Aysha Rafaele Shifts from Factual to Drama at BBC Studios

Aysha Rafaele, currently creative director of BBC Studios’ The Documentary Unit, is transitioning to a new role to set up a drama hub within BBC Studios’ scripted area.

Rafaele has been creative director at BBC Studios’ The Documentary Unit for six years, most recently developing the landmark five-part social history series Thatcher for BBC Two that was announced last week. Before joining the BBC, Rafaele was a commissioning editor at Channel 4, where she ran the new director strand First Cut, and she spent 10 years as a documentary and drama director. Her last directing job was on the teen drama series Skins.

Her new role sees Rafaele reporting to Nick Betts, managing director of scripted.

Rafaele said: “I’ve had several brilliant years in Factual at BBC Studios and been incredibly privileged to work with some of the very finest directing and producing talent in documentaries. I’m thrilled now to be embarking on an exhilarating new adventure. There are huge opportunities in both factual drama and the drama space more generally. By creating a drama hub in BBC Studios’ Scripted department I will be able to build on the work I’ve already been doing including seeking out an exciting new generation of British drama writers, actors, directors—particularly from working class and diverse backgrounds. There are vital and essential stories to tell from new and established talent that are not yet being told and I’m excited to be part of helping make that happen in the world of drama.”

Betts said: “I’m incredibly excited to have someone of Aysha’s talent and reputation joining the Scripted team in BBC Studios. Aysha has championed and produced some outstanding drama over the last few years in the Documentary Unit and I’m really looking forward to working with her to build on that success and expand into new territories.”

Lisa Opie, managing director of factual at BBC Studios, said: “Aysha is a real talent who has made some breathtakingly brilliant programs during her time as creative director of The Documentary Unit so we are very sorry to be losing her. Thank goodness she is staying at BBC Studios, and our loss is scripted’s gain. I know she will go on to produce world-class, agenda-setting dramas and I for one can’t wait to watch them.”