunchPad Business Start-Up Grant, Lynsey reached the semi-final of the Mayor of London’s Entrepreneur Competition 2020 where she attended training sessions and submitted a video pitch which was judged by an expert panel. The project chosen by The Mayor of London’s Entrepreneur panel was called ‘Rag Queens’ – an eco- TV show concept that was originated when she lived in Los Angeles.
Lynsey is delighted that her work and creativity has been recognised by The University of Roehampton, Santander and The Mayor of London. ‘ I’m very excited that it has sparked imaginations and support. Working and pushing your own company can sometimes be a solitary experience and having this attention and recognition drives me forward and make me feel a part of a bigger picture’.
We would like to congratulate Lynsey on her achievements so far and to wish her the best of luck with her business endeavours, the Santander Entrepreneurship Awards and the Survive and Revive funded Freelance project.