BBC Arts has revealed the subjects of the interview strand In My Own Words for BBC One and iPlayer this Autumn with Tom Jones, Frederick Forsyth, Val McDermid, Yinka Shonibare and Cornelia Parker to feature.
Made up of intimate first-person testimony and archive, the series of single films showcases arts stories combined with “real psychological revelation.”
Tom Jones said: “Taking the time to look back at some of the extraordinary things that have happened in my life for In My Own Words has been really enjoyable and thought-provoking. Some of the archive I’d not seen before and watching snippets of those past times, places, styles and struggles brought home how lucky I am. Being able to spend the day in the first house I ever owned brought back so many memories… I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as I did making it!”
Yinka Shonibare said: “I found seeing the images of my past life amusing, surprising and emotional. The past is never quite as one imagines it to be.”
Val McDermid said: “I’m so accustomed to living my life forwards — the next book, the next festival, the next gig, the next holiday — so this opportunity to look back was a welcome change. It recalled people and places with an unexpected vividness that I hope communicates itself to the viewers.”
Frederick Forsyth said: “Having spent my career telling other people’s stories, I now find myself in the unusual position of subject rather than storyteller. It has reminded me of the incredible luck I have had, the fork in the road moments, and the deep gratitude I feel for having been part of it.”
Mark Bell, Commissioning Editor for BBC Arts, said: “I’m delighted that we are coming back with a second series of a strand that has firmly established itself, celebrating some of the country’s greatest cultural figures. In My Own Words shows us the myriad paths that the creative life can follow – from a farming childhood to conceptual art, cold war journalism to blockbuster thriller writing, the Welsh Valleys to superstardom – and the remarkable combination of talent and tenacity that goes into making art.”
In My Own Words: Tom Jones is a BBC Studios Music production for BBC Arts. It was directed by Andy Dunn and executive produced by Alison Howe. The commissioning Editor for BBC Arts is Mark Bell.
In My Own Words: Yinka Shonibare is a Cheshire Cat Productions film for BBC Arts. It was Directed by Suzannah Wander, and the Director of Production was Cathy Haslam. The commissioning editor for BBC Arts is Mark Bell.
In My Own Words: Frederick Forsyth is an Orchard Studios production for BBC Arts. It was Directed by four-time BAFTA winner Ben Anthony, Edited by Toby Clarkson and Executive Produced by Nat Lippiett and Dan Grabiner. The commissioning editor for BBC Arts is Mark Bell.
In My Own Words: Val McDermid is a Firecrest Films production for BBC Arts. It was Produced and Directed by Linda Sands, Edited by Jude Suggett and Executive Produced by Mick McAvoy. The commissioning editor for BBC Arts is Mark Bell
In My Own Words: Cornelia Parker is a Chalk Productions production for BBC Arts. It is directed by Charlie Melville and Executive Produced by Victoria Holden and Kira Phillips. The commissioning editor for BBC Arts is Mark Bell.
Jon Creamer
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