PROFILES Old Bristolians’

Lucy Raffety OB 1992

Lucy is a television drama producer who has worked in the business for over 25 years. She started off as a runner for Bristol’s own Aardman Animations before moving to London to pursue a career in live action drama. After banging on many doors and sending many begging letters, she became a Script Editor on the Channel 5 soap, Family Affairs

From there, she moved on to work on shows such as Eastenders, The Bill, Waterloo Road and then started as a producer on Casualty back in Bristol. After overseeing far too many car crashes, fires and gruesome operations, she moved up to be Series Producer where she steered the show to its first BAFTA win in over a decade. She is currently Director of Development for Company Pictures, where she oversees the development slate, working with writers to develop new drama shows that that she then Executive Produces. She still lives in Bristol with her husband and two children and commutes to London or wherever she is filming.

Could you have chosen another path and what might that have been?

For a while I wanted to act, but I soon realised that I wanted to be a part of the creation of the script rather than just being handed the end product. I can’t really imagine doing anything else!

What has been the most significant highlight of your career?

Winning the BAFTA! It sits proudly on my kitchen shelf.

What’s next for you?

Who knows?! I am really excited by what we have coming up at Company Pictures so I’m staying put for a while.

What advice would you give someone trying to get into television?

Working in TV is tough – it’s hard to get in, the hours are long, the knock backs can be brutal, so go in with your eyes open. It’s hard to get in, so look out for trainee schemes run by the broadcasters – the BBC runs all sorts of great programmes, as do C4. Once you get a foot in the door, approach every task you’re given as if your life depends on it. You need a ‘can do’ attitude and showing resilience and resourcefulness will get you noticed.

What motivates you?

The BGS family includes experienced and talented OBs from all over the world. Our profiles include men and women from Hong Kong to Seattle working in fields which include business, law, medicine and the arts. Here we celebrate their achievements and ask them about their memories of BGS.

on Turner Paul Shepherd | Piers Alexander | Chief Constable Sarah Crew

What are your best memories of BGS?

I acted in a lot of plays at BGS and they are undoubtedly my best memories. From The Pied Piper when I was still in the Lower School, to Oliver! (directed by David Trott) which was the first play in the new theatre, I loved every minute of them and they were instrumental in forging my love of drama.

Can you remember any teachers at BGS who had an impact on you?

Roland Clare without a doubt. His passion for his subject was infectious and he engendered a love of Shakespeare for me with his inspired way of teaching.

Watching exceptional television inspires me to work harder on the shows I’m developing (once I’ve got over the professional jealousy!)

How do you relax?

Watching TV!! Sometimes it feels like homework, but I have a genuine love for the medium. A stand out drama can take my breath away, but I also have a considerable capacity for consuming terrible reality telly.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be brave, don’t doubt yourself, you can do this.