Ash Atalla, Award Winning Producer And CEO Of Roughcut TV, Joins National Film And Television School’s Board Of Governors
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has today announced the appointment of pioneering producer Ash Atalla, CEO of Roughcut TV, to its board of governors.
One of the UK’s most prolific television producers, Ash has received numerous accolades including a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, six BAFTAs, seven RTS Awards and six British Comedy Awards. He is best known for producing critically acclaimed and culturally defining series including The Office, The IT Crowd, Stath Lets Flats, Big Boys and People Just Do Nothing.
Ash Atalla © Roughcut TV
With more than 60 executive producer credits to his name across comedy, Ash has also expanded into drama with critically-acclaimed hit Little Disasters for Paramount+, and ratings smash Coma for 5. Roughcut is about to go into production on Wrong Move, a brand-new drama for Channel 4.
Renowned for his ability to identify and nurture emerging talent, Ash championed then emerging talent Ricky Gervais, Chris O’Dowd, Katherine Parkinson and Jamie Demetriou. Most recently, Ash and Roughcut have worked with Lucia Keskin, whose BBC series Things You Should Have Done is nominated for two BAFTA Television Awards this year and last month won Best Comedy at the RTS Awards. He also brought Jack Rooke, creator and writer of the beloved Channel 4 comedy Big Boys into the mainstream. The series garnered widespread praise and awards plaudits, including a recent Comedy Drama win at the RTS Awards. It has been nominated for three BAFTA Awards at the upcoming awards and a defining moment from the show’s finale has been nominated for the 2026 P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award, to be presented at the ceremony in May.
Ash’s appointment comes as an exciting moment for the NFTS, as the School embarks on a new chapter with the expansion of its world-class facilities, including the recent announcement of The Cubby Broccoli Building, the latest addition to its Beaconsfield campus. Due to open in January 2027, the new building will play a central role in the School’s future growth plans, introducing pioneering new courses in Costume Design and Hair and Makeup as well as for the first time in its history, providing purpose built, on-site accommodation for students with physical access requirements.
Sophie Turner Laing, Chair of the National Film and Television School, commented: “Ash is one of the most influential and creative figures in British television, with an exceptional track record of discovering and championing emerging talent. His ability to identify and nurture original voices is second to none, and his commitment to supporting outstanding new creatives aligns perfectly with the NFTS mission. He will be an invaluable addition to the NFTS Board and we are thrilled to welcome him at such a pivotal time for the School.”
Ash Atalla, CEO of Roughcut TV added: “What an honour to join the NFTS Board. I remember starting in this insane yet beautiful industry and I hope my career highs and body blows will be helpful to a new generation. My only concern is that one day a student becomes my boss and I’d have to pretend to be gracious. For clarity, I’d hate it.”
The NFTS Board of Governors is comprised of senior leaders from film, television, games and higher education. Alongside BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips and Charlotte Moore, CEO of Left Bank Pictures and EVP of International Production at Sony Pictures Television, members include Julian Bellamy, MD of ITV Studios, Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer at Sky, Andrew Macdonald, co-founder of DNA Films and Farhana Bhula, Director of Film4.
For more info: nfts.co.uk/board