Hot Shots 2026: Andrew Nixon

Andrew Nixon knows how to spot a story. On his first shoot in Senegal, where he was filming chimpanzees in extreme heat, he built up a relationship with a local researcher and spotted the kernel of a story about how the animals survive in such hot, dry conditions – and what it might mean for humans’ own evolutionary past.

He developed this into what became PBS documentary Humanlike: The Chimps of the Fongoli, his first film as assistant producer, just three years since joining Passion Planet as a runner.

“That combination of curiosity and initiative is rare,” says executive producer Gaby Bastyra. “Andy has built a strong range of skills across production, development and post-production, including research, treatment writing, shoot support and editing.

“He learns fast and applies what he’s learned immediately, often needing very little direction. Andy just gets on with things – and improves everything he touches.”

Zoology graduate Andy has worked with Passion Planet since 2021 and in the past year, he’s been a researcher on David Attenborough-fronted BBC1 series Wild London and an edit assistant on another PBS commission, Life on the Edge.

“Andy has a clear editorial instinct for someone at his stage,” says Bastyra. “He has a calm, capable way of working and fits easily into any team, he’s thoughtful with contributors, and he’s steady when things get pressured. Andy is still early in his career, but he is already operating well above his level.”