Alisa Orr Appointed Head Of Programmes For BBC Northern Ireland

Ailsa Orr has been named the new Head of Programmes for BBC Northern Ireland.
Orr, whose credits include landmark shows like ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’, ‘Super Volcano’, ‘Hannibal’ and ‘Pompeii’, will take up her position in Spring 2007.
Orr takes over from Peter Johnston, who was recently appointed Controller of BBC Northern Ireland.
Orr has been working with the BBC's Factual Department (Science and History) in London for the last five years and during that time also acted as Head of Development for BBC Science. Her next big project ‘Superstorm’, a futuristic drama documentary series, is a cornerstone of the BBC One Winter schedule coming soon.
Orr began her career in BBC Northern Ireland's drama department and has worked for the independent sector both locally and in London with companies such as Brian Waddell Productions, Wall to Wall TV and Tigress productions.
"The timing is just right as BBC Northern Ireland is taking new direction and I am looking forward to putting all my experiences and learning in to doing something amazing," Orr commented.
Pat Loughrey, Director of BBC Nations and Regions, and himself a former Controller of BBC Northern Ireland, said: "Ailsa Orr is one of the great programme makers of her generation.
"She has been responsible for some of the great TV programmes of recent years and it is a delight to welcome her home to this important position."
Orr was born in Rathmullan, County Donegal and was educated at the Royal Prior School in Raphoe.
She went on to study Drama, Film, Television and English at University in York and completed a Postgraduate in Business and Administration at the Belfast Institute of Higher and Further Education.
(DS)