Sayle Screen was first established as a literary agency in 1896 and is one of the UK's leading independent agencies representing writers, directors and producers for film, television and theatre. We work alongside Sara Putt Associates the leading UK agency for below-the-line talent.

We have close relationships with the major film and television agents and managers in the U.S.

We also represent dramatic rights in books in conjunction with some of the UK’s foremost book agencies including Greene & Heaton, RCW, and The Sayle Literary Agency.

Jane Villiers

Managing Director and Agent


I joined Sayle Screen in 1995 first as a Partner and now as Managing Director and Agent. As well as the day job I have had experience in producing on two films, the cult horror film My Little Eye and the award winning documentary Young@Heart.

Kelly Knatchbull

Director and Agent


I’ve been at Sayle Screen since 2013. I look after a list of exciting emerging writers, directors, and script editors/script execs across theatre, film, animation, and TV.

Matthew Bates

Director and Agent


I’ve worked at Sayle Screen since the mid-1990’s representing writers and directors working in film, TV and theatre. I also enjoy representing dramatic rights in a wide range of books.

After an English Literature degree I qualified as a lawyer.  An interest in stories and storytellers combined with the rigour of a legal training serves me well as an agent.

I aim to work closely with my clients, helping to nurture newer talent and to support and guide more established writers and directors.  Strong relationships with producers, managers and agents in America mean I can help clients with opportunities outside the UK.

I’m always excited about taking on energetic, distinctive new clients and keep my eyes open for writers and directors with bold, compelling voices.

Eva Bell

Agent


I’ve worked at Sayle Screen since 2016 and predominantly represent writers and writer/directors working across film, tv and theatre. I also represent script editors/script execs as well as dramatic rights in fiction and non-fiction books.

My taste is varied across genres and tone but the linking factor is always characterful storytellers that have a unique point of view or perspective on the worlds they are inviting their audience into.

Maddie Urban

Assistant to Kelly Knatchbull/ Office Manager


I joined Sayle Screen in June 2022 after gaining experience in Script and Manuscript Reading. I assist Kelly with her clients, as well as helping with our list of Script Editors.

I also support the smooth-running of the office, in my role as Office Manager, but am not responsible for any loud barking!

Jack Herincx

Assistant to Jane Villiers and Matthew Bates


I joined Sayle Screen in January 2023. Last year, I worked for Tiger Aspect where I undertook many different roles. I first worked as an office assistant before moving onto Bad Education as a Floor Runner. I also gained a credit for working as a Researcher on Tiger’s Deep Fake: Neighbour Wars.

In the past, I lived and worked as an English teacher in Beijing until the pandemic broke out and sent me home… I’m also proud to have a bachelors in English with Film and Television Studies from Brunel University.

Sydney

The Office Dogsbody


Woof!

Bobbie

The Office Dogsbody


Bark!

Sara Putt Associates

Sayle Screen works with The Artists' Partnership, an acting and talent agency and Sara Putt Associates, a UK below-the-line agency, as part of The Partnership Group.

Careers

We do not currently have any vacancies.