Neil Laird

About

* Over 25 years experience as both a production and network executive in non-fiction TV for Discovery, Science Channel, Netflix, HBO Max, A&E, History, PBS, BBC, Channel 4, Animal Planet and National Geographic Channel and other networks. * Deep understanding of global documentary programming, from pitching to development and production. * . Long-standing relationship with archeologists especially in Egypt, the Holy Land and the Middle East. * Expert at shaping scripts and supervising edits to suit broadcasters' needs, quickly and creatively. * Award-winning creator and Executive Producer on long-running non-fiction series such as Shark Week, Brain Games, Mysteries of the Abandoned, Border Wars, Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman, What on Earth? and Survivorman. * Freelance non-fiction scriptwriter on shows such as Food That Built America, History's Greatest Mysteries with Laurence Fishburne, Holy Relic with Dennis Quaid, etc. * Author of Prime Time Travelers and Prime Time Pompeii. See neillaird.com for more info. Professional summary I’m an LGBTQ+, multiple Emmy and BAFTA nominated Executive Producer who has worked extensively on both the network and production side of non-fiction TV since 1997. I’ve developed, overseen and produced over 1,000 hours of factual programs and specials in nearly every genre, with a particular passion, expertise and professional contacts in science, history, mystery, engineering and travel. As a showrunner/producer for several highly-respected production companies in the US and UK, I traveled to over 70 countries, with a specialty in adventure programming in often difficult terrains. As an executive with National Geographic Studios (2008-2012) and Warner Brothers Discovery (2012- 2023), I managed up to 15 projects at a time, in various stages of production, from development through delivery, with an emphasis on strong storytelling and management, providing healthy financial returns. Over the years, I've built an extensive list of contacts across the globe in both the production world and with foreign organizations, including antiquities boards in the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, am a member of scientific institutions such as the Explorers Club, and write book reviews for World History Encyclopedia. I've published two novels in 2024, 'Prime Time Travelers' and 'Prime Time Pompeii' both comedic takes about a time-travelling TV crew. A third, "Prime Time Troy" will be released in 2025.