Neil Hatton, Steve Morrison and Amanda Berry win New Year Honours

Hatton was awarded an MBE for his services to visual effects and animation in the King’s New Year Honours List.

Hatton has been at the helm of UK Screen Alliance since 2016, and most recently led the visual effects (VFX) sector’s successful call for a better incentive to bring more inward investment work to the UK. The new VFX incentive came into effect on New Year’s Day.

“I’m humbled and thrilled by the news that I have been awarded an MBE. It’s a real high point, to round out an eventful roller-coaster year, with winning the VFX tax credit in the March Budget, only to have the general election throw it all in doubt, before finally securing it again with the new government in October,” said Hatton.

He added: “I want to show huge appreciation to our UK Screen Alliance and Animation UK members, as this award is also very much in recognition of our magnificent sector and all that they do. Without their commitment to supporting our advocacy mission, none of this would have been possible.”

Meanwhile, All3Media Founder Steve Morrison was made a CBE for services to the media and creative industries. He founded the super-indie group in 2003, growing it into an internationally recognised production and distribution group.

Amanda Berry was also made a CBE for services to the creative industries and charity. She led Bafta for more than two decades before stepping down in 2022 to become Chief Executive of The Royal Foundation. 

Also receiving CBEs were former BFI Chair Tim Richards for services to film and cinema; and journalist and documentarian Peter Taylor for services to journalism and public service broadcasting.

Ofcom Director David Clarkson received an MBE for services to telecommunications.

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