BBC Studios Natural History Unit Appoints Heads of Development

BBC Studios Natural History Unit has appointed Jess Colman and Laura Harris as joint heads of development.

Colman and Harris will be responsible for generating and winning business across all platforms, as well as scouting and developing new on- and off-screen talent. They will report to Jonny Keeling, the new head of the Natural History Unit.

Promoted from her current role as development executive, Colman has led a variety of U.K. and SVOD projects, including BBC’s upcoming Asia, Our Changing Planet, Chris Packham’s Animal Einsteins and Apple TV+’s The Year Earth Changed. Prior to joining the Natural History Unit, she was head of development for True to Nature and daytime development executive for BBC Studios.

Harris is returning to BBC Studios Natural History Unit after two years as head of development at Freeborne Media and Seadog TV. Her commissioning successes include Great National Parks and Oceans for Netflix and My Family and the Galapagos for Channel 4. She has 15 years of experience producing and directing television for the global market across the natural history, science, history, obs doc and adventure genres, including Secret Life of Dogs (ITV), Bear Grylls Ultimate Survivor (Discovery Channel), Richard Hammond’s Jungle Quest (Sky1) and Man & Beast with Martin Clunes (ITV).

Keeling commented, “Innovation and creativity are at the heart of the Natural History Unit. To have both Jess and Laura combining their skills and experience to lead the development team will ensure we continue to deliver compelling wildlife content of the highest quality, telling original stories with emotional impact.”

“It’s brilliant to join forces with Laura at a time of exciting growth for the Natural History Unit,” said Colman. “It’s never been so important to engage a wide audience in the many challenges facing the natural world. It is a constant joy to work together with the world-class program makers of the NHU.”

Harris added, “I’m thrilled to be joining the award-winning BBC Studios Natural History Unit and to build on its creative success alongside Jess. I’m looking forward to working with the team to develop high-quality, ambitious content that will delight audiences and strengthen the NHU’s global reputation.”