Second Chance Films is an independent factual TV production company based in London. We specialise in producing high-quality documentaries, features, formats, singles, and series for major broadcasters and streaming platforms. The company, founded by Raphael Rowe and David McConnell, boasts collectively over 40 years of experience in factual TV. David is a proven series producer and director with an aptitude for telling complex and powerful narratives, whilst Raphael is known for his investigative and authentic reporting and broadcasting. Their main objective is to create compelling content that sheds light on stories often overlooked or difficult to uncover, especially those from diverse perspective. Second Chance Films aims to reflect and cater to an underserved audience with a bold and authentic perspective.
Raphael Rowe
Raphael Rowe is an award-winning former BBC investigative journalist with over 20 years of filmmaking experience.
He has served as a correspondent for renowned programs such as the Radio 4 Today Programme, Six O'clock News, and Panorama. 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, 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 recognised for his authentic and trustworthy journalism.
David McConnell
David McConnell is an experienced Series Producer & Series Director. He’s collaborated multiple times with Raphael, amongst others, directing four Netflix ‘Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons’ episodes including Raphael’s first. David’s also directed talent from Stacey Dooley to Jamali Maddix and many more. His documentaries are as varied as examining crypto currency communities in Puerto Rico to investigating missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada. Most recently David’s Series Produced Series two of the prime-time BBC Two police access observational documentary series ‘Highland Cops’.
Used to managing successful series with large editorial teams & multiple edits as well as bespoke single documentaries, David’s got a track record in delivering thought-provoking factual and current affairs films for a multitude of broadcasters.
