Alisa Pomeroy: Shaping the Future of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment
In the dynamic world of British television, few names carry as much influence in factual storytelling as Alisa Pomeroy. With a career spanning over two decades in production, commissioning, and leadership, she has become one of the most respected figures in the industry. As the current Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment at Channel 4, Pomeroy has overseen some of the most impactful, award-winning series and films in recent memory. Her work demonstrates not only a keen editorial eye but also a dedication to bringing socially relevant, emotionally powerful stories to audiences across the UK and beyond.
This article explores her career journey, her role at Channel 4, her education, and the extensive professional experience that has shaped her into one of television’s most influential commissioners.
Alisa Pomeroy at Channel 4
Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment
In April 2024, Alisa Pomeroy stepped into the role of Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment at Channel 4. This position marked the culmination of years of success in the commissioning team, where she had already proven herself a vital force in shaping the broadcaster’s factual output. In this role, she is responsible for steering the creative direction of both single documentaries and long-form series, as well as factual entertainment formats that resonate with large audiences.
Her leadership has seen Channel 4 deliver bold, headline-making content that pushes boundaries and sparks national conversation. Titles such as The Push, To Catch a Copper, Partygate, and Evacuation stand out not only for their viewership numbers but also for their critical acclaim, including multiple BAFTA, Grierson, and RTS awards.
Head of Documentaries
Before her current post, Pomeroy was appointed Head of Documentaries in January 2022. During this period, she commissioned a powerful portfolio of work, including Miriam: Death of a Reality Star, Banged Up, Spacey Unmasked, and The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot. These titles reflect her instinct for combining hard-hitting social issues with compelling storytelling, a hallmark of her commissioning strategy.
Education and Early Formation
University of Cambridge
Alisa Pomeroy’s academic foundation was built at the University of Cambridge, where she studied Modern and Medieval Languages (French and Spanish) between 1997 and 2000. Graduating with a First Class Honours degree, she demonstrated early on the intellectual discipline and analytical skills that would later become essential to her career in documentary filmmaking and commissioning.
Her training in languages and cultural analysis offered her a global perspective, preparing her to tell stories that transcend borders and resonate with diverse audiences.
Professional Experiences
Early BBC Career
Pomeroy began her career at the BBC in 2001, joining as part of the Trainee Assistant Producer Scheme (TAPS). She worked on documentaries and factual formats across all four BBC channels, gaining hands-on experience in storytelling, research, and production. Over five years, she rose through the ranks to become a Producer Director, contributing to influential projects such as The Armstrongs.
Talkback Thames Productions
From 2006 to 2008, she worked as a Senior Producer at Talkback Thames Productions, contributing to iconic series like The Apprentice (series 3 and 4). Her time on one of Britain’s most recognisable factual entertainment brands helped refine her skills in producing high-pressure, competitive reality formats with wide public appeal.
Landmark Films and BBC Freelance
In 2009, Alisa directed Baby Beauty Queens for BBC3, a documentary that exposed controversial beauty pageants for children. Between 2010 and 2013, she freelanced at the BBC again, where she directed two Wonderland films for BBC2—further cementing her reputation for emotionally powerful, character-driven storytelling.
Films of Record and The Garden Productions
Her career also included roles at Films of Record Limited and The Garden Productions, where she served as Series Director of 24 Hours in Police Custody. Directing the first 20 episodes of this ground-breaking series, she helped create one of Channel 4’s most successful documentary formats, earning a BAFTA Craft Award nomination for Best Director, Factual.
Shine Television and Transition to Channel 4
After a stint as an Executive Producer at Shine Television in 2014–2015, Pomeroy joined Channel 4 as a Commissioning Editor for Documentaries in September 2015. This move marked a turning point, giving her the opportunity to shape the channel’s documentary slate.
Over the next five years, she commissioned some of Channel 4’s most ambitious works, including Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain, the landmark Crime and Punishment series, The Family Secret, and the innovative factual entertainment format Snackmasters.
Landmark Commissions and Achievements
Breakthrough Titles
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The Push: Winner of Best Documentary Series at both the Grierson Awards and the RTS Awards, this series exemplified her commitment to premium storytelling.
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To Catch a Copper: BAFTA-winning series that combined investigative journalism with human stories, resonating widely with viewers.
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Partygate: A single drama that not only captured headlines but also won the RTS Best Single Drama award.
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Evacuation: BAFTA-nominated and celebrated for its access-driven narrative of Britain’s Afghan withdrawal.
Socially Resonant Storytelling
Her projects often tackle controversial or headline-making subjects, from celebrity scandals (Spacey Unmasked) to the inner workings of Britain’s justice system (Banged Up). This boldness reflects Channel 4’s remit to challenge perspectives and amplify under-represented voices, values that Pomeroy has consistently upheld.
Leadership Style and Vision
Alisa Pomeroy is widely recognised for her editorial boldness and her ability to champion stories that combine mass appeal with journalistic rigour. She has often spoken about the importance of ensuring that documentaries remain competitive with drama in capturing viewer attention, asking herself whether a factual programme is strong enough to make audiences “switch off a drama to watch it.”
Her vision extends to nurturing new talent, encouraging innovative approaches to storytelling, and ensuring Channel 4 remains at the forefront of documentary commissioning.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Throughout her career, Pomeroy’s work has received consistent recognition:
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Multiple BAFTA nominations and wins across different titles.
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RTS Awards for both documentary series and single drama.
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Grierson Awards, highlighting the significance of her contributions to documentary filmmaking.
This track record underscores her role as one of the most influential commissioners in the British television landscape.
Conclusion
Alisa Pomeroy has built a career defined by bold editorial choices, groundbreaking documentaries, and an unwavering commitment to public service broadcasting values. From her early days at the BBC to her current leadership at Channel 4, she has consistently delivered work that entertains, informs, and provokes debate.
Her journey—from Cambridge graduate to one of the most powerful figures in UK factual television—demonstrates not only personal talent but also a deep understanding of the evolving role of documentaries in society. As Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment at Channel 4, she continues to push boundaries, shaping a slate of content that ensures factual programming remains vital, relevant, and unmissable.
