The BBC has announced new series Signs for Living with Rose Ayling-Ellis (w/t) at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The new two-part documentary series is produced by Rogan Productions (Abba: Against the Odds, Becoming Frida Kahlo). Ayling-Ellis (As You Like It, Summer of Rockets) and Rogan Productions previously worked together on the award-winning ‘Rose Ayling-Ellis: Signs for Change’ for which Ayling-Ellis was recently shortlisted for Best Documentary Presenter at the Grierson 2024 British Documentary Awards.
The new series for BBC One and iPlayer will see Rose take a group of older people “on an extraordinary and emotional journey” as they take up the challenge of learning British Sign Language. Rose intends to turn the spotlight on the issue of hearing loss among the older generation and the impact it can have on an individual’s health and wellbeing. An estimated 75% of older people experience hearing loss, expected to increase to 80% by 2032, so there’s no better place to start this unique experiment than with the residents of a retirement village. Considered a major public health issue, hearing loss can be easily dismissed and go undiagnosed leading to further problems and barriers later in life. In this profound and heartwarming project, Rose explores if BSL (British Sign Language) has the potential to improve the quality of life in old age and benefit us all as we get older. She will also expose the lack of provision for people like her in later life.
Rose Ayling-Ellis says: “I knew filming this show would be a challenge, but what I have experienced teaching the residents sign language has gone beyond my expectations. It is an experience I will cherish for a lifetime, and I just can’t wait for viewers to see the series.”
James Rogan, Director, Rogan Productions says: “After Signs for Change, we are delighted to be working with Rose again on this ground-breaking series. This experiment addresses a burning issue in society with the sense of love, lightness of touch and deep engagement that we have come to expect from Rose.”
Camilla Arnold, Series Producer, Rogan Productions says: “Witnessing the language of my community, the deaf community, being embraced and used by the wider world has been a truly magical experience. This film not only puts a long-awaited spotlight on British Sign Language (BSL) but also carries a powerful message: BSL is for everyone, and, more importantly, it serves as an invaluable tool against the hearing loss that often accompanies old age.”
Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, says: “Rose’s previous film did so much to raise awareness of the reality of life for deaf people in the UK and I’m really pleased that she is back with this important new project. I hope that this new series, which brings warmth and compassion to a major public health issue, will have a similar impact and demonstrate the value of BSL in all our lives.”
This documentary will be part of a wider pan BBC British Sign Language season next year which aims to celebrate BSL. There will be content across BBC platforms as well as online resources and material to help people learn to sign.
‘Signs for Living with Rose Ayling-Ellis’ (w/t) 2×60 for BBC One and iPlayer was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries for the BBC. It is produced by BAFTA-winning Rogan Productions and directed by Simon Gilchrist. The series producer is Camilla Arnold, Executive producers are Teresa Watkins, James Rogan and Soleta Rogan. Ethan Blake Brooks is producer/director and producer is Daniel Hall. The BBC Commissioning Editors are Emma Loach and Caroline O’Neill.
Image Credit: Yellowbelly
Jon Creamer
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