Sebastian Thiel is a writer, director, and producer. Born in Zambia and raised in North West London, Sebastian is one of the UK’s hottest rising stars behind the camera, having directed dramas for BBC, ITV, Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Inspired by living in London, Sebastian started his own production company, Upshot Entertainment, at the age of 17 with an ambition to create the content that he wanted to see: content that was vastly underrepresented – fronted and made by black talent. Sebastian made his TV debut in 2014 on London Live with his documentary Trap Town and has since built an online following amassing over 13 million views for his self-produced work on his YouTube channel.
Created, written and directed by Sebastian, his first drama Just A Couple, about a couple in a distinctly modern relationship, started life as a YouTube series before being picked up by Big Talk Productions for BBC Three.
Sebastian went on to direct the International Emmy-nominated BBC Three comedy Dreaming Whilst Black, and the recent hit ITVX and Amazon Prime drama Riches. Most recently, Sebastian directed Supacell, a new forthcoming superhero drama set in London for Netflix.
Sebastian continues to produce content through Upshot Entertainment, a subset of which produces professional and dynamic showreels, under Upshot Reels, for some of Britain’s greatest talent including Letitia Wright (Black Panther, Small Axe). He is also the founder of Dope Black Art, which is dedicated to championing black culture through visual art.
Sebastian has featured on TEDx Talks, was listed in the Evening Standard’s Top 25 Under 25 most influential Londoners and was included on the BBC’s 2017 Hotlist for New Talent – unveiled by Idris Elba and Tony Hall. Most recently, Sebastian was recognised by Broadcast magazine on their 2022 ‘Hot Shots’ list, which recognises rising talent in the television industry.
Sebastian is currently writing a film and a number of TV shows. Sebastian is represented by Cathy King at 42 , and is signed to WME agency in LA.