New Executive Leadership at Big Deal Films
Big Deal Films, the production company behind Dreaming Whilst Black, has announced a significant new partnership with Bal Samra, an instrumental figure in the development of BBC iPlayer and BritBox. Samra has acquired a minority stake in the company and will serve as its Executive Chair.
With an impressive track record, Samra will focus on fostering commercial partnerships and spearheading initiatives into the podcast and digital arenas. Over the past few years, he has offered strategic and commercial guidance to Big Deal through his consultancy, Bizet Media. His extensive experience includes a 30-year tenure at the BBC, where he played a pivotal role in the evolution of BBC iPlayer, BBC News online, and BritBox, alongside negotiating key commercial arrangements with major companies such as Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.
In his new role, Samra is set to leverage his commercial acumen, operational expertise, and forward-thinking approach to propel Big Deal Films into its next stage of growth, both domestically and internationally, with particular emphasis on expanding digital and podcast ventures.
Big Deal Films’ Expanding Portfolio
Founded by Dhanny Joshi and Thomas Stogdon, Big Deal Films is preparing for the upcoming second season of Dreaming Whilst Black on BBC Three, a project in collaboration with A24 and broadcasted in the U.S. on Showtime. This highly acclaimed series, featuring co-creator Adjani Salmon, portrays the journey of an ambitious Black filmmaker within the industry. Additionally, Big Deal Films has produced other notable works such as Scam Stories for BBC Three and Holier than Thou for U & Dave.
As Big Deal Films looks to extend its reach internationally and across different platforms, the inclusion of Samra’s leadership is seen as a strategic enhancement. “Bringing in leadership that not only aligns with our vision but can also refine it has been crucial as we aim to scale Big Deal internationally,” said Joshi. Samra also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I have immense respect for what Dhanny, Thomas, and their team have accomplished. I am thrilled by their vision to bring these narratives to a broader audience. It’s exceptional to find a company that maintains strong links to both the broadcasting world and the creative community. Big Deal has a firm grounding in digital, possessing both the nimbleness and creative insight needed to connect emerging talent with established sectors of the TV and audio industries.”
In addition to his new role at Big Deal, Samra continues to collaborate with other media entities such as Milk VFX through his consultancy, Bizet Media.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
