Screen Australia appoints new Head of Documentary

Former ABC Acting Head of Factual and Culture Richard Huddleston has been appointed as Head of Documentary, succeeding Alex West, who is departing the agency on 12 January 2024.

He has over 25 years of experience in the television industry, with creative and strategic leadership positions across a wide range of genres including factual, observational documentary, natural history, true crime, history, arts, social experiment, science, impact and entertainment.

At ABC he has overseen the development, commissioning and production of Stuff The British Stole, War on Waste, The Way We Wore, Better Date Than Never, This Is Going To Be Big, Old People’s Home for Teenagers, and Tony Armstrong’s Extra-Ordinary Things.

He also also held other senior roles including Managing Editor Factual and Culture, Manager of Development for Factual, Entertainment and Partnerships and Supervising Executive Producer.

Prior to that, Huddleston was a director / producer / writer on numerous series for Australian broadcasters as well as Discovery and Discovery Asia. Starting his career in the UK, he worked at companies including Bazal, Endemol, Keo Films and RDF Media, working on factual content for ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, National Geographic, and ABC America.

From 29 January 2024, Huddleston will lead the Documentary Unit and report to Director of Content Grainne Brunsdon.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Richard Huddleston aboard. With his wealth of experience and passion for storytelling, we’re excited to continue nurturing authentic Australian narratives and documentary filmmakers in reaching new heights to deliver compelling content to audiences. Richard will be an invaluable asset to the Screen Australia team,” said Grainne Brunsdon.

Richard Huddleston said, “Documentary is a vital part of the cultural fabric of society. It informs, entertains, and plays a significant role in helping build a better understanding of our increasingly complex world.”

“At a pivotal time for the nation’s brilliant documentary and factual community, I am thrilled to be starting this new chapter of my career with Screen Australia. After 25 years in the industry, people, places, landscapes, and their stories continue to excite and inspire me.”

“I look forward to working with producers and the marketplace to help navigate the challenges, facilitate growth, showcase our incredible Australian talent, and achieve success with audiences both at home and internationally.”