About Hugh Ballantyne
Hugh is an Emmy nominated and international award-winning producer and director. He has gained a reputation for creating powerful and emotive character driven specialist factual television and drama documentaries.
Tackling big subjects, Hugh makes his stories accessible through his character; whether exploring the underbelly of society or bringing the past to the present, through epic multimillion pound history series. His films span a range of genres including history, crime, science, religion, travel, music, art and culture.
Hugh has made films for ITV, National Geographic, History, Discovery, SKY 1, CH7 [Australia] FOX and CNN. He has extensive experience in directing actors, presenters and the general public. Hugh has a strong background in directing 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 2003. Hugh draws on a breadth of storytelling skills, including writing and directing short films, high-end music videos and 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 big budget hits such as ITV’s THE INVESTIGATOR and Channel 7’s AUSTRALIA: THE STORY OF US. Hugh was both series director and executive producer on last year’s INSIDE THE MANSON CULT: THE LOST TAPES.
> CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Hugh has successfully developed, written and won multimillion pound television proposals for some of the UK’s leading independent production companies, including Raw, Brook Lapping, Muse [Canada] and Nutopia. See part 2.0 of CV.
Hugh has recently been Creative Director for Apple Tv’s first factual commission. Hugh established the series structure, episode content, look and tone for a £20 million factual series. The series went into production 2018 and is due to TX 2020.
Hugh holds both British & Australian passports and is permitted to work in both territories. Hugh currently holds a R1 US work permit, valid until 2023.