Alisa Pomeroy, C4
Innovation is a big part of C4’s remit. But it can take many forms and we’re always open to new ideas – however ludicrous and preposterous. lisa’s commission was a documentary game show – a complete Mashup of ideas. Also commissioned a show about the massive changes to society at the beginning of the century, told through eyes of Jade Goody. An usual way to tell that story, a populist way. Stories are often told in the present tense but one commission examined the current state of society relative to what happened to Stephen Lawrence.
The Panel had a discussion so I can’t always tell who said what!
Each story in the (ITV) Crime & Punishment season has to fight for its place. There is a public fascination with the “Dark Side” of human nature. So there have been shows where an author has presented. They take you through a dark world (e.g. death row). However ITV still needs to keep that mainstream sensibility.
James Bulger’s mother, Denise Fergus, made a program with ITV because that was the network she liked or trusted the most. It does raise an interesting point, documentary makers like to believe they are giving someone access to the media but sometimes the interviewee takes control.
Long lost family (Wall to Wall Media) is a difficult watch but with the introduction of DNA techniques the show has expanded to become a whole new format.
The clip below was not shown, I’ve linked it to show the program.
You can do these shows with access and permission.