Developing Documentary Stories Before the Camera Starts Rolling.
Documentary Development Producer & Researcher
I help broadcasters, production companies and independent filmmakers transform ideas into commission-ready documentaries through investigative research, editorial development, archive sourcing and contributor access.
My work begins long before production. I specialise in documentary development and editorial research, helping filmmakers identify compelling stories, uncover original angles, secure contributor access and build strong editorial foundations for factual films.
Over the past eight years I have worked across documentary development, research, sales support and production, contributing to projects with international broadcasters and production companies.
Areas of Expertise
Helping documentary filmmakers, broadcasters and production companies develop compelling factual stories from concept through production.
Documentary Development
Developing factual ideas into broadcaster-ready documentary projects.
Editorial Research
Comprehensive research supporting editorial decisions and story direction.
Investigative Research
Uncovering evidence, facts, timelines and complex documentary subjects.
Archive Research
Locating historical footage, photographs and documentary records.
Contributor Casting
Identifying experts, witnesses and key contributors for factual productions.
Access Negotiation
Securing access to organisations, locations and exclusive contributors.
International Pre-sales
Supporting projects for international broadcasters and distribution.
Development Pitch Decks
Creating professional pitch documents, treatments and presentation decks.
Story Development
Structuring narratives with compelling editorial arcs and character journeys.
Production Research
Editorial support, fact verification and research throughout production.
How I Work
Every documentary begins long before production. My role is to uncover compelling stories, verify facts, identify contributors, and develop projects into broadcaster-ready documentaries.
Story Discovery
Finding original stories with editorial value through observation, research and investigative leads.
Research
Conducting in-depth investigations, archive searches, fact verification and subject analysis.
Access
Building relationships with contributors, experts and organisations to secure meaningful access.
Development
Structuring narratives, preparing treatments, pitch decks and development documentation.
Production
Supporting productions with editorial research, logistics, archive management and factual accuracy.
What I Bring to Your Production
From the earliest stages of development through production, I provide specialist documentary research and editorial support that strengthens factual storytelling and helps projects move confidently toward commissioning.
Documentary Development
Editorial Research
Archive Research
Investigative Research
Story Development
Contributor Casting
Fact Verification
Access Negotiation
Broadcaster Pitch Documents
Development Packages
My Process
Professional Practice
From early-stage documentary development and investigative research to editorial packaging and international pre-sales, my work supports filmmakers and production companies throughout the documentary production process.
Services
Documentary Development
Developing factual ideas into broadcaster-ready projects.
Editorial & Production Research
Investigative research, fact verification and editorial support.
Archive Research
Historical footage, photographic archives and document sourcing.
Contributor Casting & Access
Identifying experts and negotiating documentary access.
International Development
Pre-sales, broadcaster research, contracts and documentary packaging.
Pitch Decks & Treatments
Development documents for broadcasters, streamers and investors.
Selected Work
South Thames Films LLP
Development, editorial research and international documentary sales.
Microchips & Water
Documentary development, broadcaster packaging and international pre-sales.
Decoding Dyslexia
Research and factual documentary development.
Magazine Wars
Researching the evolution and decline of the magazine industry.
Crossogue Preservers
Documentary production and development support.
Division of Student Affairs
Creative media production at the University of Toledo.
Education
South Thames College, London
Higher National Diploma & Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production.
University of Toledo
Film & Television Major with practical production and documentary training.
Professional Focus
Documentary development, editorial research, factual storytelling and international co-productions.
Professional Development
Continuous learning has been central to my documentary practice, with specialised training in documentary filmmaking, ethics, development, distribution, storytelling, marketing and business from internationally recognised institutions.
Documentary Filmmaking: Navigating Truth & Ethics
Masterclass by Dawn Porter exploring ethics, responsibility and truth in documentary storytelling.
Film Marketing & Distribution
Masterclass by Robert Schwartz on audience strategy, sales and film distribution.
Filmmaker’s Legal Toolkit
Protecting intellectual property, rights management and contract negotiation for filmmakers.
Social Activism Through Storytelling
Masterclass by Bonni Cohen examining the role of documentaries in social change.
Documentary Filmmaking
Masterclass by Jennifer Fox covering documentary development and storytelling techniques.
Pitching for Funding Success
Masterclass by Jackie Miller focused on funding strategy and successful documentary pitching.
Film Distribution
Professional training covering theatrical distribution, release planning and the UK exhibition landscape.
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Certification covering digital strategy, SEO, audience development and online marketing.
Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Professional certificate in data analysis, reporting and business intelligence.
WW1 Heroism Through Art & Film
Exploring historical representation through cinema, art and visual culture.
Business Fundamentals
Business strategy, finance, operations and entrepreneurship for creative industries.