The world of television has lost a true visionary. Will Daws, the British producer behind some of the most beloved programs featuring James May and George Clarke, has passed away at the age of 57. This sudden loss has left the industry reeling, as Daws was not just a producer but a creative force, a friend, and a mentor to many. But here’s where it gets even more poignant: Daws’ journey to becoming a powerhouse in factual television was anything but conventional. From stand-up comedy to war zone cameraman, his path was as eclectic as it was inspiring.
Daws, who once humorously described himself as “10% man, 90% anecdote,” was the co-founder of Plum Pictures, the production company behind hits like James May: Our Man In… and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. Alongside his business partner Stuart Cabb, Daws had been at the helm of Plum since 2007, steering it to success with a unique blend of creativity and charm. His ability to connect with presenters and talent was legendary, and his collaborations with stars like James May, George Clarke, Simon Reeve, and Hannah Fry have left an indelible mark on British television.
What’s often overlooked is Daws’ early career, which reads like an adventure novel. Before entering the world of production, he was a stand-up comedian and a self-taught war zone cameraman, capturing footage in Liberia and selling it to Channel 4. This fearless spirit followed him into his role as a director and executive producer at the BBC, where he worked on groundbreaking shows like Holidays in the Axis of Evil and Places That Don’t Exist. It was this fearless creativity that later defined Plum Pictures, a company he built with Cabb and backed by Jimmy Mulville’s Hat Trick Productions.
And this is the part most people miss: Daws’ philosophy was simple yet revolutionary. He believed that television should be as enjoyable to make as it is to watch. This mantra guided his work, from James May’s Toy Stories to Amazing Spaces, and it’s why his shows resonated so deeply with audiences. But here’s the controversial bit: In an industry often criticized for its cutthroat nature, Daws stood out for his kindness, warmth, and sense of mischief. Was his approach too idealistic for the competitive world of TV? Or was he onto something that the industry desperately needs more of?
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and friends, each painting a picture of a man who was larger than life. Stuart Cabb, his partner at Plum, described Daws as “a brother,” adding, “Life will be so much less fun without him.” James May, who worked closely with Daws for nearly two decades, called him “an unrelenting geyser of ideas, equally sparkling and idiotic,” and lamented the loss of a man who was “more like the leader of a big, happy gang than a television executive.” George Clarke, whose Amazing Spaces series was produced by Plum, affectionately referred to Daws as “Lord Daws,” praising his ability to navigate challenges with humor and grace.
The impact of Daws’ passing extends beyond the UK. Plum Pictures, while primarily known for its unscripted British shows, has also collaborated with international platforms like Hulu and ABC News on projects such as Little Miss Innocent: Passion. Poison. Prison and a docuseries about the murder of Mike Williams. This global reach is a testament to Daws’ vision and versatility.
As the industry mourns, one question lingers: Can the spirit of Will Daws—his creativity, kindness, and passion—continue to inspire a new generation of producers? His legacy is not just in the shows he made, but in the lives he touched and the joy he brought to both his colleagues and his audience. Daws is survived by his wife, Shula, their two children, Ethan and Noa, his mother, and two brothers. His absence will be deeply felt, but his influence will undoubtedly endure.
What do you think? Did Will Daws’ approach to television production set a standard the industry should aspire to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
