DEE HELLIER
London
Summary
Accomplished television production leader with over 25 years' experience delivering high-profile scripted and unscripted content for major UK broadcasters. Currently Line Producer on EastEnders at BBC Studios, leading production operations for one of the UK's largest and most complex continuing dramas. Proven expertise in managing multi-million-pound budgets, leading large multidisciplinary teams, and delivering ambitious editorial output within demanding financial and operational constraints. Skilled in strategic planning, production operations, resource management, compliance, risk mitigation and organisational leadership across both studio and location environments. Recognised for building collaborative and inclusive production cultures, developing high-performing teams, and successfully navigating complex operational challenges including large-scale infrastructure projects and the implementation of industry-leading Covid production protocols. Combines extensive hands-on production experience gained through roles spanning Line Producer, Production Manager and First Assistant Director with strong commercial acumen and a practical understanding of every stage of the production lifecycle from development through delivery.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Line Producer
BBC Studios
2021.06 - Current
- Lead all production operations for EastEnders, overseeing the successful delivery of 214 episodes annually across studio and location environments.
- Manage multi-million-pound annual production budgets, forecasting expenditure, controlling costs and ensuring delivery against financial targets.
- Lead large multidisciplinary production teams operating across multiple concurrent shooting units throughout a 50-week production cycle.
- Partner closely with Executive Producers, Editorial Leads and Heads of Department to balance creative ambition with operational and financial realities.
- Drive strategic production planning, workforce management, resource allocation and risk mitigation across complex and overlapping production schedules.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive and accountable working culture, maintaining high levels of engagement, performance and staff wellbeing.
- Played a key role in developing BBC Studios' Covid-19 Return to Work protocols, collaborating with industry partners and broadcasters to establish safe production practices.
- Successfully led one of the UK's first major drama productions to resume filming during the pandemic, ensuring continuity of production while maintaining rigorous health and safety standards.
- Directed production operations through a major studio redevelopment programme, implementing phased operational plans, contractor coordination and risk mitigation measures to ensure uninterrupted production output.
- Maintain responsibility for production compliance, health and safety, operational resilience and delivery performance across one of the BBC's flagship continuing dramas.
Production Manager
BBC Studios
2012.01 - 2021.05
- Managed all aspects of production planning and delivery across scripted and factual productions, working closely with producers, editorial teams and department heads.
- Planned and delivered productions from pre-production through to transmission.
- Managed production budgets, schedules and resource allocation to achieve delivery targets.
- Negotiated and secured facilities, crew, technical resources, contributors and specialist services.
- Led production logistics across both studio and location environments.
- Maintained accountability for health and safety, compliance and risk management.
- Developed contingency plans to minimise operational disruption and maximise production efficiency.
- Built strong, collaborative relationships across editorial, production and technical teams to ensure successful programme delivery.
- Selected Credits: EastEnders | Secrets From The Square | My Song | Adam Wiseman Life Coach Pilot | Dr Hoo
First Assistant Director
Freelance
2002.01 - 2012.01
- Worked across a wide range of high-profile drama, entertainment and factual productions for major UK broadcasters.
- Planned and coordinated complex production schedules across studio and location shoots.
- Collaborated with Directors, Producers and Heads of Department to maximise creative output while maintaining budgetary control.
- Led daily production operations and crew coordination.
- Managed production safety planning and risk assessment processes.
- Oversaw floor operations, troubleshooting production challenges and maintaining delivery schedules.
- Selected Credits: Vera (Series 2 & 3) | Black Mirror – The National Anthem | Casualty | Holby City | River City | EastEnders
- Additional credits include productions for BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and independent production companies.
Second Assistant Director
Freelance
1998.01 - 2002.01
- Managed supporting cast and coordinated artist logistics and transport operations to ensure seamless production flow.
- Coordinated communication between production teams, artists and management to streamline information sharing and enhance collaboration.
- Produced call sheets and daily progress reports to facilitate effective communication and alignment across production teams.
- Assisted with daily production tasks for various projects to ensure operational efficiency.
Skills
- Production Leadership
- Scheduling and budgeting
- Resource planning
- Workflow management
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Stakeholder Management
- Strategic delivery
- Team Leadership & Development
Accomplishments
- Over 25 years of television production leadership experience.
- Line Producer responsible for the delivery of 214 episodes of EastEnders annually.
- Management of multi-million-pound production budgets.
- Led one of the first major UK drama productions to resume filming during Covid-19.
- Extensive experience leading large studio and location-based production teams.
- Proven ability to balance editorial ambition with commercial and operational requirements.
- Successfully maintained production output during major studio redevelopment and infrastructure projects.
TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- NPA Producers Course
- Mental Health First Aider
- BBC Appointed First Aider
- Working Safely at the BBC
- BBC Greener Broadcast
- BBC Introduction to Rights
- BBC Studios Code of Conduct
- Safeguarding Advanced
- Working with Children Awareness Advanced
- Unconscious Bias for Leaders
- Bullying & Harassment Awareness
- Hawksmere Copyright & Compliance
GDPR STATEMENT
This CV may be retained and processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Full Clean UK Driving Licence
- Willing to Relocate
- References Available Upon Request
Timeline
Line Producer
BBC Studios
2021.06 - Current
Production Manager
BBC Studios
2012.01 - 2021.05
First Assistant Director
Freelance
2002.01 - 2012.01
Second Assistant Director
Freelance
1998.01 - 2002.01