BARBARA are a dynamic directing duo specialising in comedy, made up of director Ben Mallaby and writer and performer Rachel Stubbings. They both have their own BAFTA nominations, sure, but what they really care about is bringing the funny. BARBARA loves marrying up truthful, sharp performances with slick cinematography.
During 2021, Ben released his BAFTA nominated short film Please Help for the BBC / Tiger Aspect, starring Lucy Pearman and in 2023, a short film that Rachel co-wrote, directed and starred in aired on Sky Arts, alongside Jessica Fostekew. They’re great separately but together they’re a comedy machine. They’ve spent seven years working together on shoots, a plethora of heartwarming / heartbreaking narrative shorts, followed by witty ad campaigns for brands including the AA, Landsec and Audible.
Outside of directing, both Ben and Rachel also dabble in academia. With Rachel teaching the Writing & Producing Comedy course at The National Film & Television School and Ben teaching the Film & TV course at London’s South Bank University.
So, if you like your comedy relatable, pithy and technically ‘a little bit snazzy’, BARBARA are a safe pair of hands. Four hands all together.
