MEET THE TEAM

JUDE THOMPSON
MD & Founder

Graduated from Manchester University and after an early career in fashion was lured into the world of headhunting. Jude started as a researcher, via gaming, mobile & music ended up heading up an entertainment practice for a global executive search firm.  A sliding doors moment led to the founding of Indigo Talent in 2006, becoming a trusted partner to clients on their leadership searches. With a passion for social change, Jude is a proud trustee of Debate Mate and partner on TVC Breakthrough Leaders Programme. 

Originating from the North-East via several stints living in France, a love of water sports and a vibrant community finds her currently living in Brighton.

Why headhunting?  ‘It suits my very curious personality and interest in people. Why did they make a particular decision? Watching people grow and thrive is extremely rewarding.’ 

Best thing you’ve watched recently?  ‘Schitt's Creek. The writing is genius. “Dad, you look like a disgruntled Pelican”!’
The Bear - just brilliant - I felt like I was in that kitchen!.

Guilty pleasure? ‘Below Deck! I started lockdown with intentions to watch all the good stuff, then found myself in the debauchery of the yachting world.’

CLAUDIA DOWNES
Head of Scripted & Founder

Graduated from the university of life, after having driven across USA in an AMC Gremlin, Claudia worked in advertising and PR before running a radio production company for 10 years. She then set up and sold a washroom advertising business before moving into executive search. A mutual candidate introduced her to Jude and a meeting of minds led them to combining forces under Indigo Talent.  A huge passion for everything drama-related led to the setting up of Indigo’s scripted division 8 years ago.

Why headhunting? ‘I’m extremely nosey and genuinely love connecting people, finding out what makes them tick, what they’re good at and then joining the dots – it’s joyful.’

Best thing you’ve watched recently? ‘The French comedy, Call My Agent is outstanding. I’m looking forward to seeing the Amazon/BRON studio English remake.’ 

Guilty pleasure? ‘Escape to The Chateau, Straight Up and DIY shows.’

ANNA BONADDIO
Senior Associate

Anna brings 25 years of experience in factual TV to Indigo Talent. She got her first break at the BBC on the 10x10 short film series, based in Bristol – where she championed a young Joe Wright – and from there worked alongside docs grandee Jane Treays for several years. 

She won a place on Edinburgh TV Fest’s TV25 (now Ones to Watch) scheme, went freelance as a development specialist and worked for many of London’s award-winning indies, with commissions ranging from Child Genius for Wall to Wall, to the Grierson-nominated Excluded for Keo, as well as factual formats, co-devising Don’t Tell the Bride for Renegade.  Being a business-winning creative grew into a desire to support strategy and business growth: she moved into talent management, spending four years at Tim Hincks and Peter Fincham’s new indie Expectation as their in-house factual talent manager, and during lockdown completed an Executive MBA.

Now based back in Bristol, she is excited to be a part of the regeneration of ex-M25 production.

Why headhunting? Talent is at the heart of any business. Being in the right place, with the right people around you, is where talent thrives. I love being a part of that process. 

Guilty pleasure? Hacks, on Amazon Prime. Whipsmart writing and the best one liners since AbFab.

KELLY EMERY
Senior Associate, Scripted

A one-week temp job working on the reception of a big tv production company turned in nearly 13 years, as Kelly moved from reception to the facilities department, productions and eventually into talent management for the group. Along the journey, Kelly attended Bournemouth University as a mature student and achieved a degree in Radio.

Why headhunting? ‘I’m a talker and I love telly, and my job involves chatting to people about telly all day! But more than that, I genuinely enjoy matchmaking and helping people find the best fit for themselves and their teams. It’s an amazing feeling when you help someone get their first job in the industry or when forensic researching and relationship building leads to finding an otherwise hidden but perfect candidate for a search.’

Best thing you’ve watched recently? ‘I try to alternate between drama and comedy in order to keep my brain upbeat. It’s a Sin had me crying and laughing in equal measure, and it was brilliant to watch such an entertaining but informative series. I’m also loving the BBC’s comedy output with Pls Like and Alma’s Not Normal being recent stand outs. I’m also a sucker for a dystopian future and will always be first in line to watch shows like Black Mirror and Inside No. 9. Oh, and The Queen’s Gambit was incredible.’

Guilty Pleasure? ‘Selling Sunset. I’m still deciding if I’m there for the amazing properties or the juicy relationships. I have also been partial to a 1am browse through the shopping channels.’

KAYLEIGH JELLIS
Senior Associate 

Kayleigh started her career as an Agent’s Assistant before moving to ITV where she had various roles in both Sales and Scheduling before finding her home in the Drama Commissioning team where she worked as a Development Editor for a number of years. After a stint of Script Editing she then moved to BritBox UK as a Commissioner and was responsible for commissioning a wide range of shows including The Beast Must Die, Irvine Welsh's Crime, The Dry, Magpie Murders and the upcoming Marlow. She joined the team at Indigo Talent in 2022. 

Why headhunting? Building relationships and talking to people about their passions is my favourite thing to do so to be able to do that in a work capacity is a complete joy! 

Best thing you’ve watched recently? I’m currently telling everyone I know to watch Pachinko, the second series is just as good as the first. Everything about it is so gorgeous and intricate. This year I’ve also really loved One Day, Shogun and the second series of both Big Boys and Blue Lights.

Guilty pleasure? I watch everything from Only Connect (I’d love to be a contestant!) to Selling Sunset, so there is no such thing as a guilty pleasure….!  As a mum of two small people I am insanely grateful for Bluey’s existence on an almost daily basis. I think I might actually enjoy it more than them!