Jess Search

Jess Search was a prominent figure in the documentary film industry, best known as the co-founder of both Doc Society and Shooting People. She was born on May 15, 1969, in Hampshire, England, and grew up in Kent. Search studied philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford University before embarking on a career in media.

Her early career included a role as an assistant to Tony Laryea at Catalyst Television, where she contributed to initiatives that provided marginalized groups with editorial control. She later worked as a commissioning editor in the documentaries department at Channel 4, which she credited with transforming her perspective on filmmaking.

In 1998, Search co-founded Shooting People, an online community for independent filmmakers, which has grown to become the largest network of its kind globally. This platform was designed to facilitate collaboration and support among filmmakers.

In 2005, she co-founded Doc Society (originally known as Channel 4 BritDoc Foundation), which has since become a vital organization in the documentary sector, funding and developing numerous influential films, including Citizenfour and Virunga. Under her leadership, Doc Society supported over 520 film projects and became a key player in advocating for independent documentary filmmaking.

Search was recognized for her charismatic leadership and her commitment to social justice, often blending community-building with advocacy for critical issues such as climate change and democratic integrity. She served on various boards, including those of Kickstarter and the Institute for Public Policy Research, and was a mentor to many in the industry.

Tragically, Jess Search passed away on July 31, 2023, at the age of 54, after a brief battle with brain cancer. Her legacy continues through the many filmmakers and organizations she inspired and supported throughout her career.123456