BBC, Scott Free prep British “Life In a Day” spin-off

October 6, 2011 by Adam Benzine

BBC Two

The BBC has commissioned Ridley Scott’s prodco Scott Free London, the indie behind YouTube doc Life in a Day, to produce Britain in a Day, a follow-up project capturing a slice of contemporary British life.

Taking its lead from Life in a Day, which asked YouTube users from all over the world to submit clips of themselves filmed over a set 24-hour period, the BBC project will invite people “from all corners of the country to contribute to the definitive self-portrait of Britain today by turning the camera on themselves” on November 12 this year.

“Filmmaking has always been about just picking up a camera, getting out there and doing it,” said Scott. “Our aim for this new project is to get everyone behind the lens and give us a window onto one day in Britain.”

Director Morgan Matthews (The Fallen) will use the material submitted to craft a feature-length documentary that will air on BBC2 next year, ahead of the Summer Olympics.

Matthews will work alongside executive producer Kevin Macdonald, who directed the original Life in a Day, and Scott Free producer Liza Marshall.

Charlotte Moore, BBC commissioning editor for documentaries, is spearheading the project, which was greenlit by BBC2 controller Janice Hadlow. YouTube, which worked with Scott Free to create Life in a Day, will be supporting the BBC in the development of the Britain in a Day film.

“The Cultural Olympiad feels like an ideal opportunity to take a mirror to ourselves and capture something of the kaleidoscope of life that thrives in Britain today,” said Moore. “I hope that the fresh approach we are bringing to the production process will allow us to preserve a moment in time in a compelling and truly inclusive way.”

Ahead of the filming date of November 12, BBC2 will broadcast the original Life in a Day, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

BBC Learning is providing funding for the project.

Tags: BBC, BBC2, Britain In A Day, Charlotte Moore, Kevin Macdonald, Life in a Day, Morgan Matthews, Ridley Scott, Scott Free London, YouTube