Video Diaries was a BBC television programme produced by the Community Programme Unit. The series of programmes was created in 1990 by producer Jeremy Gibson. The programme's production team offered members of the public basic video training and ongoing support. The diarist was then left to gather their material with a camcorder. They would then have further support in editing and post-production During 1991 - 1992 Bob Long was a producer. By 1993 the programmes was developed into the Video Nation project.
CreatorJeremy Gibson
Pagan Belfast
Apr 21, 1990
Successful young novelist Robert Wilson goes home to Belfast after six years of voluntary exile in England. By turns hilarious, miserable, angry and hopeful his 'diary' is a refreshingly honest account of his tribulations as he asks himself and his friends, 'Is there a worthwhile future in Belfast?'
Three Weeks in Calcutta
Apr 28, 1990
A young Londoner, Lisa Chidell, makes an emotionally draining visit to Calcutta, where she becomes immersed in the struggles of the Marie Stopes family planning agency which is facing an explosion in the number of births.
My Demons
May 12, 1990
In her adult life, artist Willa Carroll has battled severe emotional problems, the result of the physical abuse that she suffered in her American childhood. In this remarkable diary, she returns to her home town with a camera, to confront the past.
Spike and Clinton
May 19, 1990
Spike Ambrose and Clinton Smith both live in a hostel for homeless teenagers in London's run-down King's Cross area. Their frank record of contemporary teenage life, both inside and outside the hostel, is by turns provocative, comical and revealing. And it is always honest.
Just for the Record
May 26, 1990
David Francis's plan to record family relationships changed when his grandmother became ill. His video diary became a difficult portrayal of the effects of bereavement on both his family and himself.
