EXCLUSIVE: Ash Atalla, the British producer with credits for everything from The Office to Stath Lets Flats, is joining the governing board of the UK’s National Film and Television School (NFTS).
His appointment comes soon after the NFTS announced an expansion of its facilities, with the Cubby Broccoli Building to its Beaconsfield campus due to open in January 2027.
Atalla is one of British comedy’s biggest names, winning Emmys, BAFTAs and Golden Globe, and producing shows such as Big Boys, People Just Do Nothing and The IT Crowd. Known for championing new voices, the producer worked with Ricky Gervais, Chris O’Dowd, Katherine Parkinson, Jamie Demetriou and Jack Rooke at the early stages of their TV careers.
He has also moved his indie production house Roughcut into drama through Paramount+’s Little Disasters, 5’s Coma and Channel 4’s Wrong Move, which is about to go into production.
“Ash is one of the most influential and creative figures in British television, with an exceptional track record of discovering and championing emerging talent,” said Sophie Turner Laing, Chair of the NFTS. “His ability to identify and nurture original voices is second to none, and his commitment to supporting outstanding new creatives aligns perfectly with the NFTS mission. He will be an invaluable addition to the NFTS board and we are thrilled to welcome him at such a pivotal time for the school.”
Atalla broke out in 2001 when he produced the original version of The Office, which made stars of Gervais, Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook among others. Gervais had co-created the show with Stephen Merchant. He went on to join Talkback Thames as Head of Comedy, where he produced the likes of mockumentary Look Around You, Man Stroke Woman and Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd. After launching Roughcut TV, he has helmed a series of comedies such as Trollied, Cuckoo, People Just Do Nothing, Stath and Bad Boys.
“What an honour to join the NFTS Board,” added Atalla. “I remember starting in this insane yet beautiful industry and I hope my career highs and body blows will be helpful to a new generation. My only concern is that one day a student becomes my boss and I’d have to pretend to be gracious. For clarity, I’d hate it.”
The rest of the NFTS board comprises BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips and her predecessor, Charlotte Moore, who is now CEO of Left Bank Pictures and EVP of International Production at Sony Pictures Television; Julian Bellamy, MD of ITV Studios; Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer at Sky; Andrew Macdonald, co-founder of DNA Films; and Farhana Bhula, Director of Film4.