Plimsoll Productions Promotes James Smith to Head of Adventure (EXCLUSIVE)

Plimsoll Productions, an ITV Studios company, has promoted veteran producer James Smith to head of adventure.

In his new position, Smith will focus on adventure programming and report to Martha Holmes, Plimsolls chief creative officer of natural history and science. Currently, Smith oversees Free Solo rock climber Alex Honnolds series for Disney+ and National Geographic, including the Alaskan expedition quest The Last Frontier and the upcoming Arctic Ascent. Smith also worked on the Emmy-nominated docuseries Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World, narrated by Pedro Pascal.

Previously, Smith headed Plimsolls special and live events department, executive producing National Geographics Yellowstone Live and Earth Live. Prior to Plimsoll, Smith worked in the BBCs national history unit, where he directed the BAFTA-winning series Tribe, hosted by Bruce Parry. He also worked on the Parry-hosted Amazon and its follow-up series Arctic, as well as docuseries Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch. Smith has led expeditions in the Congo Basin for BBC1, and in Alaska for Discovery.

James well-deserved promotion and new title reflects his relentless passion for shaping extraordinary narratives that transport viewers to new worlds, stretching beyond the thresholds of possibility, Holmes said in a statement. Hes an inspired storyteller, and we cant wait to see where he takes us next.

Smith added: Once a niche genre, adrenaline-fueled programming has crossed over into the mainstream; and at Plimsoll, we are committed to create compelling content that stands apart from anything viewers have seen before. Our stories are packed with purpose, stakes and drama with cutting-edge science always at the heart.