Experienced, award-winning Director and Producer specialising in developing, shooting and directing premium documentaries.
www.jensshaw.com
**Due to limited availability after Autumn 2025, I am also currently open to access Producer/Paid Development and ad hoc shoot roles**
I hav...
Read MoreExperienced, award-winning Director and Producer specialising in developing, shooting and directing premium documentaries.
www.jensshaw.com
**Due to limited availability after Autumn 2025, I am also currently open to access Producer/Paid Development and ad hoc shoot roles**
I have a background in observational documentary but more recently have worked on premium archive and testimony-led retrospective films. My first feature doc,
Secrets of the Spy Whale, aired on BBC Two in 2024, blending the grammar of true crime with a unique Cold War spy- thriller plot unfolding in the stunning landscape of Arctic Norway.
Compelling narratives and storytelling- I am comfortable working with complex narratives, journalistic and Specialist Factual subjects combining them with cinematic and human-led storytelling. Recent subjects include international politics, war crimes, sexual assault, major crime, domestic violence and mental health. I am equally as comfortable drawing out the strongest narratives from lighter subjects such as food production, cooking and travel- including on critically-acclaimed series in
Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime. Premium/cinematic rushes- I am an experienced self-shooter (including lighting master interviews) and crew director recognised for my sharp cinematographic instinct and ability to return with stunning interviews, landscape, stylised B-roll and recon rushes.
Talent & Contributors/Sensitive Access- I have extensive experience building a strong rapport with vulnerable contributors and survivors of trauma. I'm also confident handling politicians, academics, experts and talent.
Development- I have extensive experience in Development and have won commissions and directed a number of my own ideas. I am confident and experienced in writing and designing premium decks suitable for pitches to streamers.
Awards & Nominations- I have produced and directed on a number of award-winning and award-nominated films including the BAFTA and RTS-nominated Catching a Killer strand for Channel 4. My film on global vaccine equality for BBC2 was shortlisted for Best Science Documentary at The Grierson Awards in 2022. BBC Film "I Call Him By His Name" featuring the testimony of widows and mothers from Bucha, Ukraine won Best Documentary at The Foreign Press Association Awards 2022.
Languages & Travel- I'm a fluent French and Italian speaker, with good conversational Spanish and have worked on many overseas shoots, including the US, the Norwegian Arctic and the South Pacific. I have a valid US I-Visa.
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