I'm really pleased to announce the UK TX of my first big directing job, 'Drain the Oceans: Secrets of the Dinosaurs', which will go out on National Geographic on Sunday at 8pm. This was a huge step up for me - I directed a crew abroad on location and it was my first time taking a film through the edit.

@Mallinson Sadler Productions in Bristol were actively looking to introduce new directing talent into the industry. By some miracle they saw something in me, and were supported by NatGeo exec Helen Hawken in their decision to put their faith in me.

MSP were a model of how you help and nurture a first time director. Showrunner Nigel Walk went above and beyond to provide additional support the whole way; they arranged regular mentoring chats; and they did something very simple but very effective - they asked what would help me. I requested a session with a DoP to help me understand how I could direct the lighting of a room, get the right eye-lines, and generally understand how best to collaborate with a DoP. So they brought someone in for a masterclass, and extended the session to all the staff.

I hope other companies and teams can be inspired by the manner in which MSP supported and invested in me. This is the way we can lift each other up, and realise there's more to what we do than simply chasing viewing figures.

TRAILER: https://player.vimeo.com/video/798354827?h=93a7ef9465&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479