Meet the Members: Craig May

Craig is Founder and Director of Onscreen a magazine dedicated to independent cinemas and film reviews!

Their free, bi-monthly magazine is packed full of previews of all major releases. Onscreen pride themselves on being a go-to source of information and supporters of the UK’s much loved independent cinemas.

We asked Craig a few questions about Onscreen and the team that make it all happen, why they love being Gather Round members and some tips for other small creative businesses…

How did it all begin?

“Onscreen Magazine launched in 2013 as we identified a need in the independent cinema sector for a quality film magazine to rival those created by the larger circuits. We’ve grown to place ourselves as The Ultimate Guide To Cinema and continue to expand distribution to celebrate and support the UK’s much-loved independent cinemas.

Our free, bi-monthly magazine is packed full of previews of all of the major theatrical releases coming to UK cinemas. Our readers love watching films at the cinema as much as we do and we pride ourselves in being one of their go-to sources of information for what’s on at their local cinema.

In print, we can be found in 100+ cinemas across the UK as well as shops, cafés, and more local amenities. But, that’s not all! Every issue is also available digitally, for free, online via our website, digital network, and social media channels.

With over twenty years of experience in the cinema industry, we like to think of ourselves as experts when it comes to film and independent cinema. Produced by our small in-house team and external network of contributing writers – in partnership with the world’s best-known film distributors, some of the UK’s very best exhibitors, and local businesses in their area – Onscreen Magazine promotes and supports cinema and their communities.

Learn more about our offerings or browse the latest issue on our website at onscreen.online”

Who makes it all happen?

“We’re a passionate team dedicated to bringing the latest in film and entertainment straight to our readers. Our editor and resident film expert, Lee Curtis, started with us as a university writer and now leads our editorial team with a sharp eye for all things cinematic. Georgie Mogridge, our account manager, is the vital link between our advertisers and sales team, ensuring smooth partnerships and keeping our magazine thriving. Rich Taylor, our creative director, is a graphic design powerhouse, bringing a unique visual flair to every issue. And then there’s me—Craig, the managing director—who keeps the team on course (while pretending to relax as they do the real work). Together, we’re Onscreen, capturing the magic of cinema, one film at a time.”

What brought you to Gather Round?

“We took the plunge to move to Gather Round back in February this year! One of the main reasons we were drawn to the space was the sense of community and the warm, creative environment you’ve cultivated. Your spaces don’t just look incredible—they feel welcoming and truly inspiring.

One highlight for us is the monthly breakfasts featuring delicious bakery goods from Farro. It’s such a thoughtful touch that brings everyone together, creating a moment for connection and making the space feel even more like a community. We look forward to it every month!

Thanks for providing such a wonderful workspace and making it a place we’re excited to be part of each day.”

A gem of advice for small creative business owners

“Don’t do it! Just kidding. Starting and running a small creative business is an amazing journey but, right now, it also takes grit, adaptability, and it certainly helps if you have a passion for what you do.

The current economic landscape is unpredictable, so flexibility is essential. Diversify revenue streams where possible, but most importantly don’t underestimate the power of authentic storytelling and community engagement—people gravitate toward brands they trust and relate to on a personal level. Make sure you take care of your own well-being; burnout stifles creativity, and a business driven by passion is only as strong as the founder’s health.

So yes, ‘Don’t do it!’ … unless you’re ready to hustle and find joy in the process!”

Craig and the Onscreen team are members in Studio 2 at Brunswick Square.

We rarely have studio availability, but we’ve got an opportunity for you to come on board if you are looking for a studio! Contact brunswick@gather-round.co for more info and to book yourself in for a tour.