UK’s Big Wave appoints veteran producer-director for new Cornwall office

Mike Cunliffe

UK-based factual firm Big Wave Productions has appointed a veteran producer and director to head up its expansion in Cornwall.

Mike Cunliffe will oversee operations at the new office having worked in factual, fact ent and entertainment programming for more than 25 years.

His credits include Big Wave shows such as Operation Whale for ITV and the BBC’s The Measure Of All Things, with the appointment following his joining of the company in a full-time basis last year.

Big Wave focuses on science, wildlife, history and adventure programmes for broadcasters worldwide, and was founded by biologist Sarah Cunliffe.

The company appointed former Pioneer Productions chief Kirsten McLure to the position of MD last year, with Sarah Cunliffe becoming CEO.

McLure said: “Cornwall has one of the UK’s most iconic coastlines, outstanding wildlife, and fascinating human and cultural stories. It is the perfect location from which to create visually stunning, compelling and inspiring programmes for the domestic and international market.”

Cunliffe, who is based in Cornwall, added: “TV is in one of its most golden periods in terms of opportunity and the pure brilliance of ideas that are now regularly brought to the screen. The creative challenge and the intense satisfaction of working in the industry continue to make me happily jump out of bed to develop and make great TV.”

Big Wave’s slate includes New Forest: The Crown’s Hunting Ground for Smithsonian Channel UK and Terra Mater Studios, and a CGI Sun special for Discovery’s Curiosity strand.