The company’s content will focus on history documentaries, formats and series

David Olusoga has launched history-focused production company Hillgate Films, with a first-look distribution deal with BBC Studios.

The content will centre on history documentaries, formats and series both, with and without Olusoga – best known for A House Through Time, Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners, Union, and Black and British: A Forgotten History and Union – as on-screen talent.

Hillgate Films will operate as a co-producer rather than a standalone, with the aim of allowing Olusoga to focus creative freedom on fewer, more ambitious projects rather than the day-to-day running of a prodco. Olusoga is also Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester and co-host of history podcast Journey Through Time.

Olusoga said: “I’m excited to launch Hillgate Films and begin this new chapter of producing and presenting projects that challenge, educate, and engage audiences. We want to explore the untold stories from history, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with the forward-thinking and dynamic team at BBC Studios.

“I’m passionate about creating work that brings fresh perspectives to light, and I believe we have an incredible opportunity to do that with Hillgate Films. Hillgate’s first two projects are in production and with a development deal with BBC Studios in place, we’re ready to grow and scale the company, and have ambitious plans for the future.”

Ben Hall joins Hillgate as MD. Previously global director of programmes at Motion Content Group, Hall added: “It’s an exciting time to be launching Hillgate Films. David’s track record as a storyteller and historian speaks for itself, and I’m delighted to be working with him to bring important and engaging stories to audiences.”