The FrightFest Advisory Board is made up of a group of film industry professionals and festival supporters / employees who have experienced how the festival works and understand the unique ethos that drives it. Their role (purely voluntary) is to contribute constructive ideas and solutions on how to strategically develop and grow the festival and improve the filmmaker and audience experience, embracing diversity, inclusivity & safety.

Claire Bueno - Claire Bueno is a film journalist, presenter and interviewer, having moderated BAFTA, Royal Television Society (RTS), Women in Film and Television (WFTV) and hosted Comic Con panel talks. She is also a media coach, offering practical coaching sessions and safe environment for talent to perfect their interview technique before facing the press. Additionally, Claire is the producer of the feature documentary CLEANIN’ UP THE TOWN: Remembering Ghostbusters and the upcoming TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Remembering Ghostbusters II.

Katie Bonham - Katie is an award winning writer and director, with an extensive back catalogue of work across short film and theatre. Her work is recognised for its poignant style and original vision in exploring social commentaries within the concepts of folklore, fantasy and horror. With a passion to champion unheard stories and support new talent, Katie also works closely with local charities across Berkshire, mentoring young aspiring filmmakers and creatives. Katie is a member of female directing collective Cinesisters and Directors UK. Katie was also a recent recipient of the prestigious Melies D'Argent, awarded by the Méliès International Festivals Federation.

Chloe Chudasama - Chloe worked as a Project Manager for over 10 years at one of the UK’s leading PR and live event companies, managing campaigns for some of the world’s leading business, such as Sony Pictures, XBOX and Adidas. Transitioning her skills into film production, Chloe has produced three shorts and, through Nocturnal Pictures, her debut feature The Last Rite.  In 2021 Chloe was selected for the Edinburgh International Film Festival Talent Lab, and then chosen as one of thirteen Producers for the Creative England's Market Trader Programme.

Kat Hughes - Kat Hughes is a film journalist specialising in reviewing horror films. She is a Rotten Tomato Approved Critic and member of the Online Association of Female Film Critics. Kat primarily writes and edits for The Hollywood News, but also guests on a variety of podcasts, and has bylines in Film Stories and Filmhounds amongst others. A regular on the genre festival circuit, Kat loves championing the freshest talent in independent horror. Through her role with THN, Kat has developed a relationship with FrightFest based on a shared ethos of showcasing new voices.

Mal Jutley - Mal has been a FrightFest attendee for over 10 years and an advocate of the genre, speaking on podcasts, panels and promoting movies and cinema on social media. He works as a Product Manager and has 10+ years of building digital solutions. Mal is also a mental health advocate both personally and professionally and sits on the mental health committee within work as well as the Diversity & Inclusivity committee.

Leroy Kincaide - Leroy has over 15 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera, as well as being one of the UK’s top professional Wrestlers. In 2014 he created Nocturnal Pictures and has since written and directed several short films, music videos, and successfully completed his debut feature film The Last Rite, which led him to be nominated for the Screen International “Genre Rising Star” Award.

Mark Logan - Mark is a lifelong horror fan. After a varied career path including acting, theatre directing and stand- up comedy, Mark enrolled on the Raindance MA in Film, graduating in 2018. As a writer and director he has made several short films including RATS, starring Laurence R. Harvey and Nicholas Vince, award winning shorts, SOLITARY and ALAN and a segment in the portmanteau feature, FOR WE ARE MANY, which played FrightFest in 2019.

Helen Nicholson - Helen has been volunteering at Film Festivals in a variety of roles for almost 20 years. She started volunteering at FrightFest in 2010 before becoming Box Office Manager in 2012. She currently works for the NHS as a manager in the Professional Standards team.

Damon Rickard - Damon has been a FrightFest regular for the last 13 years. This provided him with the inspiration and belief to make the move into filmmaking and he has since made eight short films and is currently in development on a feature film. As part of his day job Damon is involved in a number of project boards looking to shape what the business will look like over the next five years, including sourcing new technologies. Alongside that he is also a certified Mental Health First Aider.