London-based production company Spindle has announced that Lydia Garnett has joined the director's roster.

Lydia's work in film, photography and art direction predominantly explores new queer narratives. Their celebratory perspective is channeled through authentic, intimate storytelling, often permeated with a unique sense of humour and playfulness.

Lydia's photographic background has always centred on portraiture, documenting fearless characters with an editorial eye. With an organic progression into filmmaking, Lydia has spent the last four years creating a host of acclaimed commercial work. This includes a short documentary for Nike, exploring the inclusion and safety of queer, trans and non-binary players within grassroots football, a profile of the Hackney Rebels basketball community in London, made as part of a global adidas campaign, and LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall Housing!s Polari Beer collaboration.

Most recently, Lydia shot a campaign for Nike x Elle, where the England Lionesses celebrate their Euros 2022 victory through spotlighting the growth of, and inclusivity in, women's football at all levels. It recognises the community, and people driving change both on and off the pitch.

Lydia's work often spans the queer community, and is always approached with warmth, humour and love. Their gloriously camp promos for female rock band GHUM and electronic duo Nimmo embody an effortlessly confident tone, as does 'Lonely Cowgirl', which was made for her own band, Trouble Wanted. This western-themed romance won the LGBTQ+ Iris Community Prize and swept up nominations at multiple shows, including Raindance and UKMVAs.

Lydia is currently working an ongoing documentary project, Close Shave, paying homage to Dyke, Butch and transmasc haircuts, style and expression.

"I'm so excited to be signing with Spindle, a team with incredible industry knowledge and an ethos of care and kindness," says Garnett. "I know I'm really going to benefit from Spindle's support and I can't wait to grow as an artist and collaborate on new and exciting projects."

Spindle Executive Producer Lou Gagen adds: "We love Lydia both as a human and a director, and are overjoyed to broaden the representation on our roster with such a distinct voice. Creating new queer narratives, Lydia brings a fresh perspective to filmmaking packed with authenticity and inclusivity, and we can’t wait to support her next ventures into commercials and music videos."

• Watch Lydia Garnett's work at Spindle here