Simon Ford

BAFTA-winning executive producer of The Secret Policeman and The Tower: A Tale of Two Cities talks to media consultant Donna Taberer about making observational documentary.

Simon talks about gaining access, dealing with contributors' egos and finding diamonds in the edit.

About Simon Ford

Simon worked at the BBC for twenty years where he won many awards. His documentaries always say something about the world we live in now. They make audiences sit up and listen - and politicians too.

He has made some of the most talked-about and impactful documentaries of the past decade. Whether it's Ambulance, Coppers, 24 Hours in Police Custody or Drugsland, they all have compelling storytelling at their heart. 

About the event

This Q&A, recorded on Monday 30 March, 2020 from Simon's home during the Covid-19 crisis, is supported by the ScreenSkills Television Skills Fund which invests in training for the freelance television workforce thanks to contributions from the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

It is part of a ScreenSkills Industry Greats Masterclass programme designed by media consultant Donna Taberer to support freelancers to upskill and stay connected, helping keep the industry resilient during the coronavirus lockdown.

If you are interested in a career in the unscripted TV industry, find out more with ScreenSkills' unscripted TV job profiles.