Matchlight builds up Documentary slate with new BBC commissions

New Scotland based TV producer Matchlight continues to build up a strong documentary slate with the commissioning of three new films by BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Scotland:

Mind the Gap (1x60’ for BBC Two) fronted by John Humphrys, this Current Affairs documentary explores the widening gap between rich and poor in the education system. Despite all governmental efforts, the school system seems to compound the gap instead of reducing it. But as long as the system promotes parental choice, won't more affluent parents always be better able and resourced to work the system to the benefit of their kids? The film was commissioned by Fiona Campbell for BBC Two and is produced and directed by Iain Scollay.

My Soldier (1x60’ for BBC Three) - tells the story of an exceptional young couple, Craig (18) and Vicky (17), who got engaged in July 2009, during Craig’s two week R&R from his first tour of Afghanistan. Less than three weeks later, Craig was hit by a roadside explosive. He lost both legs and an arm, becoming the youngest British serviceman to be injured in Afghanistan and one of the few British soldiers with a triple amputation to have survived his injuries. Told from the point of view of his young fiancé, this film tells of their determination to stay together against the odds. The film was commissioned by Sam Anstiss for BBC Three and is produced and directed by Anne-Claire Pilley.

Primary School Proms (1x60’ for BBC Scotland) - follows the children at two Scottish Primary schools as they prepare for the latest inescapable rite of passage – the end of Primary School Prom. Through the preparations for the dance viewers will see into the world of today’s 11 years olds. This film was commissioned by Ewan Angus for BBC Scotland and is produced and directed by Anne-Claire Pilley.

All three films are being executive produced by Ross Wilson, Creative Director of Matchlight. “It is really encouraging in these difficult times to achieve three very different commissions. The opportunity to work with John Humphrys on a major documentary that will sit at the heart of BBC Two’s imminent education season is obviously very exciting. So too is the chance to bring a new, Scottish, documentary directing talent like Anne-Claire Pilley through to BBC Three with what promises to be an intimate take on the aftermath of war told through the eyes of a young and very courageous couple – Vicky and Craig. Finally, as a Scottish production company, we are very pleased to be working on our first film for BBC Scotland. Proms promises to be both hugely engaging and thought provoking as we follow the children of two Scottish primary schools through the rite of passage that marks the end of their early school years.” Wilson commented.

The above programmes will be distributed internationally by DCD Rights and are due to air later this year.

Matchlight is also currently in production on the much-anticipated Libel, a major six part observational documentary series for BBC One which Matchlight is co-producing with BBC Scotland, unveiling the complex and fascinating world of libel and privacy issues in today’s Britain; and Too Old To Drive, a compelling one-hour special for BBC One exploring the issue of elderly drivers and the dilemma faced by many families every day as they consider taking the car keys away from their parents.

Matchlight’s first company website is now live on www.matchlight.co.uk

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