DEAN ARNETT OVERVIEW
Dean Arnett is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning documentary producer and former BBC filmmaker with over two decades of experience in the media industry. His extensive career has spanned roles as a location camera operator, video editor, and live studio director. As a key figure in the rollout of the BBC’s pioneering Video-Journalism project, Dean was instrumental in shaping modern media production. He later transitioned into long-form storytelling, earning awards both within the BBC and on the global stage for his powerful, character-led narratives.
As a former BBC Academy training manager, Dean designed and delivered industry-standard courses that have been widely praised for their innovation and practical application. His impressive filmmaking portfolio includes projects for globally renowned platforms such as the BBC, Discovery, Amazon Prime, Al Jazeera, and many others. Dean’s storytelling expertise is complemented by his ability to deliver high-quality productions tailored to diverse audiences and mediums.
A true innovator in the media industry, Dean has been at the forefront of integrating AI tools into news and media production. As a consultant and trainer, he has worked with broadcasters, media producers, digital publishers, and news organizations worldwide, pioneering AI-driven workflows that streamline production while maintaining creative integrity. Dean also serves as a sought-after public speaker, delivering engaging presentations on the opportunities, challenges, and ethical implications of AI in broadcasting and media. His AI-focused courses, delivered to major broadcasters and digital publishers globally, are designed to meet broadcast-quality standards and are offered in flexible formats, including face-to-face, on-location, live, or pre-recorded online sessions.
Today, Dean produces as many films using AI tools as he does with conventional workflows, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving industry. Over the years, he has conducted bespoke training for a wide range of clients, including broadcasters, marketing agencies, NGOs, and digital publishers. His extensive client list includes prestigious organizations such as the BBC, ITV, STV, MediaCorp, Internews, IREX, and Associated Press, reflecting his versatility and global expertise.
As a freelance professional for over 12 years, Dean continues to lead in documentary filmmaking, training, and consulting. Whether creating impactful films, designing industry-leading training programs, or advancing AI integration in media, Dean remains a trusted authority and trailblazer in the field.
ABOUT ME
As a former BBC, internationally award winning, Documentary Producer and Media Trainer, now independent, Dean Arnett has over 30 years in the broadcast industry. He now works as an AI Media consultant and trainer and independent documentary producer. He has filmed and produced documentaries all over the world, most notably for the BBC, Discovery, Al Jazeera, Alaraby, Amazon prime and others.. These documentaries are usually character-led films, exploring the human condition. He also delivers specialised media training courses.
AI MEDIA CONSULTANCY
Dean Arnett provides consultancy services in AI, helping broadcasters, digital publishers and media producers chose and integrate the best AI tools for their production workflow, increasing productivity, production quality and audience engagement. Dean also delivers focussed AI Tools for News and media Production training courses for broadcasters and clients around the world. Check out the training page for more details.
AI in MEDIA & NEWS PRODUCTION CONSULTANT & TRAINER
Dean Arnett is a globally recognised innovator in integrating AI tools into the news and media industry. With a wider media career spanning over three decades, he has pioneered the strategic use of AI for over two years to revolutionise media workflows, from content creation and video editing to automation and audience engagement. As a consultant, Dean advises broadcasters, news organisations, and digital publishers on adopting AI tools tailored to their unique needs, helping them streamline production processes while maintaining journalistic integrity. His work also addresses ethical considerations, such as transparency, bias mitigation, and safeguarding authenticity in AI-driven content.
In addition to consultancy, Dean has developed and delivered industry-leading training programs for organizations like the BBC, ITV, MediaCorp, and Associated Press. His courses, offered in flexible formats including live, on-location, and pre-recorded sessions, equip media professionals with the skills to leverage AI tools effectively while upholding broadcast-quality standards. Dean’s hands-on approach ensures participants leave with actionable insights on topics such as AI-enhanced video editing, ethical storytelling, and content automation.
As a dynamic public speaker, Dean engages audiences worldwide with presentations on the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the media industry. From demystifying AI video generation to addressing deepfakes and ethical dilemmas, his talks inspire professionals to embrace AI’s transformative potential while navigating its complexities. Today, Dean remains at the forefront of AI innovation in media, producing films with AI-enhanced workflows and empowering organisations to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
FILM-MAKING
Dean Arnett has over 30 years experience in broadcast documentary and corporate video production, creating films for organisations, clients adn brands such as; BBC, Al Jazeera, Alaraby, Discovery, Amazon Prime, Dropbox, ServiceNow, Oracle, WHO, NHS and many others.
SELF-SHOOT DOCUMENTARY PRODUCER
Dean Arnett played a key role in the rollout of the BBC’s groundbreaking video-journalism project, pioneering self-shoot production techniques that revolutionised the way stories were told on screen. Building on this innovation, he successfully transitioned these skills into crafting long-form narratives, becoming a trailblazer in character-driven storytelling. Over his distinguished 23-year tenure as a staff producer at the BBC, Dean won multiple awards for his documentaries, and he continues to produce films for the network as an independent filmmaker.
Dean’s expertise has extended far beyond the BBC, with a portfolio that includes acclaimed documentaries for Discovery, Al Jazeera, Alaraby, Amazon Prime, and other leading platforms. He is particularly renowned for his mastery of run-and-gun, actuality-heavy filmmaking, weaving compelling, character-led narratives that bring stories to life in raw, authentic ways. Alongside his independent work, Dean also collaborates with crews as a producer/director for commissioned projects, ensuring the highest production standards.
In addition to his filmmaking, Dean works as a sought-after consultant, providing expert guidance on documentaries in various stages of production. Whether advising on projects still in development or troubleshooting films struggling in the edit, Dean’s insights have helped countless filmmakers refine their stories and bring their visions to fruition. His passion for storytelling, combined with his deep technical knowledge, makes him a leading figure in the documentary filmmaking world.
STUDIO DESIGN & BUILD
Dean Arnett has helped broadcasters and producers design and build studios of various sizes and scales, from small one man live-streaming studios, all the way up to full sized, multi-camera broadcast standard studios for news, chat show, magazine show and entertainment solutions.
AWARDS
Dean Arnett has won national and international awards for his documentaries, corporate videos and media training courses.