BBC Studios’ Doc Unit Hires History & Arts Creative Director

Abigail Priddle has been appointed creative director for history and arts for The Documentary Unit, part of BBC Studios Productions’ factual division.

In her new role, Priddle will provide creative leadership to production teams, play a major part in developing the strategy for history and arts and executive produce titles. She will oversee a portfolio of projects for clients in the U.K., the U.S. and beyond, working closely with both the head of the Unit and the creative director of development.

Priddle, who has spent nearly five years commissioning for the BBC, has overseen such titles as The Yorkshire Ripper Files: A Very British Crime Story, The Trump Show, Bent Coppers, Chris Packham: Asperger’s & Me, What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery?, Amazing Hotels, Inside The Factory and Confronting Holocaust Denial with David Baddiel.

Priddle takes up her new role in September. She will be based in London but will spend time across the U.K., managing productions in London and Glasgow.

Tom McDonald, managing director of BBC Studios Productions Factual, said: “Abigail has shown extraordinary range in commissioning; championing indies big and small, nurturing on-screen talent and supporting new directors. She’s also passionate about quality and delivery—traits that are incredibly important for our content—so we feel very lucky she’s joining BBC Studios and know she’ll have an enormous impact in the Documentary Unit.”

Priddle added: “To say I have enjoyed my time commissioning is an understatement. I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working with some of the most talented development teams and program makers from all over the U.K., not to mention being among the most wonderful and supportive colleagues. I’m hugely proud of the programs I’ve played a part in bringing to air, but moving to BBC Studios at this exciting moment in their growth was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.”