Curious Films has announced that co-founder, filmmaker Charlie Russell, is to exit the company.
After eight years as Creative Director, Russell is stepping back from his role to return to directing.
Founded by Dov Freedman and Charlie Russell eight years ago, Curious Films’ recent highlights include Boyzone: No Matter What for Sky Documentaries, the best-performing documentary in Sky’s history, and Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth for Disney+, a critically acclaimed film that sparked nationwide debate. On Channel 4, Shoot to Kill earned a prestigious Grierson nomination, while AI Confidential with Hannah Fry became a standout BBC hit. Globally, Curious has made a major mark on Netflix with Lover, Stalker, Killer and The Man with 1000 Kids.
Charlie Russell has overseen recent projects including AI Confidential with Hannah Fry, Boyzone: No Matter What and A Toxic Love Story, whilst continuing to direct acclaimed documentaries including the Grierson-nominated Shoot to Kill, Paula, Caroline Flack: Her Life & Death and Running with the Devil. His departure to refocus on directing is “supported fully by Dov and the wider Curious Films team.”
Before Curious he won two BAFTAs and an EMMY for films including Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die and Chris Packham: Aspergers & Me. At Curious he has executive produced series and feature docs for Netflix, Disney+, Sky, Hulu, the BBC and Channel 4.
Dov Freedman, CEO and Founder of Curious Films, said: “Charlie has been a great partner and a huge part of what Curious Films is today. His creative instincts, his commitment, and his generosity have shaped this company in ways that will last long beyond his time here. We wish him every success in his new ventures.”
Charlie Russell said: “I’m incredibly proud of building a company and team that not only produces brilliant films but has also been a genuinely great place to work. It’s been a very difficult decision to leave a company that I love, but life is too short not to be making the films I want to make. I wish everyone at Curious well for the future and I’m sure it will continue to thrive.”
Jon Creamer
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