Julie Beanland

Creative Director

Julie joined True North as a Producer/Director after beginning her TV career at ITV. A journalist by trade, she then worked as a PD, Series Producer and Executive Producer on a whole range of programmes from hard hitting singles to high volume series.

She has made sensitive and thought-provoking documentaries such as The Ripper Hoaxer, My Dad’s Army and My Mums Used to be Men. Julie helped create the long running returning series A New Life in the Sun and more recently Help! We Bought A Village, Channel Four’s daytime hit series.

When did you join True North?

I first joined True North back in 2004 as a Producer/Director

What shows are you particularly proud of that you have worked on at True North and elsewhere?

I am extremely proud of A New Life in the Sun. I have been involved since the birth of the idea and seen the series grow year on year into a successful brand for True North and one with a huge following!

Anything that stands out about your career?

I think the breadth of programmes I have been lucky to make – from singles to series, crime to consumer and animals and antiques.

What’s your favourite bit of your job?

I love working with new members of our teams and helping to inspire the next generation of documentary makers. I also love it when I have the opportunity to head back into an edit or go on location to really feel part of the production.

What show would you most like to make if you could make anything in the world?

I have always enjoyed travel documentaries and it goes without saying I would love to make s series with the scale and ambition of Race Across the World.

Anything you feel really strongly about in the industry?

I am really keen to encourage diversity and to help those from disadvantaged backgrounds be successful in the industry, helping them grow and achieve their ambitions.

Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?

I love animals and own a Border Collie who is scared of sheep!