Ollie Parsons is a multi-award-winning director of BAFTA-nominated TV and commercials, known for his visually stunning and emotionally rich storytelling.

 

His beautifully crafted work has received critical acclaim for being visually stunning, funny, dramatic and full of heart.  Whether crafting big, silly set pieces or subtle, satirical moments, Ollie has razor-sharp instincts for both comedy and drama. His work  consistently displays his ability to move its audiences - to laugh, to cry, to leave them wanting more. 

 

From Emmy winning A-listers to those new to acting, his performance direction is consistently being praised for its ability to bring the best from a performer. This is evident in the number of actors, writers, and producers who repeatedly request him for subsequent seasons.

 

Ollie has collaborated with some of the greatest comedy writers and producers in the world and directed an extraordinary range of talent. These include: Armando Iannucci, Martin Freeman, Nick Frost, Josh Gad, Hugh Laurie, Zach Woods, Rebecca Front, Daisy Haggard, Sally Philips, Will Smith (writer), Tony Roche (writer) Peter Capaldi, Guz Khan, David Hasslehoff, Daisy May Cooper, Asim Chaudhry, Miranda Hart,  Samuel West, Sir Chris Hoy, R2-D2, C-3PO and Lewis Hamilton. Clients include: The BBC, Apple, SKY, ITV, Hat Trick, Tiger Aspect, Avalon, Old El Paso, Nissan, Hyundai, Stowford Press Cider,  Specsavers, Comic Relief and Children in Need to name a few.

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Ollie has just completed Series 4 of the Martin Freeman Series Breeders. Written by Emmy Winning Simon Blackwell (The Thick of It, Veep, Four Lions, Peep Show, In the Loop) He is ais currently working on the debut series of Transaction written, created  and  staring Jordon Gray and Nick Frost. 

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Awards & Recognition

Ollie’s work has been widely celebrated across television and advertising. He has won eight Promax Advertising Golds (for both directing and writing), RTS Awards (for television), D&AD Awards, Kinsale Shark Awards (including Best Director), and Circle Awards, among others. He is also a BAFTA-nominated director, known for his ability to craft compelling, visually striking, and emotionally engaging work.

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Beyond his technical expertise, Ollie brings a deep understanding of storytelling, character, and comedic timing to every project.

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More about Ollie...

Born in Hastings, Ollie was raised by his father, Peter, a welder working on oil rigs and cars, and his mother, Diane, who ran a garage. Tragedy struck when his father took his own life when Ollie was just 13, followed by the loss of his mother a few years later. 

 

Ollie’s love of comedy led to him failing all his GCSE’s and ending up working as a carpenter and joiner for 3 years.  He soon realised whilst building roofs on freezing cold council estates that he could no longer spend his time doing left wing stand up to right wing builders and wanted to pursue a life in writing and directing.

At 11, Ollie "borrowed" a Super 8mm camera, igniting a love for filmmaking. At 18, he presented his work to the head of a BTEC course in Eastbourne, who, impressed by his talent and quick mind, admitted him despite his lack of academic qualifications.

Determined to never return to the freezing rooftops, Ollie poured himself into his work, earning a record 24 Distinctions—the highest in the country that year—leading him to win National Student of the Year and secure a place at university It was here he was also diagnosed with dyslexia - trumping his school diagnosis of "idiot".

After graduating Ollie spent his time working as a Creative and Director in advertising (directing over 100 adverts and promos) - honing his technical skills to a high level, whilst writing stand up and various optioned sitcoms. His breakthrough in TV came with Man Like Mobeen, the multi-BAFTA-nominated, RTS and Broadcast award-winning comedy, where he also contributed additional material and served as an associate producer.

 

As well as directing pure comedy, Ollie has shown his skill at directing drama, creating scenes that have the power to move audiences, long after they are over. 

Combining his passion for comedy and performance with his visual flair and technical know-how, Ollie  has been lucky enough to work with some of the biggest writers, producers and performers in comedy.

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Personal Life

Ollie is married to fashion designer and artist Chloe Croft, known for her work creating outfits for the Scissor Sisters, the Spice Girls, and a range of notable opera leads. They have two daughters together.

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​Ollie loves what he does—and it shows in every frame of his work.​​