MARINA WATSON
Writer, researcher, journalist, producer
Marina Watson is a writer, researcher, journalist and producer published by TIME magazine, the Financial Times and Thomson Reuters Foundation, and has collaborated with other recognised media outlets and major brands. With a background in journalism and documentary film directing, she is passionate about crafting narratives that resonate and inspire change.
LATEST PROJECTS
Marina Watson is currently working on The Spy Who for Wondery, collaborating closely with Yellow Ant’s team to provide in-depth research support. Her role involves ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity for each episode, diving into the rich details that bring these incredible stories of espionage and courage to life.
Wondery series 'The Spy Who'
Apple's Top Charts of 2024 are out - with Wondery's The Spy Who in the UK's 'Top New Shows' and 'Top Series'. Huge congratulations to the Yellow Ant team!
As a key contributor to the development of 'The Spy Who' for Wondery, contracted through production company Yellow Ant, I support scriptwriters by conducting thorough research to ensure narrative authenticity in each episode.
Spotlight: The Spy Who Wouldn't Lie. Noor Inayat Khan's daring journey to Nazi-occupied France as a British radio operator in one of our most gripping episodes yet.
The Spy Who betrayed Bin Laden. It’s 1994 and 16-year-old Aimen Dean wants to die. He’s heading to war-torn Bosnia to join the Mujahideen and save fellow Muslims.
WRITING
Marina Watson is a seasoned writer, with a probing style and unerring eye for human complexity. Whether crafting articles for the Financial Times or penning character-driven narratives for films, she writes with a blend of journalistic insight and compassion.
Financial Times: Paula Rego’s dazzling and radical visions
The artist’s religiously inspired works, on show at the Cascais museum devoted to her, hand power to women
British Journal of Photography: Solitary figures
In Solitude – Quietude – Contemplation Kander revisits miniature figures from his childhood.
Magnum Photos: René Burri’s colour works
How Rene Burri's works reflect the power of colour palettes to evoke different emotions.
Thomson Reuters: 'Big Witches' survive eviction
Brazilian Áquila Correia founded Casa T in Lisbon, Portugal, to house trans migrants after getting evicted.
The Globe Post: Want to know how Portugal won its War on Drugs? It ended it
Portugal decriminalised drugs in 2001, meaning that anyone caught with less than 10 days worth of drugs is not sent to court.
The Globe Post: “Microdoses” of Psychedelic drugs could cure depression
Hallucinogens, onetime party drugs, could in future become the answer for more people like Ms. Waldman suffering from depression.
British Journal of Photography: Tavakolian channels effects of Premenstrual Syndrome
For The Sake of Calmness takes Newsha Tavakolian’s experience of Premenstrual Syndrome as its starting point.
British Journal of Photography: Any Answers: Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide
“Surprise always operates within me. So let us hope that something comes along to surprise me soon.
How India’s women are fighting against rape
On a Sunday evening in December 2012, a 23-year-old medical student was returning from the cinema with a male friend, when they were attacked on a bus by a group of men.
Portugal’s disabled population continue to struggle
Member of Parliament Jorge Falcato is struggling to get the government to do more to help the country’s disabled population gain equal rights
FILM, TV & DIGITAL CONTENT
Marina Watson has contributed to a variety of compelling projects, from thought-provoking documentaries to engaging short films. Whether managing locations, writing scripts, or producing gripping documentaries, Marina's work spans multiple roles and formats, bringing impactful stories to audiences with creative depth and authenticity.
The Diamond
Location Manager
Managed location logistics for The Diamond, ensuring seamless on-site coordination for the production. The film gained critical acclaim, being featured in The New Yorker and winning at Aspen Shortsfest 2022.
The Xavega Fishermen
Writer and Director
I wrote and directed The Xavega Fishermen, a documentary short exploring the unique fishing tradition of the Xavega fishing community. The film was produced by Culture Trip, capturing the rich cultural heritage and daily lives of these fishermen.
Meet Vhils
Writer and Director
I produced and directed Meet Vhils, a compelling documentary short that delves into the world of street artist Vhils. Published by The Atlantic, the film explores his innovative approach to art and his unique process of transforming urban spaces into powerful visual statements.
In Alice's Country
Scriptwriter
I co-wrote the treatment for a documentary road trip film directed Rui Simões, capturing the journey across diverse landscapes and communities. The project was awarded funding by the Portuguese ICA, which helped bring our vision to life, showcasing the stories and people discovered along the way.
'How to Win a War on Drugs'
Field producer
As field producer for How to Win a War on Drugs, I supported the production of this impactful article, which was featured in The New York Times by Nicholas Kristof, a winner of two Pulitzer Prizes. The piece explores global drug policies and their profound effects on communities worldwide.
PHOTOGRAPHY
In addition to her work in film and digital content, Marina Watson is passionate about art and photography. With experience across portraiture, on-set photography, and documentary-style imagery, she brings a cinematic feel to still images. Marina’s work has been featured on platforms like Culture Trip, where her photographs capture both the intimate details and grand narratives.
If you’re interested in exploring how I can assist your organisation, or to request more samples, please feel free to reach out.