BBC Documentary

[BBC DLM]

We're researching a quick turnaround documentary on Pornography for BBC1 Daytime Current Affairs. What we're tryiing to do is look at the lives of characters who work in porn, and through that raise the issues that are affecting the industry.

Given the fact it's daytime and Current Affairs this is not sensationalist but very straight. Any help and advice would be appreciated - both on issues and people who might be interested in taking part.

Best,

Dickon

[Officer Dibble]

"Given the fact it's daytime and Current Affairs this is not sensationalist but very straight"

Wot, u mean like 'Trisha'?



Officer Dibble

[Officer Dibble]

"Excuse me for being cynical, but this forum sees about one TV researcher a week and I've yet to see any of them doing anything other than enforce their own middle class prudish agenda to the subject, that porn is filth, exploitative and a threat to the world of PC values that the BBC hold so dear."

Sounds like you've got 'em sussed Rob.



Officer Dibble

[Peter]

Tell us your reasons why your unable to pay anyone.

[BBC DLM]

ok I'll try to answer as many of these as possible.

Firstly we're not allowed to pay anything other than out of pocket expenses - that's a BBC policy in documentaries and especially Current Affairs. It does mean that people who take part in the programmes for the right reasons - hopefully because they are interested in the issues as well.

The format of the programme will be a documentary so we will be following people's lives and using their voice to raise the issues that are of important for them. One of the themes that we have found in research so far is with the R18 certificate and how more unscrupulous companies are getting around it. Also we want to look at the impact of the internet on the industry.

What we are not trying to do is provide one answer. On an issue like this there is bound to be a variety of opinions, but we are keen (and indeed we have to) represent these viewpoints in a fair and balanced way. What we are keen to find is someone who can articulate the concerns of the industry in an engaging and intelligent fashion.

I'm sure you'll be aware that the BBC has numerous guidelines on the way that we make programs. Above everything it is a matter of trust between the production team and the contributor.

I hope this answers a few of the querries - I'll deal with others as they come up.

Dickon.

PS. Filming is very low key - I am a cameraman producer, and usually only have one assistant with me. Our aim is not to disrupt, but to show a "slice of the life of...."

[Illinoisblue]

"represent these viewpoints in a fair and balanced way"

Hope you're more 'fair and balanced' than Fox News are!

[BBC DLM]

now that would not be hard!

[Illinoisblue]

You could always get Bill O'Reilly in to chair the debate. I'm sure he'd give a fair crack of the whip to both sides...

Anyway, good luck with the show, don't be too surprised if all you get on here is cynicism and negativity.