Established in 2025, Yolk Films makes documentaries on real lives and complex social issues, building on prior award-nominated work including Teen Predator / Online Killer (Broadcast Digital Awards 2025 – Best True Crime Programme; RTS NI Awards 2025 – Documentaries: Series) and Ride or Die (RTS NI Awards 2025 – Specialist Factual).
Sharon Whittaker
Co-founder
Sharon makes access-driven, character-led documentaries that explore challenging subjects and uncover untold perspectives.
Before founding Yolk, Sharon produced documentaries and returnable series for UK broadcasters at Belfast-based DoubleBand Films. Prior to this, she worked in youth justice, children’s rights and with care-experienced young people, experience that continues to shape the stories she pursues.
She oversees projects from development through delivery, guiding contributors, shaping narratives and ensuring editorial rigour at every step. Her documentaries are precise and rooted in real experiences. Committed to building Yolk as a collaborative and diverse space for filmmakers in Northern Ireland, she is keen to nurture emerging talent and champion socially resonant storytelling.
Sharon is part of the 2026 Women in Film and TV’s Four Nations Mentoring Programme, supported by Netflix, and is being mentored by Georgia Moseley, Head of The Documentary Unit, BBC Studios.
Outside of filmmaking, Sharon can often be found outdoors, chasing her rambunctious twin boys and very fluffy dog.
BEN O’LOAN
Co-founder
Ben O’Loan is a series director with a reputation for making films on complex and sensitive subjects, often involving complicated access.
As a self-shooting director, Ben takes pride in creating intimate environments where contributors feel at ease, shaping impactful stories in both unfolding and retrospective narratives. He also brings production experience, navigating institutional relationships and supporting contributors through sensitive material.
Before co-founding Yolk with Sharon Whittaker, Ben worked at Belfast-based DoubleBand Films, where the pair developed a close creative partnership across a wide range of factual projects. At Yolk, Ben makes documentaries that are immersive, idea-driven, and grounded in real experiences, revealing perspectives that are rarely seen on screen.