Dont just make programmes for TV – “Jamie’s Dream School”

Edit: I watched the main programme on Channel4 TV last night and am quite shocked by the difference in, well, stories from the official clips on YouTube. Theres no other way to say it except that the stories projected by two edits of the same rushes (online and on TV) were completely different: Online – inspirational, TV – depressing. Its rather an uncomfortable realisation for someone who is proud to work in the same, TV & production industry.

——————–

I saw a great trailer for the new series “Jamie’s Dream School”, which starts tonight on Channel 4 TV in the UK. As I understand it the basic premise is that high profile, successfull leaders teach classes in an ordinary British state secondary school and we see how an inspitation, enthusiatic expert, who is probably not a traditionally trained or qualified teacher, can enthuse ordinary children to develop a personal connection with the subject and get results.

Or that’s as I understand it from the previews.

I saw a fantastic promotional clip on YouTube here featuring Rolf Harris “teaching” impressionism art to a class of normal teenagers.

I’ve shot observational documentaries in schools before and am aware of some of the challenges, but despite breaking the “rules” of making a celebrity led, mainstream targetted and prime time entertainment show, it is a facinating and inspirational piece of TV.

It makes me think that rather than just making programmes for TV we should make REAL things happen and then cover them for TV. Yes, obviously do it in an engaging and entertaining way, but prioritise actually make real things happen, not just constructs for the cameras…

Advertisement