Denys Blakeway is an English documentary filmmaker and television director. He has directed and produced some of the UK's most popular factual television series, including Who Do You Think You Are?, The Secret History of Our Streets, and The Story of India.
Born in 1968, Denys attended University College London and graduated with a first class degree in English. He went on to study documentary filmmaking at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield. After graduating, Denys began his career as a director and producer at the BBC in 1996, directing a wide range of programs for BBC2 and BBC4.
In 2004, Denys directed the first series of Who Do You Think You Are?, which proved to be a major hit and has since been sold to over 30 countries around the world. The series follows celebrities as they explore their family history, and it has helped to inspire a renewed interest in genealogy in the UK and beyond.
In 2007, Denys directed The Secret History of Our Streets, a series that looks at the history of seven iconic British streets and the people who lived there. The series was a huge success and won numerous awards, including the BAFTA for best factual series.
In 2008, Denys directed The Story of India, a six-part series that explores the history, culture and people of India. The series was praised for its in-depth look at the country and was broadcast in over 40 countries around the world.
Denys has since gone on to direct a variety of other documentaries, including I'm A Celebrity: Life In The Jungle, which was broadcast to over 25 countries. He has also directed a number of acclaimed drama-documentaries, including The Great Plague, which told the story of London's 1665 plague outbreak.
In addition to directing, Denys has also taught documentary filmmaking at the University of Westminster and the National Film and Television School. He is also a regular speaker at international film festivals and events.
Denys Blakeway is a highly respected documentary filmmaker and television director. He has directed and produced some of the most successful factual series in the UK, and his work has been broadcast to audiences all around the world.
