Learning on ScreenOral History Interviews
In the work of the AHRC-funded project ‘Channel 4 Television and British Film Culture’ (2010-2014), interview testimony has been vital to recovering the histories of Channel 4’s diverse contributions to British film culture since 1982.
Contemporary film and television history is difficult to research by recourse to archival sources alone because of the paucity of material available, or the difficulties involved in contextualizing this material. Personal testimony gathered from key figures provides a rich discursive field. Oral history sources, if interpreted judiciously, can reveal much about working practices, decision-making processes, and the performance dynamics of individual creativity within organisational structures. Interviews with key personnel have been a vital part of this research project. Not only have we learnt much about the operation of Channel 4’s film policy and the channel’s relationship with film-makers, but we have gained valuable insights into the ecology of creativity within the British film and televsion industries.
Oral History Transcripts
Peter Ansorge
Peter Ansorge was a commissioning editor (Fiction) and Head of Drama (Serials and Series) at Channel 4, 1982-1997.
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Ieuan Franklin, Laura Mayne, Sally Shaw
7 June 2011
© University of Portsmouth.
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Stuart Cosgrove
Stuart Cosgrove was Controller of Arts and Entertainment at Channel 4, 1994-2002 and is currently Director of Creative Diversity.
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Ieuan Franklin, Rachael Keene
2 July 2012
© University of Portsmouth.
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Michael Darlow
Michael Darlow is a television director, writer and producer.
Interviewers: Ieuan Franklin, Rachael Keene, Laura Mayne
9 December 2011
© University of Portsmouth.
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John Ellis
John Ellis was the co-producer of Visions (Large Door/Channel 4,1982-1985).
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Rachael Keene
18 November 2011
© University of Portsmouth.
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Alan Fountain
Alan Fountain was Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4’s Independent Film and Video Department, 1981–1994.
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Rachael Keene
24 February 2011
© University of Portsmouth.
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Sara Geater
Sara Geater was a co-production executive in the Drama Department at Channel 4, 1987-1996 and Head of Commercial Affairs, 1998-2007.
Interviewer: Rachael Keene
27 January 2011
© University of Portsmouth.
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Robin Gutch
Robin Gutch was a commissioning editor in the Independent Film and Video Department and ran the FilmFour Lab, 1993-2003.
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Ieuan Franklin, Rachael Keene
14 June 2012
© University of Portsmouth.
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Derek Hill
Derek Hill was film buyer at Channel 4, 1981-1994.
Interviewers: Ieuan Franklin, Rachael Keene
16 January 2013
© University of Portsmouth.
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Jeremy Isaacs
Sir Jeremy Isaacs was Chief Executive at Channel 4, 1981-1987.
Interviewer: Justin Smith
9 November 2010
© University of Portsmouth.
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Diana Pearce
Diana Pearce (née Hall) was assistant to Chris Griffin-Beale in the Channel 4 Press Office, 1982-1989.
Interviewers: Linda Kaye, Justin Smith, Rachael Keene
28 January 2011
© University of Portsmouth.
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Tessa Ross
Tessa Ross was appointed Head of Drama at Channel 4 in 2000 and, since 2002, has been Controller of Film and Drama.
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Laura Mayne
1 August 2013
© University of Portsmouth.
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Roger Shannon
Roger Shannon was the co-ordinator and a founder member of Birmingham Film and Video Workshop. He also produced a number of their films.
Interviewer: Ieuan Franklin
23 July 2011
© University of Portsmouth.
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Rod Stoneman
Rod Stoneman Rod was Deputy Commissioning Editor at Channel 4’s Independent Film and Video Department, 1983–1993.
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Ieuan Franklin, Rachael Keene
10 February 2012
© University of Portsmouth.
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Paul Webster
Paul Webster was Head of FilmFour, 1998-2002
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Laura Mayne
23 April 2012
© University of Portsmouth.
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Stephen Woolley
Stephen Woolley was a co-founder and producer at Palace Pictures,1982-1992.
Interviewers: Justin Smith, Laura Mayne
22 March 2012
© University of Portsmouth.
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