NIALL STRAWSON
PRODUCER DIRECTOR
Seeking adventure and good stories to tell
BIO
My Story
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​I’m a Producer-Director specialising in factual TV, with credits across BBC Studios, Apple TV+, National Geographic and PBS. I thrive on turning complex ideas into compelling stories - from science and natural history to factual entertainment and character-led formats.
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I’m confident with talent, collaborative with teams and calm under pressure. With extensive experience running ambitious shoots in the UK and internationally, I’m known for getting relaxed, authentic performances from contributors and bringing teams together with humour and warmth.
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I’m now broadening into wider factual and fact-ent, with a long-term ambition to move into commissioning and help shape bold, inclusive and distinctive content.
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I’m also a passionate advocate for disability representation, regularly supporting the TV industry through panels, accessibility work and public speaking.
As a gay man who grew up in the 90s and someone who became disabled at 27, I’ve learned to face challenges head-on - it’s made me a natural problem-solver.
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Energetic, collaborative and quietly tenacious, I love what I do and bring that enthusiasm into every production.
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MY EXPERIENCE
Roles & Responsibilities
April 2024 - Sept 2025
PRODUCER
EVOLUTION
BBC Studios/NOVA
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Producer on high end presenter led (Chris Packham) show about the evolution of animal life. Tasks include directing, scripting, casting, logistics, managing partnerships, secondary development and international shoots.
March 2023 - Dec 2023
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
ATTENBOROUGH AND THE GIANT SEA MONSTER
BBC Studios
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*EMMY NOMINATED*
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AP producing a fast turnaround BBC One project whereby Sir David Attenborough and a team of palaeontologists investigate a globally important discovery. Set up and produced a high-value international VFX shoot. Shoot set up, logistics and directing for various UK locations.
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April 2022 - Jan 2023
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
LION
BBC Studios
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AP on a blue-chip multi-part series chronicling the lives of a single pride of lions over a 4 year filming period. Responsible for researching, setting up shoots and field directing across the series.
Aug 2021 - April 2022
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
​NHU DEVELOPMENT
BBC Studios
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AP creating a diverse slate of ideas in development for both for BBC output and international SVOD providers.
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Dec 2020 -April 2021
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
WHEN NATURE CALLS (WITH HELEN MIRREN)
BBC Studios
AP for archive show. Responsible for coordinating archive sourcing, writing editorial, checking compliance and managing the delivery of a package of Natural history clips to USA client.
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July 2020 - Aug 2021
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
BIG BEASTS
Plimsoll Productions
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AP for a global blue chip natural history series. Responsible for research, coordinating and directing shoots across 2 episodes in India and Tanzania.
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PUBLIC SPEAKING
I am a regular guest speaker at panels and industry events, where I speak about my experience as a disabled filmmaker who travels to remote locations producing high end documentaries.
-The University of Oxford - The University of Cambridge - Goethe Institute - BBC - Wildscreen Festival - Nat Geo
EDITORIAL
Producer Director - Factual
PIONEER
Disabled Filmmaker and Industry Advocate for Diversity
ON LOCATION
Field Director
EDUCATION
My Studies
Sept 2007- May 2008
MSC BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
University of Leeds
Pass with Merit
Sept 1999 - June 2001
BSC NEUROSCIENCE
University of Edinburgh
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CONTACT ME
