Curious Films co-founder Charlie Russell steps down after eight years

Charlie Russell, the co-founder and creative director of UK factual indie Curious Films, is stepping down after eight years to return to directing.

Charlie Russell

Russell co-founded Curious Films with CEO Dov Freedman and has overseen projects including AI Confidential with Hannah Fry (BBC), Boyzone: No Matter What (Sky) and A Toxic Love Story (Netflix).

He has also directed documentaries such as Shoot to Kill: Terror on the Tube, Paula and Caroline Flack: Her Life & Death for Channel 4, as well as Running with the Devil for Netflix.

Before setting up Curious Films, Russell won two BAFTAs and an Emmy for films including Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die and Chris Packham: Aspergers & Me. He has directed over 35 documentary films.

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.”

Freedman added: “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.”