He will lead the news brand’s new creative hub for video-first, personality-led journalism
Guardian Studios is a new production arm within the organisation which will create compelling new visual formats, reach new audiences and foster on-screen talent. It also represents a cornerstone of the news brand’s multi-year transformation programme.
Lawford — its new executive producer, development — is an award-winning creative and editorial leader with a wealth of experience working across broadcast, streaming and digital-first platforms.
He began his career as a journalist, spending over 10 years at the BBC. He then went on to launch a content division with award-winning social enterprise and marketing agency Livity before joining the launch team at London Live as a commissioner specialising in documentaries and breaking new, diverse and online talent. At Woodcut Media he helped drive their growth and editorial strategy, including a trio of documentaries bought by Netflix.
Most recently Lawford was the founder of DARE Pictures, developing and executive producing across TV and digital, picking up ‘Emerging Indie of the Year’ at the Broadcast Awards and ‘Best Current Affairs Programme’ at the Broadcast Digital Awards. He started in the role on Monday 7 September.
Head of Guardian Studios, Leah Green said: “Derren is an amazing addition to the Guardian Studios team. We are extremely lucky to have someone with such deep experience in both television and digital platforms, who understands the audience and on-screen talent as much as he does.
“I’m delighted to welcome him to the Guardian Studios team.”
Derren Lawford said: “I’ve always loved development whether it’s for TV or digital platforms and I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in launches in both spaces, so the opportunity to join the Guardian as it reimagines how its journalism reaches new audiences with compelling, convergent and curious new formats is a dream job for me.”
