Pippa Harris

Biography

Dame Philippa "Pippa" Harris DBE is a highly influential British film and television producer, celebrated for her role in creating some of the most acclaimed and popular British dramas of the past two decades.

Biography and Early Career

Born in 1967, Pippa Harris studied English at Robinson College, Cambridge. She began her professional journey in the entertainment industry, quickly moving from a script editor role at ITV and Channel 4 to a development executive position at BBC Films. 

Her ascent continued within the BBC, where she became an Executive Producer for BBC Drama Serials, overseeing notable projects like the BAFTA-winning drama Warriors. In 2001, she was appointed Head of Drama Commissioning for the BBC, a prestigious role where her commissions included successful series such as State of Play and Daniel Deronda.

Founding Neal Street Productions and Major Works

In 2003, Harris co-founded Neal Street Productions alongside director Sam Mendes and producer Caro Newling. This company became the vehicle for her most significant contributions to both film and television:

Television Success: She serves as an Executive Producer for the critically acclaimed and immensely popular period drama Call the Midwife, which remains one of the UK's most-watched TV dramas. Other major TV credits include the psychological thriller series Penny Dreadful and the Shakespearean series The Hollow Crown.

Film Accolades: Her filmography boasts several award-nominated and winning features. She served as an Executive Producer on the Oscar-nominated Revolutionary Road (2008). In 2019, she produced the First World War epic 1917, which swept the major awards, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama and two BAFTA Awards (Best Film and Outstanding British Film), alongside an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. She also produced the 2022 film Empire of Light.

Recognition and Industry Leadership

Beyond her production work, Harris is a respected leader in the British creative industry. She previously held the prominent position of Chair of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). In recognition of her distinguished services to drama, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2015 Dissolution Honors.