Ex-BBC Commissioner Aisling O’Connor Joins Film Soho

Film Soho has named Aisling O’Connor as its new creative director for television, bringing aboard a seasoned executive with 29 years of experience at the BBC to drive the company’s TV expansion strategy.

O’Connor will oversee content development and strategic planning for Film Soho’s television operations, reporting directly to company co-founders Nick Hamson and Chris Greenhill as part of the senior leadership team.

“I’m excited to join Film Soho at a pivotal moment for the group, which is strategically poised to develop exciting content backed by a suite of in-house facilities including Soho’s first ever virtual production studio,” O’Connor said.

The appointment comes as Film Soho seeks to scale up production across multiple formats. O’Connor brings extensive commissioning experience from her BBC tenure, where she held senior positions including head of BBC England TV commissioning and interim lead on the prestigious Storyville documentary strand.

Her commissioning portfolio spanned diverse programming from lifestyle hits like “Great British Menu” and “Bargain Hunt” to specialized content including “Yorkshire Walks” and music programming such as “U2: Innocence and Experience Live in Paris.” She also greenlit documentaries including Paul Sng’s “Tish” and Sadie Frost’s “Twiggy,” produced by Film Soho.

Before joining the BBC, O’Connor began her television career at London Weekend Television, eventually spending 29 years climbing the ranks at the public broadcaster through roles in daytime programming, current affairs via “Panorama,” and music and arts commissioning.

“We are thrilled to welcome Aisling to the Film Soho team,” said Hamson. “She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable as we expand our presence in television production.”

O’Connor will focus on developing programming that maximizes Film Soho’s integrated business model, which spans production through distribution.

Film Soho operates as a vertically integrated entertainment company from its Soho base. The group’s divisions include a virtual production facility called V Studio, equipped with LED wall technology, and krADR, which runs ADR recording stages used by international studios.