Second Chance Films is an independent production company based in London, specializing in factual TV production. We focus on creating high-quality documentaries, features, formats, singles, and series for major broadcasters and streaming platforms, including Netflix. Founded by Raphael Rowe and David McConnell, our team brings over 40 years of collective experience in factual TV. David excels as a series producer and director, adept at crafting complex and powerful narratives, while Raphael is recognized for his investigative and authentic reporting. Our main objective is to produce compelling content that highlights stories often overlooked or challenging to uncover, especially those from diverse perspectives. Second Chance Films is dedicated to reflecting and catering to an underserved audience with a bold and authentic viewpoint.
Raphael Rowe
Raphael Rowe is an award-winning former BBC investigative journalist with over 20 years of experience in factual TV production and filmmaking. He has served as a correspondent for renowned programs such as the Radio 4 Today Programme, Six O'clock News, and Panorama. Currently, he hosts the critically acclaimed Netflix series, ‘Inside The World’s Toughest Prisons,’ which is the third most-watched globally and the second longest-running factual series on Netflix. Prior to his journalism career, Raphael spent 12 years wrongfully imprisoned before being exonerated. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to uncovering social injustices, notably through high-quality documentaries. His investigation into the Jill Dando murder case in two Panorama programs revealed new information that led to the overturned conviction of the accused. Raphael is globally recognized for his authentic and trustworthy journalism, often produced through his work with an independent production company.
David McConnell
David McConnell is an experienced Series Producer & Series Director known for his expertise in factual TV production. He has collaborated multiple times with Raphael, among others, directing four episodes of Netflix’s ‘Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons,’ including Raphael’s first. David has also directed talent ranging from Stacey Dooley to Jamali Maddix and more. His work showcases high-quality documentaries that explore diverse topics, from crypto currency communities in Puerto Rico to the investigation of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada. Most recently, David served as Series Producer for the second season of the prime-time BBC Two police access observational documentary series ‘Highland Cops.’
Accustomed to managing successful series with large editorial teams and multiple edits, as well as bespoke single documentaries, David has a proven track record in delivering thought-provoking factual and current affairs films for a multitude of broadcasters, including independent production companies.
