Please use the contact form to email individual members of the UKCA team.
Chief Executive
Phil was appointed CEO of the (then) Cinema Exhibitors’ Association in October 2007.
During his time at the Association, Phil has spearheaded the establishment of the Digital Funding Partnership, which ensured the survival of small and medium-sized UK cinema operators in a new technological era, as well as leading on the establishment of the ground-breaking MEERKAT MOVIES promotion.
Having led efforts to ensure that the wider UK cinema sector was able to navigate the exceptional challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, since that time Phil has also been heavily involved in work to facilitate the recovery of UK cinemas.
In May 2013, Phil was elected President of the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) the European grouping of cinema trade associations and key operators, a role for which he was again re-elected in June 2024.
Before joining the Association, Phil worked at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, leading on policy for the creative industries – including film, music and computer games – having joined the civil service in 1994 from a background in scientific research.
phil.clapp@cinemauk.org.uk
Senior Policy and Projects Manager
James joined the Association in March 2017.
While coming from a background in Further Education funding, James has long held a deep-seated passion for the film and cinema sector, having gained an Honours degree in Film Studies from Swansea University and a Masters in Film Producing and Business Management from Glamorgan University.
James leads for the Association on a number of key policy areas, including disability and access, cinema security and environmental management and sustainability. He also have oversight of project management across Association work streams.
James was promoted to Senior Policy and Projects Manager in early 2022.
james.connor@cinemauk.org.uk
Finance and Operations Manager
Maria joined the UK Cinema Association as Office Manager in September 2022, having previously worked closely with the Film and TV Charity (FTC) as a part of the building management contracted suppliers. During her initial months at the FTC, the organisation’s headquarters at 22 Golden Square were closed for refurbishment, allowing Maria to support the Charity’s grants team in administering its COVID-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund.
Maria’s role at the Association includes overseeing its financial administration, as well as engagement with members and organisation of events.
Maria became Finance and Operations Manager in December 2025.
maria.constantinou@cinemauk.org.uk