BBC Studios Taps New Head of Documentary Unit

BBC Studios Factual Productions has appointed Alan Holland to lead its Documentary Unit, succeeding Amy Flanagan, who is stepping down due to family illness.

Holland was previously the creative director for the Documentary Unit’s teams in Scotland and Manchester. He will now lead the whole unit, overseeing all its programming from bases in Scotland, London, Salford and Cardiff.

Holland will report into Tom McDonald, managing director of factual. The Documentary Unit’s creative team, including Kirsty Cunningham, Cate Hall and, soon to join from BBC commissioning, Abigail Priddle, will now all report into Holland. Based in BBC Studios Productions’ Glasgow office, he is taking up the role immediately.

McDonald said: “Amy achieved a huge amount in her time running the Documentary Unit and leaves with a body of work to be proud of. I’m genuinely sad to see her go but I know Alan is the perfect person to see the department though its next phase of growth; he’s been doing exceptional work since he joined BBC Studios a year ago. He’s that rare combination of brilliant leader and exceptional creative.”

Flanagan added: “Alan was a brilliant deputy and lovely colleague—he will be a fantastic head of the unit. Personally, I’m grateful for the support from BBC Studios over the last few months and wish all the talented people in the unit and across factual the very best of luck.”

Holland commented: “It’s an honor to be given the chance to lead The Documentary Unit. While Amy’s shoes are big ones to fill, it’s a really exciting time to take the reins. I’ll be leading a fantastic team so I’m confident that together we will continue to grow.”