Alannah Olivia

Publication from Broadcast Magazine. Broadcast Hotshots 2019. Writer/Director Alannah Olivia. Armed with a fierce wit and a sharp observational eye, Alannah Olivia has a habit of leaving producers enthralled. She started her career as an actress, which inspired her to write stories about young ethnic modern women. Independent Talent Group signed the 28 year-old just a year ago off the back of a first draft of her original script, Olives. Since than, she has had scripts commissioned by the BBC and Channel 4 and has won a place on this year's Bafta crew for directing. Inspired by US programming, Alannah's storytelling is described as "intuitive and savvy". She challenges stereotypes of Middle Eastern women while maintaining a "fierce tenderness" for her characters, says Neon Ink co-founder Julia Walsh, with her "explosive vision" helping her find wonderful ways to tell stories of identity and youth. Walsh's Neon Ink co-founder Kate Lewis describes her work as "raw" and "funny". Leftbank development executive Nawfal Faizullah says Alannah is "one of the most kickass new talents I have encountered", while Independent Talent Group's Alex Rusher says: "Within 10 years, Alannah will doubtless have various hit TV shows. Her features will tell stories of those not yet properly represented on our screens."