Candle & Bell. Built in the North. Trusted Everywhere.
Candle & Bell started in Maria’s bedroom, with a laptop, zero cameras, and a big idea: tell brilliant stories, make things properly, and build a company that people actually want to work with.
Over a decade later, we’re a trusted video and audio partner for broadcasters, cultural institutions, and global brands. We've worked with everyone from family-run businesses to fast-growing tech companies, and we treat each project with the same level of care, creativity, and sharp thinking.
We go the extra mile — and then a few more, just to be sure. Our team thinks five steps ahead so your production runs smoothly, hits its mark, and looks (or sounds) like it cost twice as much.
We’re not the loudest in the room, but we’re the ones who show up, deliver, and make the process a pleasure.
So whether you need a beautifully crafted short film, a podcast people actually want to listen to, or a full campaign that brings your story to life — you’ve found the right crew.
Get in touch today, and let’s make something excellent together.
Meet the Team
Maria Caruana Galizia
Founder / Lead Producer
Maria Caruana Galizia began her career at Scottish Television, working in the editing room on TV shows such as Taggart. She then turned her attention to working on feature films and big budget TV dramas. This afforded her the opportunity to work alongside the likes of academy award winners Alejandro Amenábar and William Hurt and to be part of huge productions, such as HBO's epic Game of Thrones.
Through Candle & Bell, Maria has produced 15 short films and is developing a slate of fiction feature, documentary and TV projects.
Maria co-produced the feature film Muscle by Gerard Johnson and Line Produced the horror/comedy Tales from the Lodge by Abigail Blackmore which stared Johnny Vegas and Mackenzie Crook.
Maria is an alumni of Edinburgh Talent Lab 2018 and Creative Producers Initiative 2016, a 2021 BAFTA Mentee and part of the 2022 Female Founders cohort.
Zahra Zomorrodian
Development Producer
Zahra trained in Performing Arts (Stagecraft) and started working as a stage manager in various theatres in her home town of Newcastle upon Tyne. After getting tired of carrying heavy things, she started producing short comedy films with a group of like minded creative types - and so FNA Films was born. She quickly gained a reputation as a producer who respects filmmakers and supports them in bringing their vision to the screen.
In recent years she produced Mansplain: The Musical - a micro-short for BFI Network/ Tees Valley Screen/ NFM, as well as four comedy sketches for Channel 4’s Sparks; one of which - If Boobs Were Like Balls - won a commendation at the RTS Awards (NETB) in February 2020 and to date has amassed over 2.5 million views online.
In 2022 Zahra’s feature documentary, We Are The Geordies, won the RTS (NETB) Award for best Factual Non Broadcast. As a filmmaker Zahra sees similarities in the type of comedy she likes to make, and the authenticity and truth of documentary. She LOVES working with writers and helping them find their funny.
In her spare time Zahra can be found watching (and occasionally preforming) stand up comedy.
Enquiry Form
If you are interested in working with us, please use our enquiry form below.