Hot Shots 2022: Laura Robinson

Laura Robinson’s fearlessness and resilience in the face of professional and personal challenges has made her a standout director for BBC commissioning executive Sian Harris. The pair have worked together since 2018, when Harris commissioned and executive produced Warriors: Our Homeless World Cup, an observational series following homeless female football players, directed by Robinson.

That series scored two Bafta Cymru nominations. Robinson has previously won for three other projects, including single doc Richard And Jaco: Life With Autism. She has also won the prestigious Women in Film and TV bursary.

Starting out on BBC arts strand Arena, Robinson got her break as an AP on three Louis Theroux docs, but then took time out in her 20s to care for a family member who became ill and homeless. She retains this carer role today, and advocates in mental health and homelessness.

“Laura has challenged herself time and again and earned the respect that makes her the fearless film-maker she is today,” says Harris. “She has vision, flair and ideas, and knowledge and understanding of communities that many others don’t. She seeks out stories with passion, telling them with sensitivity, respect and humour.”

Robinson is now shooting PD on a forthcoming BBC Studios’ Channel 4 series.

Series producer Elliott Swinburn says she has brought “tons of creativity, a flair for narrative and a resilience”. He adds: “I have been blown away by her calm, methodical approach to documentary film-making. I have no doubt Laura will make it to the top.”