I'm a writer and narrative designer based in Manchester, creating working for animation, film, games, XR and immersive experiences. I've written on projects for the likes of BBC Arts, the British Museum, the National Gallery and the BFI. I also spent several years as a Senior Writer with the BBC's digital team. Over the past 10+ years, I've... Read More

I'm a writer and narrative designer based in Manchester, creating working for animation, film, games, XR and immersive experiences. I've written on projects for the likes of BBC Arts, the British Museum, the National Gallery and the BFI. I also spent several years as a Senior Writer with the BBC's digital team. Over the past 10+ years, I've worked on multiple award-winning animations and screened at various festivals, including Depict!, London Short Film Festival, Underwire and Manchester Animation Festival. I'm also member of BAFTA Connect, Trustee of Manchester City of Literature and one of Channel 4's New Writers 2024/25.

While my current practice is focused in writing, editorial and narrative storytelling, I began my career in a hands-on production role, so I have a solid understanding of production across photography, film and digital. I'm collaborative, quick to learn and always ready to get stuck in. Thanks to my experience working cross-sector, I'm also comfortable telling stories for different audiences across many topics – from arts, heritage and culture, to science, education and social issues. 

My skills include:

– Idea generation and concept development
– Story research (inc. thematic research, interviews, data analysis)
– Audience research and user testing
– Narrative development
– Scriptwriting
– Editorial content writing
– Narrative design and game writing
– Copy editing
– Content management (various CMS, social paltforms, etc.)
– Creative collaboration (inc. workshop design and delivery)
– Shoot production (casting, prop sourcing/making, location research and permits, booking kit, runner duties, talent liaison, on-set production assistance)

Outside of freelance work, I also have a multidisciplinary arts practice with a focus in storytelling. I was a writer in residence for Manchester’s inaugural Festival of Libraries, an artist in residence at a community bookshop (twice) and have published short fiction with Lune, MsLexia and National Flash Fiction Day. I've also exhibited artworks at HOME, NOMA and The Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub (Jesus College, Oxford). I'm currently working on a collection of speculative short fiction and was funded by Arts Council England for the R&D stage.

Professional portfolio: www.michellecollier.co.uk

Artist portfolio: www.michellecollier.art