We’re thrilled to announce that Silverback Films Co-Founder Keith Scholey has been presented with a fellowship from the Royal Television Society (RTS). The ceremony took place last night (Wednesday 5th November) during the annual RTS Patrons’ Dinner at One Great George Street, and recognises industry luminaries who have made a remarkable, meaningful and enduring impact on UK television. The award was handed out by Jane Turton, RTS Chair and CEO of All3Media.
Born and raised in East Africa, Keith qualified as a Zoologist with both a degree and PhD from Bristol University. In 1982 began working with the BBC Natural History Unit as a researcher and subsequently became a producer. In 1998 he was appointed the Head of the Natural History Unit and then In 2002 he was appointed Controller of Specialist Factual, responsible for BBC Natural History, Science, History, Arts, Business and Religious in house productions. In 2006 he was appointed the Controller of Factual Production, responsible for all BBC ‘in house’ Factual television production across England and also the Deputy Chief Creative Officer for Vision Productions. In 2008 he left the BBC to pursue an independent career in natural history cinema and television production.
Keith’s work has brought the wonders of the natural world to millions of viewers across the globe, inspiring awe, awareness, and action for our planet. Productions he’s been responsible have been recognised for industry leading awards including the Emmys, BAFTA, RTS, Wildscreen Panda and Jackson Hole.
Keith is co-director and executive producer of ‘Ocean with David Attenborough’, a co-director and producer of ‘Disneynature: Sea Lions of the Galapagos’ and producer of ‘Disneynature: Guardians of the Galapagos’. His other recent credits include series producer of the Netflix series ‘Life on Our Planet’ and executive producer of Netflix’s series ‘Our Planet II’. He is a series producer of first season of ‘Our Planet’, executive producer of the BBC One series ‘A Perfect Planet’, ‘The Mating Game’ and ‘The Earthshot Prize’ and National Geographic’s feature ‘Billy and Molly’. He also is a director of the Netflix feature film ‘David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet’.
We’re so proud to see his extraordinary contribution to television recognised with this fellowship, joining an esteemed list of 2025 recipients including Matt Brittin, ex-President, Google EMEA; Charlie Brooker, award-winning Screenwriter and Producer; Richard Cowles, Managing Director, Lifted Entertainment (part of ITV Studios); Stacey Dooley, Presenter and Journalist; Emma Gormley, Managing Director, ITV Studios Daytime; James Graham, Playwright and Screenwriter; Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Journalist and Presenter, Channel 4 News; and Sarah Rose, President of Channel 5 and UK Regional Lead, Paramount Global.
2024 Fellowship recipients Rosie Jones, Comedian, Writer, and Actor; and Stephen Merchant, Comedian, Actor, Writer, and Director, also attended the Patrons’ Dinner to celebrate their Awards.
Theresa Wise, CEO of the Royal Television Society, said: “The RTS Fellowships have recognised some amazing creatives, practitioners and leaders over the years, and this year is no different. From landmark series and momentous news stories, to groundbreaking innovations in TV and technology, it was fantastic to come together last night to celebrate their many achievements. We’re sure their work will continue to inspire the next generation of talent in our industry.”
For more information on the RTS’ Fellowships and Trustees please visit: https://rts.org.uk/about-us/whos-who