Hot Shots 2025: Thomas Pullen

How many award winners beat themselves – twice – to the title? Tom Pullen joined that elite group at the 2024 Broadcast Digital Awards, where his Channel 4.0 doc When Harry Met The Far Right Rally picked up the honours in Best Short-Form Documentary ahead a pair of other nominated titles he had commissioned.

The doc, in which YouTuber Harry Pinero pranked a far-right rally in support of a refugee football team, represents Tom’s mission to deliver young-skewing shows that are creatively ambitious while striving for real-world change. His shows have also tackled the murky world of virginity auctions, attitudes towards homosexuality in the Premier League and legislation around female safety.

Another of his commissions, In Too Deep: Plastic, Printed And Deadly, led to legislative change around 3D-printed firearms.

Now Pullen is applying his skills to drama with Beth, a short-form series showcasing young diverse writers, directors and producers.

Pullen, who comes from a family of undertakers, is known for having done every job possible to fund his way into the industry and build his transferable skill set.

“Tom’s creative ambition is relentless, driving bold, culturally resonant programmes that land with real impact,” says C4 digital head Sacha Khari. “Whether untangling editorial knots or lighting up new genres, Tom pairs refined instinct with creative nerve.”