Rupert Houseman has been editing award-winning, stylistically innovative and culturally impactful documentaries and series for more than two decades. His extensive body of work includes Hell Jumper (BBC), Antidote (Theatrical release), Otto Baxter: Not a F**king Horror Story (Sky Documentaries), Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes (Sky Documentaries), Grayson’s Art Club (Channel 4), Gun No. 6 (BBC), The Detectives (BBC), Life and Death Row (BBC), Bedlam (Channel 4), 7/7: One Day in London (BBC), and The Year the Town Hall Shrank (BBC).

Houseman has also played a pivotal role in developing opportunities for emerging talent. In 2012, in collaboration with Jonathan Smith, The Garden, and Channel 4, he co-founded a groundbreaking editor training scheme. At that time, no large-scale, structured pathway existed for aspiring editors to gain paid, practical experience within documentary post-production. The initiative was hailed as a major success across the industry, becoming a model for subsequent programmes and helping to establish the role of Junior Editor. Houseman has conducted masterclasses for and mentored trainees on the Grierson DocLab: Editing programme, which ran in partnership with Netflix.

Grierson Trustees have lauded Houseman for the breadth, quality and diversity of the documentary projects he has worked on over many years in the industry, alongside his longstanding commitment to developing and nurturing the next generation of editing talent.

Lorraine Heggessey, Chair of the Grierson Trust said: “Rupert Houseman’s versatility, skill and experience have made him an influential figure in documentary filmmaking, and his innovative and distinct style can be seen in some of the most critically acclaimed documentaries of the past 20 years. He’s also shown extraordinary commitment to developing the next generation of editing talent and nurturing those with aspirations to contribute to the craft, including through his ongoing mentorship and involvement with initiatives such as Grierson DocLab: Editing. We are delighted to recognise his work with a Grierson Trustees’ Award.”

Rupert Houseman added: “This is such an extraordinary honour. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a home editing documentary. I have always been at my happiest making things. Whether it’s constructing sequences within a film or helping someone take their first step in the industry, the excitement of seeing something come together and take flight remains an astonishing joy.”

The 2025 awards ceremony takes place on 18 November at Roundhouse, the iconic music and arts venue in Camden, London.