Plimsoll Ups James Smith to Head Adventure Projects

Plimsoll Productions has promoted James Smith to head of adventure, overseeing its portfolio of high-octane adventure programming.

Smith is a longtime executive producer for Plimsoll and currently oversees The Last Frontier with Alex Honnold and Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold for National Geographic and Disney+. Previously, he headed Plimsoll’s special and live events department.

In his previous role, he executive produced National Geographic’s Yellowstone LIVE and Earth Live, hosted by Jane Lynch and Phil Keoghan. He also worked on Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World, narrated by Pedro Pascal.

Prior to joining Plimsoll eight years ago, Smith rose within BBC’s Natural History Unit before directing Tribe (U.K.)/Tribal (U.S.). He was also part of the BAFTA-winning team that made Amazon, and he produced its follow-up series Arctic. He has led expeditions in the Congo Basin and Alaska for BBC One and Discovery, respectively.

In his new role as head of adventure, Smith will report directly to Martha Holmes, chief creative officer of natural history and science.

“James’ well-deserved promotion and new title reflects his relentless passion for shaping extraordinary narratives that transport viewers to new worlds, stretching beyond the thresholds of possibility,” Holmes said. “He’s an inspired storyteller, and we can’t wait to see where he takes us next.”

“Once a niche genre, adrenaline-fueled programming has crossed over into the mainstream, and at Plimsoll, we are committed to creating compelling content that stands apart from anything viewers have seen before,” Smith added. “Our stories are packed with purpose, stakes and drama with cutting-edge science always at the heart.”