Anna Dickeson, formerly Creative Lead of The Garden Yorkshire, has been named as Commissioning Editor, Documentaries at the BBC.
Based in Leeds, Dickeson will work on documentaries, history, religion, science and natural history content, it has been confirmed. She’ll focus on building relationships with partners and talent in the North, and liaise with independent production companies across the North and Midlands regions.
At The Garden, she helped oversee the production company’s Northern expansion, during which production of 24 Hours in A&E was moved outside the capital.
Throughout her career, she has produced and directed series including One Born Every Minute and Educating the East End, as well as My Baggy Boddy.
In an email to staff, Fiona Campbell, Acting Director for Factual, Arts & Classical Music, said: “I’m delighted that Anna is going to join our brilliant team of commissioners in Factual, Arts and Classical Music.
“She has been a strong champion of talent and indies in the North with an impressive track record and I am very much looking forward to working with her and building further on commissions in the North and across the UK.”
John Hay and Nicola Hill, joint CEOs at The Garden, said: “Anna has done a brilliant job, establishing and leading the company’s Leeds office through a period when we’ve successfully moved 24 Hours in A&E out of London, secured another new format with a major UK broadcaster and established a pipeline of work with other channels and streamers.
“Commissioning is a great next step for her, so she leaves with our very best wishes – and we look forward to working with her in the new role!
“We’re delighted to announce that Rachael Smith, who has execed the first Northern-based series of 24 Hours in A&E absolutely superbly, will be joining The Garden and heading up its Northern operation.”
