Ali Hughes is a British screenwriter and director, best known as the co-writer of the BAFTA-nominated comedy series Dreaming Whilst Black, for which he was nominated for a BAFTA and International Emmy Award.
Early life Hughes studied screenwriting at the MetFilm School, where he completed a Master of Arts degree. After his graduation in 2014, Ali spent some years working warehouse shifts, delivering wine and working at primary schools, before earning his first BBC commission for the Dreaming Whilst Black Pilot in 2019.
Career Hughes began his career writing for web series and short films. His feature script Mignonette was a finalist at the 2017 London Film Awards. His major television work is co-writing the comedy series Dreaming Whilst Black with Adjani Salmon. The project originated at MetFilm School and was first released as a web series in 2018. It was later developed into a pilot for BBC Three in 2021 and a full television series in 2023, which was co-produced by A24 and Big Deal Films. Hughes served as a co-writer and executive producer on the series. The first series received a positive critical reception. A second series aired in 2024.
His earlier short film writing credits include The Job (2015) and A Fistful of Candy (2016).
Filmography
Writer YearTitleNotes2015The JobShort film2016A Fistful of CandyShort film2018Dreaming Whilst Black (TV mini-series)6 episodes, co-writer2021Dreaming Whilst Black (TV pilot)Co-writer2023Dreaming Whilst Black (Season 2)6 episodes, co-writer2024Dreaming Whilst Black (Season 2)Writer (episodes 3 & 5)
Other credits
Dreaming Whilst Black (2018): Director (Episode 6), Editor (Episode 4), Producer (Episode 2) Dreaming Whilst Black (2021–2023): Actor (Barman, 7 episodes) Dreaming Whilst Black (2023–2024): Executive producer
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryWorkResult2017London Film AwardsFeature Script 2018Web Series AwardsVarious 2024Broadcast AwardsInternational Programme 2024BAFTA Television AwardsScripted Comedy 2024Broadcasting Press Guild AwardsBest Comedy
References