Donut is The Duplass Brothers creative shop, creating entertainment-led content for brands bringing an indie sensibility to new audiences. Donut has been named by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies of 2017 and is Snap Inc/NBC Universal’s first ever partner for scripted content. Nigel is a graduate of Middlesex University, University of London and started his career at the BBC. He spends his time annoyed at being regularly schooled at card games by his 4 year old son, James.


What video/television piece inspired you recently?

HBO’s Insecure & Amazon’s Transparent. They’re fantastic examples of work portraying LA communities giving viewers access into issues of race, culture and gender in a smart, entertaining way without losing its bite. Both shows are beautifully shot and cleverly written, whilst being intensely personal stories delivered by show runners who clearly really care. There’s a lot to be learned from both.

I’ll also call out Mark and Jay’s ‘Room 104’ for HBO which bizarrely made me realize how much I enjoy modern dance and I’ve been down a late-night YouTube rabbit hole ever since.

What is most exciting for you at the moment within your industry?

I’m enjoying how valued creators have become and how many different avenues now exist to tell a story. The mash-up of entertainment, platforms and advertising is a fun place to be and crucially, nobody really knows where we’re going to end up or who the winners will be. Right now, creators & audiences are both winning which is kind of cool.

I’ve also got a deep interest in issues around diversity and it’s exciting there’s finally genuine acknowledgement things simply have to improve and quickly. So much talent is being wasted.

What is one thing the Telly Awards community should know about you?

I’m obsessed with Motorcycling. It’s addictive and meditative. The danger/adrenalin element just makes it all the more fun.

What is a piece of work you are most proud to have worked on?

I’m currently living the project I’m most proud of – Donut.