ABOUT US
At Ascendant Fox we aim to create an environment on and off set, that allows our cast and crew to flourish.
TEAM
Hester Ruoff
Hester Ruoff is a double BAFTA and BIFA-nominated British producer and co-founder of Ascendant Fox, a London-based production company she launched in 2021 with Bart Ruspoli. Known for her sharp instincts and passion for socially resonant storytelling, Hester has quickly established herself as a creative force in the UK film and television industry. Alongside Bart, she was the driving producer behind the critically acclaimed single-take feature Boiling Point (2021), which earned her BAFTA and BIFA nominations and showcased her commitment to high-concept, character-driven filmmaking.
Building on that success, Hester returned as executive producer for the Boiling Point BBC series, helping to expand the film’s universe into a gripping five-part television drama. She also recently produced Gassed Up (2024), a high-energy action drama developed with Amazon Studios and Sunrise Films. In 2023, under her co-leadership, Ascendant Fox secured a first-look development deal with BBC Studios — affirming Hester’s growing influence not just as a producer, but as a strategic female leader shaping the future of British independent storytelling. Her passion and work continue to champion emerging talent and create space for bold, emotionally charged narratives across film and TV.
Bart Ruspoli
Bart Ruspoli is a BAFTA and BIFA nominated producer who founded Ascendant Fox with Hester Ruoff in 2021. With a keen eye for captivating storytelling, Bart has produced gripping films that have resonated with audiences worldwide, playing an integral role in bringing a plethora of diverse narratives to screen, such as the suspenseful thriller “Cryptic” and the gripping crime drama “Villain.” Bart’s skill in bringing together talented individuals, from actors to directors and beyond, has resulted in projects that resonate with audiences on a profound level, with the critically acclaimed “Boiling Point” earning numerous accolades and nominations, including BAFTA and BIFA recognition.
Matt Mitchell – Head of Development
Matt is a seasoned development executive with over a decade of experience across three continents, specialising in international originals that resonate locally while making a global impact. As a former development executive at Amazon MGM Studios, he played a key role in shaping the studio’s international originals slate with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, greenlighting and overseeing high-profile drama, comedy, and film projects.
Prior to that he held development roles at Disney, Muse Entertainment (The Kennedys), and Proper Television/Boat Rocker Media (MasterChef Canada, Orphan Black), working across scripted, film, and factual programming. He holds an MFA from USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program and a BFA from Toronto Metropolitan University. Matt is passionate about championing bold new voices that challenge the status quo, creating culturally specific stories with universal appeal for a global audience.
Lara Foster – Production & Development Coordinator
Lara Foster is a Production & Development Coordinator with a background in scripted comedy and drama. Prior to joining Ascendant Fox, she was Assistant to Executive Producers at King Bert Productions, working on projects for Sky and the BBC. She brings extensive experience across content development, script editing, production scheduling, and post-production for high-end television and feature films. She has also produced digital content for CBBC. Lara holds a degree in English Literature from King’s College London. Passionate about storytelling, she thrives on collaborating with both emerging and established talent to bring compelling narratives to life.