About

Black and white image of David Belton directing a film and pointing off into the distance.

I’ve worked with presenters, actors, historians, scientists and hundreds of documentary contributors to create emotionally intelligent, award-winning films.

I started my career at BBC 2’s Newsnight, reporting on stories from around the globe - including the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Bosnian war, and the Rwandan genocide.

I’ve written and directed more than forty documentaries for the BBC, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Channel Four.

Black and white image of David Belton directing actor Toby Jones on stage

Directing Toby Jones in the PBS series, God in America

I’m drawn to human stories: the relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown; the 2002 Bethlehem hostage crisis; the genius of Vincent van Gogh; the trauma of surviving 9/11; the revolution in women’s football.

I’ve worked with many television presenters including Jeremy Paxman, Dame Esther Rantzen, Peter Snow, Jeremy Bowen, Joan Bakewell and Sir Simon Schama.

Black and white photograph of David Belton on set with actor Andy Serkis.

Directing Andy Serkis in BBC-2’s Power of Art

I’ve written and directed several dramas and drama-documentaries, working with outstanding British and American actors including Andy Serkis, Dame Harriet Walter, Michael Emerson, Toby Jones, Nicola Walker and Tom Conti. I co-wrote the story and produced the Bafta-nominated feature film, Shooting Dogs, starring Sir John Hurt and Hugh Dancy.

I’ve written for The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The New Statesman and The Washington Post. My memoir, When the Hills Ask for Your Blood, was Book of the Week for The Independent, The Observer and The New Statesman.

After thirty years turning peoples’ stories into compelling television, I’m using my skills and experience to help you communicate your ideas, presentations and pitches into narratives that capture the imagination.