This is one of the most creative and challenging professions. I worked as a producer / director for nearly ten years.
I loved the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life and encouraging them to speak from the heart, trusting me with their life stories. I made films in Dundee and the Congo, Monte Carlo, and Hanoi. Each took me into a world that I wanted to understand and then represent faithfully on screen. I particularly enjoyed bringing characters to life using visuals, music and editing and helping the individuals tell their stories to the world. It required a lot of sensitivity and compassion.
I covered stories of many distinct kinds. Some of the highlights for me were:
Africa Express, Channel 4. I travelled from Congo to Mozambique, South Africa to Zimbabwe, investigating many different aspects of African life. We sought to unveil what the real Africa is like, behind the headlines. A highlight for me was eating alligator in Kinshasa and then filming the superstar Pepe Kalle in concert at 5am in 98 per cent humidity.
French Express, Channel 4. Working with French journalists Christine Ockrent and Ghislaine Chenu, we went on the road with then President Chirac and covered stories that ranged from French rap to environmental damage on the Cote d’Azur.
NME Premier Review, Channel 4. We shot original music videos with the Manic Street Preachers, Beck, Courtney Love, Placebo and Massive Attack for this 90 minute culture and politics feature doc.
Scare Stories, BBC. This five part doc series examined the science behind environmental activism on climate change, biodiversity and the population explosion.
Big Story, ITV. I produced and directed many episodes of this weekly current affairs show. Highlights for me included an investigation into corruption at the Beijing Olympics and the ethics of an Italian fertility doctor helping post-menopausal women (some in their 70s) have babies.
Reportage, BBC. I was an on-screen reporter and director on this youth current affairs series. I enjoyed my experience on camera, which I found challenging, and it definitely helped me understand the pressures of being a performer.
I have produced and directed many other shows in different genres, from live entertainment to politics, arts to history, medicine to archaeology.
I have also worked with many A-list talent. I was a founding producer on Channel 4’s innovative Big Breakfast which featured a host of celebs and comedic antics. One of my favourites was the launch of Planet Hollywood in London where I produced a live simultaneous broadcast to the US and the UK starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Sylvester Stallone.