HUGH BALLANTYNE


Hugh is an international award-winning producer and director. He has gained a reputation for creating powerful and emotive character driven specialist factual television and drama documentaries.
He tackles big subjects, made accessible through character; whether exploring the underbelly of society or bringing the past to the present, through epic multi-million-pound history series. His films span a range of genres including history, crime, religion, travel, music, art and culture.
Hugh has made films for NETFLIX, BBC, ITV, Apple TV+, National Geographic, Discovery +, SKY 1, History, CH7 [Australia] and CNN. He has extensive experience in directing the public and actors in both dynamic action and complex CGI sequences.
Known for his visually striking films, Hugh brings an innovative style and cinematic approach. He graduated from the Sydney Film School in 2004 and draws on a breadth of storytelling skills, including writing and directing short films, and high-end music videos. He has also created powerful character driven films for brands such as Converse, Nokia and Warner Music.
> SERIES DIRECTOR
Hugh has set the style, vision and been the series director for BBC’s TITANIC SINKS TONIGHT, NETFLIX’S scripted drama documentary series, ALEXANDER The Making of a God, CHILDREN OF THE CULT for Discovery +, ITV’s THE INVESTIGATOR A British Crime Story and Channel 7’s AUSTRALIA The Story of Us. Hugh was both series director and an executive producer on INSIDE THE MANSON CULT: THE LOST TAPES.
> CREATIVE CONSULTANT
Hugh has recently been the creative director EARTH AT NIGHT IN COLOUR, where he established the editorial scope, the look and tone for a £20 million factual series for Apple TV+.
He has successfully developed, written, and won multi-million-pound television proposals for some of the UK’s leading independent production companies, including Raw TV, Nutopia, Wall to Wall, Lion TV and Label 1. See part 2.0 of CV.
> FACTUAL DRAMA
Hugh is developing several of his own US and UK factual drama series and films, one of which he is currently pitching to broadcasters, with actor Chris Eccleston and writer Neil McKay attached.