Damian Townend BFE
A versatile and accomplished editor, Damian has a keen eye for narrative and an unwavering dedication to storytelling. Specialising in long-form documentaries and factual content, he has an extensive portfolio spanning across diverse genres, from true crime to sports, history, and music. With a background that blends technical expertise and creative flair, he is known for his ability to craft compelling, emotionally impactful stories that deeply connect with audiences.
Starting his career in the United States at Blue Rock Post, on Lexington Avenue, Damian transitioned into producing and editing high-end TV promos, cinema trailers, and branded content. After working with major studios, networks, and clients such as Turner Broadcasting, Sky, and MGM, he evolved into an accomplished long-form editor. His credits include Accused: Guilty or Innocent?, All or Nothing: Juventus, Elizabeth: Our Queen and Africa: The Great Civilisations, among many others. Damian’s work has also spanned feature documentaries like What Killed Maradona? and the acclaimed documentary feature film The Possibilities Are Endless, as well as impactful series like We Are England – Dementia, Music and Us,True Life Crimes UK and Chasing The Dream: Lawrence Okolie.
Damian’s editing style is driven by a deep understanding of structure, pacing, and authenticity. He prides himself on collaborating closely with directors and producers to ensure that every story is told with clarity, purpose, and emotional depth. Whether editing sensitive documentaries or high-energy sports shows, his focus is always on ensuring that the heart of the narrative comes through clearly and powerfully.
With advanced skills in Avid Media Composer, Premiere Pro, and a solid background in TV and film production, Damian continues to bring his expertise and passion for storytelling to projects that challenge, inform, and inspire.
More work by Damian
Accused: Guilty or Innocent? After the Verdict
Africa’s Greatest Civilizations
Chasing The Dream: Lawrence Okolie
TV promo showreel
True Life Crimes UK
What Killed Maradona?
We Are England: Dementia, Music and Us
The Possibilities Are Endless
Accused: Guilty or Innocent? After the Verdict
This true crime documentary series examines gripping real-life stories and in this episode, the focus lands on the post-trial journey of Sakai French, a teenager convicted of murder. With unprecedented access to maximum-security prisons, parole hearings, appeal proceedings, and beyond, the episode offers a raw and intimate look at the ripple effects of a single tragic event.
Damian meticulously shaped the narrative arc, balancing the series’ established format with a commitment to authenticity and emotional depth. The story unveils the stark realities of incarceration and the struggles faced by those directly and indirectly impacted by the death of a young man. Through thoughtful storytelling, each frame conveys the complexities of the case, evoking the dueling emotions surrounding justice, grief, and redemption.
Working in close collaboration with the director and producer, Damian infused every moment with meaning, crafting a compelling exploration of the U.S. justice system. The episode captures not only the personal journey of the convicted but also the profound impact on legal teams, families, and friends left in the wake of tragedy. Premiered on the Crime and Investigation channel, part of A&E Networks.
Africa’s Greatest Civilizations
Damian’s collaborative spirit was integral to ensuring the series’ expansive scope unfolded seamlessly. Each moment in the series contributed meaningfully to the overarching story, highlighting Africa’s cultural, technological, and social contributions to the world. Simultaneously, the series maintained its focus on the human elements that make history tangible and impactful.
Broadcast on PBS America, Africa’s Greatest Civilizations provided audiences with a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on Africa’s history, celebrating the continent’s essential role in shaping global heritage and the modern world.
Chasing The Dream: Lawrence Okolie
Chasing the Dream offers an intimate and powerful portrayal of boxer Lawrence Okolie’s journey from humble beginnings to world champion. The Sky One documentary highlights his struggles with self-doubt, weight issues, and the transition from Olympic boxing to the professional ranks, where he would ultimately dominate the cruiserweight division.
Using his eye for narrative structure and ability to find the heartbeat of a story Damian elevates the documentary beyond just the examination of Okolie’s personal challenges to a compelling emotional experience that puts the audience inside the head of a boxer. The result is an inspirational tale that resonates on many levels.
Since the documentary aired, Okolie’s career has continued to thrive, culminating in his 2021 WBO Cruiserweight title win over Krzysztof Głowacki and by most recently stepping up into the Heavyweight division. His ongoing success in the ring has solidified his status as both a champion and a role model.
Chasing the Dream: Lawrence Okolie stands as a testament to Okolie’s extraordinary journey.
TV promo showreel
A compilation of Damian’s promo editing work.
True Life Crimes UK
True Life Crimes UK investigates gripping and harrowing mysteries that shocked the nation and ignited public debate. Hosted by journalist Linda Adey and airing on MTV, the series blends meticulous research, powerful interviews, and immersive storytelling to uncover unsettling truths while honouring the lives impacted by these events.
Central to the season’s success is the exceptional editing by Damian, a highly accomplished editor with a reputation for crafting emotionally impactful narratives. Drawing on his extensive experience in long-form documentaries, Damian brought clarity, depth, and tension to each episode, ensuring every story resonated deeply with audiences. His mastery of pacing and structure highlighted the human stories at the heart of the cases, elevating the series to critical acclaim.
Viewers and critics praised the season’s sensitivity and gripping storytelling, with Damian’s work contributing to it’s impact. True Life Crimes UK: Series 2 not only captivated audiences but also sparked meaningful discussions, reinforcing its place as a standout in the true crime genre and a testament to Damian’s storytelling expertise
What Killed Maradona?
What Killed Maradona? is a poignant documentary that examines the extraordinary life and tragic death of Diego Maradona and goes beyond the headlines to explore his meteoric rise, personal struggles, and the complex factors leading to his untimely death at 60.
Through intimate interviews with friends, family, teammates, and medical experts, the film provides rare insights into Maradona’s challenges with addiction, health issues, and the relentless demands of global fame. EAs editor Damian, blended archival footage, personal testimonies, and expert analysis to deliver a captivating, nuanced portrayal of triumph and tragedy.
Critically acclaimed for its sensitivity and depth, the film humanizes Maradona, sparking conversations about the pressures faced by elite athletes and the need for mental health support. Both a tribute and cautionary tale, What Killed Maradona? offers a fresh perspectives on the life and legacy of an iconic figure.
We Are England: Dementia, Music and Us
In this documentary, married couple Keith and Joan join other families impacted by dementia for music therapy sessions with the Manchester Camerata. We see them write and perform songs and create new memories and connections through music. The film observes the group exploring the links between music and memory and offers insights into its therapeutic potential.
As editor Damian crafted a beautiful edit illuminating the narrative and ensuring the emotional depth of the story was effectively conveyed. Through careful pacing and thoughtful selection of key moments, the film flows seamlessly along highlighting both the personal journeys of the participants and the scientific exploration of music’s impact on dementia. Through the edit Damian enhanced the intimate connection viewers felt with the subjects, creating a poignant and powerful viewing experience.
The documentary was praised for its emotional depth and sensitive portrayal of dementia. It sparked widespread audience engagement, with many sharing personal stories, and helped raise awareness of the role of music therapy in dementia care. Following the broadcast, there was a surge of support for programs like Manchester Camerata, with increased public interest and donations, highlighting the growing recognition of music as a vital tool in improving the lives of those affected by dementia.
The Possibilities Are Endless
As the audio editor for the breathtaking and emotionally charged feature documentary The Possibilities Are Endless, Damian meticulously crafted the film’s soundscape, ensuring every piece of dialogue and ambient sound, blended to enhance the storytelling. Damian shaped the auditory essence of the film, making it resonate powerfully with audiences.