Rochelle Newman is a BAFTA-winning producer …
Rochelle is known for White Nanny Black Child (2023, Channel 5), a powerful documentary exploring the experiences of West African children fostered by white British families. Her work includes Handle with Care (2022), delving into Jimmy Akingbola’s fostering story, and Jazmine and Amaya (2022) for the BBC’s My Life series. Inspired by Fourteen Days in May, she began her filmmaking journey while completing her university studies.
We spoke to Rochelle about being part of the BAFTA Breakthrough Cohort 2024 …
Introduce yourself …
Hi, my name is Rochelle Newman. I’m a Libra, of Jamaican and St Lucian descent, and I’m from North West London. Since leaving university, I committed to living a purposeful life, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made. I’m a director, BAFTA award-winning producer, and the founder of New Shell, a holistic hair and scalp care brand.
Describe your life in one word or a sentence …
Blessed.
You’re a producer because?
I have a talent for finding the perfect contributors for documentaries and making sure every detail in production is organised and flows smoothly. I find that when a contributor is truly right for a documentary, the work flows naturally, and I consistently make the right calls. People trust me with their stories, which I see as a real testament to my character and dedication.
And is everything going to plan?
Yes, everything is going to plan, though I didn’t expect to reach this stage so quickly. I always knew I’d be here one day, just not this soon. Things are actually better than I anticipated. With a few more directing commissions under my belt, I’ll feel even more established.
What’s been the most significant project of your career to date?
White Nanny Black Child (2023) has been a highlight; winning a BAFTA for it was an incredible career milestone. I’ve even put the award in a special cabinet alongside other awards and nominations from projects I’ve produced and directed.
Why was now the right time to apply for BAFTA Breakthrough?
This year felt like the right moment to apply for BAFTA Breakthrough because it’s been a true turning point in my career. Winning a BAFTA and other awards made me realise that I’m ready to push further and reach my full potential. I’m passionate about directing and producing my own projects, and since my BBC commissions, I’ve been developing new ideas that highlight powerful stories and address important issues. Over the coming months, I’ll be pitching these projects, and I’m excited to keep progressing.
What was the first thing you did when you found out you were part of this year’s BAFTA Breakthrough Cohort?
I screamed.
What does it mean to be recognised by BAFTA, and what are you hoping to gain from the experience?
Being recognised by BAFTA affirms that the work I’m doing truly matters, which is very meaningful to me. Storytelling and connecting with people feel like my life’s purpose, and this recognition fills me with joy and motivation. Through this experience, I hope to gain mentorship from industry leaders, connect with a network of creatives, executive producers, and commissioners, and hopefully make some new friends along the way.
Which of your peers would you recommend for next year’s BAFTA Breakthrough cohort?
I would recommend edit producer and emerging director Roberto Duque, who is also my business partner. We recently launched a production company called New Duke, and next year, you’ll be seeing more of our work. I’d also suggest the talented Producer Carissa Jumu, a colleague and friend. Finally, Elena Capurro is a fantastic series producer and director. These three individuals truly deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication to the industry.
Tell us about a challenging moment during your career that you had to dig deep to get through…
One of the most challenging moments of my career was when I spoke up about the disappearance of Production Assistant Terrence Woods while he was on location, a difficult and anxious decision. His story went viral, and since then, I’ve joined a few colleagues in campaigning for better health and safety regulations and stronger support systems for freelancers in TV and film. This experience taught me the importance of standing up for well-being in our industry, even when it feels daunting.
What’s next?
Next, I plan to direct and produce more of my own projects, both in front of and behind the camera. My goal is to secure back-to-back commissions from next year, and I’m excited to collaborate with some amazing contributors to bring fresh ideas and impactful stories to life.
How do we keep up to date with you and your work?
You can follow me on Instagram at @rochellesnewman, and check out my work at www.therochellenewman.com.
If not this, then what? If not producing or directing, I’d love to be an actress on Broadway or in TV dramas. Who knows? It could still happen.
What’s made you sad, mad, & glad this week? Sad: The struggle to find spinach in a few local shops at night. Mad: Nothing. Glad: My Sunday walk in Notting Hill with a hot chocolate from Knoops and a Greek salad wrap from Portobello Market.
What are you watching? Eastenders, Monday-Thursday without fail.
What are you reading? The Artist’s Way: A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self by Julia Cameron.
The last film you watched? I recently watched Hidden Figures again.
The last play you saw? My cousin Jaden Cameron’s university debut show, Earthquakes. He’s studying to become an actor, and we all support his dream.
The last live music event? Ms. Lauryn Hill and The Fugees at the O2—my birthday treat, and it was fabulous.
What’s currently on your playlist? Maxwell, Burna Boy, Chloe x Halle, and Kirk Franklin, to name a few.
What podcast are you listening to? I’m not a big podcast fan, so I’m not listening to any at the moment. However, I’m currently listening to the audiobook Black Girls Must Be Magic by Jayne Allen. It has me on the edge of my seat every minute.
Where can we find you? @rochellesnewman.
Where can we watch you at work? Instagram or TikTok @rochellesnewman.
BAFTA Breakthrough is supported by Netflix
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