Critics say that violence in films is a bad influence, it teaches people that it is ok to use violence, it desensitises people to real life violence, it glamorises violence and encourages copy cat crimes. Arguments say that children are particularly influenced by what they watch in films and it affects their attitudes and behaviour.
Perhaps this is all just speculation because scientific studies have provided little concrete evidence to back up the hypothesis that violent films have negative effects.
It is worth us pausing for a moment to take a look at the kind of films that are categorised as violent. Website, Film School Rejects, provide us with the top ten violent movies of all time and the top ten ultra-violent movies of all time. The website comments about both categories as follows: Violence – “Just as a keg of beer needs a bung hole to relieve pressure, we need violent movies to relieve the pressures of everyday life.” And Ultra-Violence – “this list is all about the most shocking, bloody and unbelievable gut-wrenching cinematic adventures in the history of film. It’s not just about slashing up unsuspecting victims; it is about leaving a lasting imprint of terror in the minds of audiences…”
Their definition of ultra-violence does little to quash fears that violence in films is a negative experience and the films that appear in both lists probably don’t help either.
At number ten in the list of top violent films we have ‘The Godfather’ which tells the story of the head of an organised crime dynasty (the Italian Mafia) and provides the audience with violence a plenty. FSR writes: “If guns and garrotting aren’t enough to convince you ‘The Godfather’ belongs on this list, how about punch-outs of Sonny’s pregnant sister or mass killings simultaneously shot with the latest Corleone baptism.” And that film is the supposed mildest of the bunch as we work up to the likes of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ (1991), ‘Natural Born Killers’ (1994),’Reservoir Dogs’ (1992) and coming in at number one ‘Scarface’ (1983) which chronicles the life of a fictional Cuban refugee who arrives in Florida and becomes a gangster who finds himself rising and falling in the criminal underworld. FSR writes: “Bloody killings with a chainsaw, mass slaughter of authorities, other gangsters and just about anyone close at hand; weapons galore and Pacino’s immortal “Meet my li’l fren,” this 1982 Brian de Palma film with story by Oliver Stone, has enough violence to insure its place in cinema history.”
As if that wasn’t enough, wait until you see what turns up in our ultra-violent list. Number ten is given to ‘The Hills Have Eyes’(2006) which pushed the violence and gore even further than the 1977 Wes Craven original, with a family being stalked by a psychotic group of desert-dwellers. The list goes on to give us the likes of ‘Saw’ (2004), ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971) – interestingly this appears midway in both the violent and the ultra-violent list, ‘Hostel’ (2005) and coming in at number one ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ (1974). FSR writes: “After more than 30 years, very few films can stand up against Tobe Hooper’s terrifying trip into the Texas countryside. Inspired by the killings of Ed Gein, this film was actually shot with the hopes of a PG rating. By avoiding on-screen blood and graphic horror, ‘Chainsaw’ became one of the most disturbing films to watch because your imagination did all the work.”
All the above mentioned are enough to make anyone cringe but, perhaps critics of such films are looking too much into things. These are, after all, just films, made with the intent to entertain the audience and to bring in the money. The makers of such films don’t set out with the objective to corrupt the minds of the viewers with the hope that they will be influenced enough to carry out their own mad murders, they just want to produce a good piece of film that will be remembered as a gripping cinematic experience.
Theories such as ‘the hypodermic needle model’, the ‘social-learning theory’ (Bandura 1973) and Berkowitz’s ‘priming aggression’ theory from the 1960’s, all suggest that audiences are influenced by violent cinema. Bandura’s theory goes as far to suggest that people watching their role models carrying out violent behaviour on screen can teach them to do the same. All such theories assume a great degree of passivity on the audience’s part. They fail to assess the ability of film fans to interpret the meanings behind the violence and to be able to comprehend that what they are seeing is not intended to make them think it is ok to go out and have a go themselves. These theorists would have us believe that we view films in a vegetative state, passively absorbing everything we see without processing or thinking about it whatsoever but, we know that’s not true. I would argue that few people leave the cinema without thinking about what they have just seen and perhaps questioning aspects of the film. As a modern audience, we also have a good understanding of the film-making process which makes it virtually impossible to take on board everything we see in a film. We understand, to some extent, what goes on behind the scenes and so levitate ourselves from the passive position we have been branded as having.
Professionals who work with children are often also quick to criticise the influence of violence on screen. Play development Officer Joanne feels that a combination of violent media exposure definitely has a negative effect on children and agrees with Bandura’s theory, to a certain extent, that watching heroes act out violence will influence children: “you know, children, they want to be like their heroes so they will copy the behaviour that they see their heroes doing... you hear of some of these crimes with samurai swords and things and that is definitely down to, sort of, scenes they’re watching on the telly so, yeah I think it is down to heroes and media and TV.”
Critics argue that viewing too much violence can cause people to be de-sensitised to real-life crimes but, Joanne raises a valid point about the theory: “I think a lot of streets in Britain today do have violence and kids are hanging around in gangs, so I do think those children are de-sensitised but, then other children, who may watch perhaps a violent movie, because of their family values and where they’re being brought up, I don’t think they are de-sensitised, so I really do think it is about a number of factors.”
Violent films are often blamed for supposed ‘copy-cat’ crimes. The murder of James Bulger in 1993 caused a stir as the film, ‘Child’s Play 3’ about Chucky the evil, possessed doll was blamed for the behaviour of the two boys that kidnapped James. Allegations were made that the murder resembled a scene from the film and it was assumed that because one of the boy’s fathers had recently rented the film, the boys must have watched it. However, it was later revealed that the boys hadn’t seen it and they didn’t even like horror films. So, ‘Child’s Play 3’ was off the hook despite tabloid newspaper, The Sun, launching a campaign to burn the ‘video nasties’.
As someone who works with children, Joanne doesn’t necessarily think that film violence causes copy-cat crimes: “I think children need to know the difference between right and wrong and, you know, I just think it’s just an excuse for their behaviour.”
A major issue with children viewing film violence is perhaps not the content of the film, which is obviously intended for an older audience but, the fact that these children are unsupervised and are gaining access to the aggressive content. When conducting my own research on the matter, I surveyed children on the types of films they are watching and was shocked to find that at ages 8-16, they had seen films like ‘The Exorcist’, ‘Saw’ and ‘The Boogeyman’, which are all intended for an older demographic.
Joanne has had first hand experience with this kind of situation: “I’ve also found that in the play centres I’ve worked with children aged 5 to 14 years but, if we had a film night, I can say that I’ve never seen an under 18 film come onto the play centre, they all just wanted the over 18s, particularly violence, which of course we could never play and yet these are children aged 5 to 14.”
A lot of the time, children are left unsupervised to view such content, meaning that they have no one to explain it to them and that for me is the real problem. We shouldn’t be blaming the films; certificates are there for a reason and it is a parent’s job to enforce them.
Moving back to violent films in general, we need to consider the creative aspects of them before we accuse film-makers of bombarding us with barbaric images. Let’s take Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction for example, which is packed with violence and gore pretty much from start to finish. To a critic, this would be damaging and would encourage aggression but, to anyone with a bit of film knowledge or an open mind, it is an innovative and gripping example of post-modern cinema. Pulp Fiction has an unconventional non-linear narrative and presents an ironic mix of violence and humour. It is a perfect example of how violent films shouldn’t be taken at face value. We must remember that violence in films is there to help tell the story and not as a piece of propaganda, it is part of everyday life and so should be able to be translated to the big screen.
Finally, why is film violence suddenly such an issue anyway when violence has been part of our story-telling culture for as far back as we can go? It can be traced right throughout history - from paintings, penny novels and theatre to the Bible and other such religious readings – and so is definitely no new occurrence or phenomenon.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Friday, 5 December 2008
Joe Swash is crowned King
It has just been announced that Eastenders star Joe Swash has been crowned King in this year's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, leaving tennis champion Martina Navratilova in second place and Star Trek's George Takei in third.
Joe, who has entertained ITV viewers from start to finish, is a deserved winner after enduring his fair share of trials and tribulations in the jungle and remaining down-to-earth throughout.
This year's I'm a Celeb has once again been fantastic and I will be sad to see it come to an end, three weeks just doesn't seem long enough!
Joe, who has entertained ITV viewers from start to finish, is a deserved winner after enduring his fair share of trials and tribulations in the jungle and remaining down-to-earth throughout.
This year's I'm a Celeb has once again been fantastic and I will be sad to see it come to an end, three weeks just doesn't seem long enough!
Branagh supports Welsh film-maker
BBC News have revealed that all-round actor, director and producer Kenneth Branagh is mentoring a Cardiff-based rising film-maker.
30-year-old Keri Collins was chosen for a one-year scheme for emerging talent. He was one of 25 chosen out of 500 applicants.
Branagh finds himself among other famous names set to mentor the up-and-coming film-makers, including Bourne director Paul Greengrass.
"All of the mentors are of that kind of level but some are not as well known as others because Kenneth Branagh is an actor as well," said Mr Collins.
Branagh, who has made a name for himself in films, on television and in the West End, says the scheme for rising talent is ‘important and helpful.’
Mr Collins said: "He’s going to read my screenplay and then he’s going to meet with me and give me comments and notes on how to improve the script."
BBC News writes: 'Mr Collins would like to work full time in the film industry but still has a "day job" working on graphic design at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (Uwic).'
'The Guiding Lights mentoring scheme, which is in its second year, aims to help develop the skills of aspiring talent in the film industry.'
30-year-old Keri Collins was chosen for a one-year scheme for emerging talent. He was one of 25 chosen out of 500 applicants.
Branagh finds himself among other famous names set to mentor the up-and-coming film-makers, including Bourne director Paul Greengrass.
"All of the mentors are of that kind of level but some are not as well known as others because Kenneth Branagh is an actor as well," said Mr Collins.
Branagh, who has made a name for himself in films, on television and in the West End, says the scheme for rising talent is ‘important and helpful.’
Mr Collins said: "He’s going to read my screenplay and then he’s going to meet with me and give me comments and notes on how to improve the script."
BBC News writes: 'Mr Collins would like to work full time in the film industry but still has a "day job" working on graphic design at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (Uwic).'
'The Guiding Lights mentoring scheme, which is in its second year, aims to help develop the skills of aspiring talent in the film industry.'
Norton to replace Wogan
After more than 30 years spent guiding viewers through the highs and lows, panache and pizzazz of the extraordinary world of the Eurovision Song Contest, Sir Terry Wogan, the doyen of the show is bowing out of the competition.
He will leave the prestigious BBC One presenting reins in the capable hands of Eurovision fan Graham Norton.
Terry says: "I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision for radio and television.
"From my first, in a small music-hall in Dublin, to my last, in the huge arena in Belgrade, it has been nothing but laughter and fun. The silly songs, the spectacle, the grandiose foolishness of it all.
"I'll be sad to leave it all behind, but I'll be watching and listening, and happy to leave it in the witty hands of Graham.
"Let's hope that between him and the musical brilliance of Lloyd Webber, Royaume Uni will gather its proper share of 'Douze Points' and bring the Grand Prix home to where it belongs."
Graham says: "As a long time fan of the Eurovision this is an amazing job and a huge honour.
"Sir Terry is nothing less than legend and is an impossible act to follow but somebody must and I just couldn't say no.
"I can't wait to get to Moscow – with a combination of cheap vodka and a language barrier what could possibly go wrong?"
In the new year Graham hosts Your Country Needs You on BBC One – the UK public's chance to choose the act that will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber's specially composed song in Moscow 2009.
Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, says: "Terry has enhanced viewer's enjoyment of Eurovision for many years and I would like to thank him for all of his work on the programmes.
"I am delighted that Graham Norton will now be bringing his wit to bear on this iconic music event."
Graham's association with the Eurovision title began with the Eurovision Dance Contest which he has presented for the last two years.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
He will leave the prestigious BBC One presenting reins in the capable hands of Eurovision fan Graham Norton.
Terry says: "I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision for radio and television.
"From my first, in a small music-hall in Dublin, to my last, in the huge arena in Belgrade, it has been nothing but laughter and fun. The silly songs, the spectacle, the grandiose foolishness of it all.
"I'll be sad to leave it all behind, but I'll be watching and listening, and happy to leave it in the witty hands of Graham.
"Let's hope that between him and the musical brilliance of Lloyd Webber, Royaume Uni will gather its proper share of 'Douze Points' and bring the Grand Prix home to where it belongs."
Graham says: "As a long time fan of the Eurovision this is an amazing job and a huge honour.
"Sir Terry is nothing less than legend and is an impossible act to follow but somebody must and I just couldn't say no.
"I can't wait to get to Moscow – with a combination of cheap vodka and a language barrier what could possibly go wrong?"
In the new year Graham hosts Your Country Needs You on BBC One – the UK public's chance to choose the act that will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber's specially composed song in Moscow 2009.
Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, says: "Terry has enhanced viewer's enjoyment of Eurovision for many years and I would like to thank him for all of his work on the programmes.
"I am delighted that Graham Norton will now be bringing his wit to bear on this iconic music event."
Graham's association with the Eurovision title began with the Eurovision Dance Contest which he has presented for the last two years.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Aled Jones and Terry Wogan to hit the charts
Sir Terry Wogan and Aled Jones' recording of the Bing Crosby and David Bowie classic, Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth, is set to be released as a single to help raise money for BBC Children in Need.
The track was originally recorded for Bandaged: With A Little Help From My Friends, an album of family favourites featuring the vocal talents of radio personalities including Ken Bruce, Mark Radcliffe and Eamonn Holmes, which was released online earlier this month to raise funds for Children in Need.
The enthusiastic support of BBC Radio 2's Drivetime host, Chris Evans, who believes the "magnificent" song is destined for chart greatness, helped lead to several offers from record companies and the track will now be released as a single on Monday 8 December 2008.
And this is not the first time the two Radio 2 presenters have enjoyed chart success.
Terry's Floral Dance reached number 21 in 1978, with a bouquet-wielding performance on Top Of The Pops that could have inspired Morrissey, whilst Aled Jones enjoyed a number three hit in 1985 with Walking In The Air.
As well as Little Drummer Boy, the single will feature three bonus tracks: Clare Teal's Swing On A Star; Puff The Magic Dragon by Sally "Traffic" Boazman and The Storys; and Mark Radcliffe's version of Right Said Fred.
Every single copy sold will help BBC Children in Need's total continue to rise above the record-breaking £20,991,216 reached at the end of the BBC One appeal show, with a minimum of £1 from the sale of each CD single benefiting the charity, as well as a minimum of 20p per download and 60p per bundled download.
Aled Jones says: "It was a fantastically surreal experience recording at Abbey Road Studios with Sir Terry Wogan and, with tremendous support from the Chris Evans Show, the song is gaining momentum daily.
"I don't know if this wave of support will take us all the way to Top Of The Pops but we're having a lot of fun helping raise money for Children in Need."
Terry Wogan says: "Aled Jones sings like the canary that he is but listeners may also detect my croaking in the background and wonder if it's a rumbling of the stomach!"
BBC Press Releases
The track was originally recorded for Bandaged: With A Little Help From My Friends, an album of family favourites featuring the vocal talents of radio personalities including Ken Bruce, Mark Radcliffe and Eamonn Holmes, which was released online earlier this month to raise funds for Children in Need.
The enthusiastic support of BBC Radio 2's Drivetime host, Chris Evans, who believes the "magnificent" song is destined for chart greatness, helped lead to several offers from record companies and the track will now be released as a single on Monday 8 December 2008.
And this is not the first time the two Radio 2 presenters have enjoyed chart success.
Terry's Floral Dance reached number 21 in 1978, with a bouquet-wielding performance on Top Of The Pops that could have inspired Morrissey, whilst Aled Jones enjoyed a number three hit in 1985 with Walking In The Air.
As well as Little Drummer Boy, the single will feature three bonus tracks: Clare Teal's Swing On A Star; Puff The Magic Dragon by Sally "Traffic" Boazman and The Storys; and Mark Radcliffe's version of Right Said Fred.
Every single copy sold will help BBC Children in Need's total continue to rise above the record-breaking £20,991,216 reached at the end of the BBC One appeal show, with a minimum of £1 from the sale of each CD single benefiting the charity, as well as a minimum of 20p per download and 60p per bundled download.
Aled Jones says: "It was a fantastically surreal experience recording at Abbey Road Studios with Sir Terry Wogan and, with tremendous support from the Chris Evans Show, the song is gaining momentum daily.
"I don't know if this wave of support will take us all the way to Top Of The Pops but we're having a lot of fun helping raise money for Children in Need."
Terry Wogan says: "Aled Jones sings like the canary that he is but listeners may also detect my croaking in the background and wonder if it's a rumbling of the stomach!"
BBC Press Releases
Monday, 24 November 2008
BBC Christmas specials 2008
The BBC promises the very best in entertainment for all the family this Christmas with a fabulous collection of seasonal specials from viewers' favourite programmes.
Christmas specials for Gavin And Stacey, The Royle Family, Strictly Come Dancing, Shooting Stars, My Family, Rab C Nesbitt, Peter Serafinowicz and Lead Balloon all feature in a talent-packed Christmas schedule, which also includes Top Of The Pops one-offs on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, and a Top Gear special from Vietnam.
Blackadder also returns for a one-off documentary – Blackadder Rides Again.
Mesmerising music and performance feature on BBC Two and BBC Four with sumptuous fairytale opera Hansel And Gretel; the New Year's Day Concert, live from Vienna; composer Howard Goodall exploring The Truth About Carols and acclaimed actor Simon Russell Beale telling the story of one of the most popular pieces of sacred music ever written in Sacred Music: The Story Of Allegri's Misere.
Thrilling drama comes courtesy of The 39 Steps starring Rupert Penry Jones; a very special edition of Doctor Who; spine-tingling ghost story Crooked House; as well as an explosive Christmas cracker for the Mitchells in EastEnders.
Wallace And Gromit return to the small screen with a special new adventure for BBC One, A Matter Of Loaf and Death.
Lark Rise To Candleford is also back with a captivating seasonal tale and Alan Davies reprises his role as Jonathan Creek with an exciting new mystery to solve.
There's a spectacular selection of films, including the television premieres of Shark Tale, Wallace And Gromit In The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, Superman Returns, The Chronicles Of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Pirates Of The Caribbean – Dead Man's Chest, Madagascar and Starter For Ten.
Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, says: "We've really pulled out all the stops this year to ensure a truly wonderful holiday schedule featuring the very best of British talent in a great line-up of exciting seasonal specials, from The Royle Family and Gavin And Stacey to Shooting Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.
"With exciting drama including The 39 Steps and Wallace and Gromit's A Matter Of Loaf And Death as well as stunning performance from Hansel And Gretel to Sacred Music there really is something for everyone.
"The whole family will be able to sit back, relax and let the BBC entertain them.
"And, of course, viewers can always catch up on BBC iPlayer if they miss out – while many programmes will be shown on BBC HD."
Songs Of Praise on BBC One prepares for the season with four special advent programmes including a packed concert at the Royal Albert Hall and a celebration of Sir Cliff Richard's career and there's Carols From King's on Christmas Eve as well as Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Mass.
Other musical highlights include Doctor Who At The Proms, recorded this summer at the Royal Albert Hall; a look behind the scenes of hit summer series, Maestro, in Maestro: The Inside Story; celebrations of swing music and progressive music in The Swing Thing and Prog Rock Britannia and the return of TOTP2 with fabulous party guests including Wham!, Aretha Franklin and Culture Club.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales features as a guest in a special edition of the Antiques Roadshow from Dumfries House in East Ayrshire.
Nigella Lawson and the Hairy Bakers cook up a storm in the Christmas kitchen while there's a very different look at how your Christmas dinner really gets to your plate in BBC Three's Kill It Cook It Eat It Christmas special.
Younger viewers can enjoy powerful family drama Dustbin Baby, based on the novel by best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson – with a star-studded cast including Juliet Stevenson, Dakota Blue Richards and David Haig – as well as festive editions of ChuckleVision and Pinky & Perky.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Christmas specials for Gavin And Stacey, The Royle Family, Strictly Come Dancing, Shooting Stars, My Family, Rab C Nesbitt, Peter Serafinowicz and Lead Balloon all feature in a talent-packed Christmas schedule, which also includes Top Of The Pops one-offs on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, and a Top Gear special from Vietnam.
Blackadder also returns for a one-off documentary – Blackadder Rides Again.
Mesmerising music and performance feature on BBC Two and BBC Four with sumptuous fairytale opera Hansel And Gretel; the New Year's Day Concert, live from Vienna; composer Howard Goodall exploring The Truth About Carols and acclaimed actor Simon Russell Beale telling the story of one of the most popular pieces of sacred music ever written in Sacred Music: The Story Of Allegri's Misere.
Thrilling drama comes courtesy of The 39 Steps starring Rupert Penry Jones; a very special edition of Doctor Who; spine-tingling ghost story Crooked House; as well as an explosive Christmas cracker for the Mitchells in EastEnders.
Wallace And Gromit return to the small screen with a special new adventure for BBC One, A Matter Of Loaf and Death.
Lark Rise To Candleford is also back with a captivating seasonal tale and Alan Davies reprises his role as Jonathan Creek with an exciting new mystery to solve.
There's a spectacular selection of films, including the television premieres of Shark Tale, Wallace And Gromit In The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, Superman Returns, The Chronicles Of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Pirates Of The Caribbean – Dead Man's Chest, Madagascar and Starter For Ten.
Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, says: "We've really pulled out all the stops this year to ensure a truly wonderful holiday schedule featuring the very best of British talent in a great line-up of exciting seasonal specials, from The Royle Family and Gavin And Stacey to Shooting Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.
"With exciting drama including The 39 Steps and Wallace and Gromit's A Matter Of Loaf And Death as well as stunning performance from Hansel And Gretel to Sacred Music there really is something for everyone.
"The whole family will be able to sit back, relax and let the BBC entertain them.
"And, of course, viewers can always catch up on BBC iPlayer if they miss out – while many programmes will be shown on BBC HD."
Songs Of Praise on BBC One prepares for the season with four special advent programmes including a packed concert at the Royal Albert Hall and a celebration of Sir Cliff Richard's career and there's Carols From King's on Christmas Eve as well as Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Mass.
Other musical highlights include Doctor Who At The Proms, recorded this summer at the Royal Albert Hall; a look behind the scenes of hit summer series, Maestro, in Maestro: The Inside Story; celebrations of swing music and progressive music in The Swing Thing and Prog Rock Britannia and the return of TOTP2 with fabulous party guests including Wham!, Aretha Franklin and Culture Club.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales features as a guest in a special edition of the Antiques Roadshow from Dumfries House in East Ayrshire.
Nigella Lawson and the Hairy Bakers cook up a storm in the Christmas kitchen while there's a very different look at how your Christmas dinner really gets to your plate in BBC Three's Kill It Cook It Eat It Christmas special.
Younger viewers can enjoy powerful family drama Dustbin Baby, based on the novel by best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson – with a star-studded cast including Juliet Stevenson, Dakota Blue Richards and David Haig – as well as festive editions of ChuckleVision and Pinky & Perky.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Blackadder cast back for Christmas
Rowan Atkinson and the cast of legendary comedy series Blackadder are back for a one-off documentary special this Christmas on BBC One.
Blackadder Rides Again will feature the iconic cast in a documentary to mark 25 years since the original BBC transmission of the much-loved sitcom, first broadcast in 1983.
Blackadder Rides Again will include the first ever in-depth interview with Rowan Atkinson, on his personal experience of playing Edmund Blackadder and being involved in the sitcom and its phenomenal success.
Set to join Rowan are the core cast and writing team who have gone on to become some of the greatest names in entertainment, both in the UK and US.
These include: Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Richard Curtis, Ben Elton, Miranda Richardson, Tim McInnerny and Tony Robinson.
Ricky Kelehar, Executive Producer and Director of Factual Entertainment, Tiger Aspect, Productions, said: "We are extremely excited to have persuaded the entire creative team behind this iconic sitcom to appear in the same show for the very first time since they all worked together.
"Many of them have since gone on to become towering talents around the world, including Rowan – who has never before spoken in detail about playing the fantastic anti-hero, Edmund Blackadder."
Katie Taylor, Executive Editor Comedy Entertainment, said: "Blackadder is one of the BBC's most successful sitcoms of all time and how better to celebrate its 25th anniversary than a retrospective look at what makes this popular series so special.
"Featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes insight from its renowned cast and writers, Blackadder Rides Again is essential viewing this Christmas for all comedy fans."
Blackadder Rides Again is a 60-minute documentary made by Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC One.
Matt O'Casey is producer and director, Ricky Kelehar is executive producer with John Lloyd (producer of Blackadder, Spitting Image, Not The Nine O'Clock News) as programme consultant.
The documentary was commissioned for BBC One by Katie Taylor, BBC Executive Editor Comedy Entertainment.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Blackadder Rides Again will feature the iconic cast in a documentary to mark 25 years since the original BBC transmission of the much-loved sitcom, first broadcast in 1983.
Blackadder Rides Again will include the first ever in-depth interview with Rowan Atkinson, on his personal experience of playing Edmund Blackadder and being involved in the sitcom and its phenomenal success.
Set to join Rowan are the core cast and writing team who have gone on to become some of the greatest names in entertainment, both in the UK and US.
These include: Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Richard Curtis, Ben Elton, Miranda Richardson, Tim McInnerny and Tony Robinson.
Ricky Kelehar, Executive Producer and Director of Factual Entertainment, Tiger Aspect, Productions, said: "We are extremely excited to have persuaded the entire creative team behind this iconic sitcom to appear in the same show for the very first time since they all worked together.
"Many of them have since gone on to become towering talents around the world, including Rowan – who has never before spoken in detail about playing the fantastic anti-hero, Edmund Blackadder."
Katie Taylor, Executive Editor Comedy Entertainment, said: "Blackadder is one of the BBC's most successful sitcoms of all time and how better to celebrate its 25th anniversary than a retrospective look at what makes this popular series so special.
"Featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes insight from its renowned cast and writers, Blackadder Rides Again is essential viewing this Christmas for all comedy fans."
Blackadder Rides Again is a 60-minute documentary made by Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC One.
Matt O'Casey is producer and director, Ricky Kelehar is executive producer with John Lloyd (producer of Blackadder, Spitting Image, Not The Nine O'Clock News) as programme consultant.
The documentary was commissioned for BBC One by Katie Taylor, BBC Executive Editor Comedy Entertainment.
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
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