About Me
I’ve been making documentaries for over ten years, with films broadcast nationally and shown internationally. I continue to work professionally in documentary filmmaking, but a growing part of my work now is mentoring people who come to filmmaking later in life — often after long careers in other industries.
My own route into documentary was anything but straightforward. Before film, I spent many years working as a freelance web developer. Like many people in mid-career, I was constantly busy, rarely stopping, and increasingly burnt out. When I finally stepped away from that work, I asked myself a difficult question: what do I actually want to spend my time doing?
The answer was documentary filmmaking.
At that point, I had no formal film education, no industry contacts, no budget, and no camera capable of shooting video. What I did have was time, persistence, and a willingness to learn by making mistakes. Within nine months of starting, I secured my first broadcast documentary, which went on to become the broadcaster’s most-watched documentary of that year.
My first film, Bodybuilding with Kevan Wilson, was made over six months on a Canon 5D Mark II and a Canon XA10, for less than £150. That experience shaped my approach to filmmaking — and to mentoring. I don’t believe strong documentaries come from expensive equipment or shortcuts. They come from access, preparation, ethical judgement, and understanding how stories actually work.
Today, alongside producing and directing broadcast documentaries, I mentor people who want to make serious, truthful films but feel blocked by confidence, age, lack of contacts, or the belief that they’ve “missed the moment.” Many of the people I work with are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s — professionals, educators, creatives, and storytellers who finally have something to say.
My mentoring is practical, direct, and grounded in real experience. We focus on developing strong documentary ideas, gaining access and building trust with contributors, filming in real-world conditions, making clear editorial decisions, and navigating broadcast, funding, and distribution realistically.
There’s no single path into documentary filmmaking, and there’s no age limit on starting.
If you’d like thoughtful, practical guidance from someone who’s been through the uncertainty — and still works in the industry — you’re welcome to get in touch.
