Matt Cotton

Television production graduate, Matt Cotton, is marking two career milestones – having worked on one of biggest titles in natural history while featuring in a showcase of TV’s brightest talent.

Matt, who graduated from BU’s BA (Hons) in Television Production in 2013, has spent the last four years working as Line Producer on Blue Planet III, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, which will hit our screens in November. His work on this project, together with his previous production credits including Top Gear, the Olympic Games, Antiques Roadshow and Nigella: Cook, Eat, Repeat, has also earned him a listing within Broadcast Magazine’s Hot Shots 2026.

Matt said: “The Blue Planet brand is iconic and has extraordinary global appeal. Its wildlife stories resonate across cultures and languages, and it feels like a huge responsibility, as well as a personal career highlight, to be part of it. Like many people on the team, I grew up watching wildlife films narrated by Sir David Attenborough, so to have played a part in bringing this third instalment to screen is incredibly special.”

While Matt’s skills in television production – including managing budgets, schedules, logistics and client relationships – are transferrable to any project, he acknowledges that Blue Planet took this experience to another level.

The project has been four years in the making and comprises 59 individual stories drawn from 155 shoots across 37 countries, seven continents and five oceans. Matt said: “Working on such a long-term project brings different opportunities and challenges to TV shows with a quicker turnaround. I’ve enjoyed the chance to develop the team and build my leadership skills, while finding creative ways of maintaining momentum to meet the final goal.”

As well as his work on Blue Planet, Matt’s listing in Broadcast Magazine’s Hot Shots, recognises his contributions to inclusion and sustainability. Having discovered that he was dyslexic while at BU, he has since helped to organise BBC Studios Bristol Outreach Week and completed a Bristol City Council leadership programme, Stepping Out. He said: “Rather than seeing my neurodivergence as a barrier, I believe that it has strengthened my leadership ability. It has pushed me to build clearer systems, make complex information more visual and to create working environments where people do not need to fit one narrow mould to succeed. I have tried to normalise those conversations within my teams, particularly for junior staff who may not yet feel confident asking for what they need.”

Reflecting on his time at BU, Matt said: “The course introduced me to all aspects of the industry and helped me to discover a passion for production management. It also encouraged me to think critically and to question to find the ‘why behind the what’. This has been so useful in shaping my approach since graduating. I came out of university with a real excitement for the industry and that hasn’t left me. I count myself very lucky to be able to do something I enjoy every day and I am grateful to BU for giving me that headstart.”