BBC docs strand Storyville hires Brook Lapping alum to lead commissioning

Emma Hindley

The BBC has landed Brook Lapping’s Emma Hindley as lead commissioning editor for its docs-focused Storyville strand.

Hindley had been in interim charge since replacing Philippa Kowarsky last year and before that spent five years as creative director at Brook Lapping.

She has worked on shows including Suffragettes With Lucy Worsley, David Harewood: Psychosis And Me and Tom Daly: Illegal To Be Me. Hindley reports to Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted.

“Storyville has always worked with the best filmmakers on the most interesting international stories and continues to offer a unique, rich and varied viewing experience to BBC viewers,” Hindley said.

“Storyville has an incredible legacy to continue at a time when maintaining the BBC’s role in the UK’s cultural landscape is more crucial than ever and I am excited to be engaging with the most diverse range of producers and directors possible.”

Phillips added: “Emma is highly regarded in the industry as a champion of diversity and as an experienced and valued mentor who brings a combination of craft, humanity, quality and expertise to everything she does. I’m really looking forward to working with her and know that under her leadership Storyville has a bright future ahead.”