Will Dawes, a key figure in British television and co-managing director of Plum Pictures, who created shows with the likes of James May and George Clarke, died suddenly in London on Monday. He was 57 years old.
Dawes began his career as a stand-up comedian, then picked up a camera and set out to document the war in Liberia. He sold his footage to Channel 4 and then went on to work in current affairs for the BBC, producing documentary series such as Axis of Evil Holiday and A Place That Doesn’t Exist, as well as “prank” shows about aging rock bands, Dirty Weekend in the Hospital and The Zimmers.
Throughout his career, Dawes cultivated relationships with some of the biggest names in the industry, including George Clarke, James May, Simon Reeve, Stephen Gates, Peter Snow, Hannah Fry, Johnny Vegas and Ronnie Corbett.
It was at the BBC that Dawes met Stuart Cab, co-founder of Plum Pictures. In 2007, the pair left broadcasting to go out on their own and launched Plum under the Hat Trick banner. He was soon joined by production director Victoria Moss, who co-created a number of international formats including the long-running series George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, James May’s Toy Stories, James May…Our Man In, Trainspotting Live and a host of Channel 4’s property content.
“Will Dawes was more like the leader of a large, happy gang than the stereotypical TV executive (a title he hated anyway). He worked under the simple belief that television should be fun to make, or it wouldn’t be fun to watch,” May said in a statement. “We talked about this when we met 18 years ago, and as a result, almost everything I’ve done outside of automotive programming has been made with Will and Plum Pictures. He’s a relentless geyser of ideas. A flashy and silly person, a motivator, a notorious charmer of commissioners, and a terrible driver…I loved this man, as did everyone around him. I’m so happy to have known him.”
Clark said he always called himself “Lord Dawes…and for good reason.”
“He built the most beautiful ocean liner called HMS PLUM, the ultimate in great space,” he continued. “We all traveled with him on his wonderful ship, visiting some of the most magical places on Earth. No matter what storms we encountered along the way, Lord Dawes always protected us and carried us to calmer, safer waters. We always laughed with him. We were always in awe of him. We always loved him.”
Cab added: “Will was like a brother to me. I’m still in denial that this happened. He was a great friend and an extraordinary business partner. Life wouldn’t be as much fun without him.”
Dawes is survived by his wife Shula, son Ethan, daughter Noah, mother Dilys, and brothers Sam and Joe.
