BBC Three is going Stateside in October 2016 after announcing commissions of what the network calls landmark documentary series, “American High School” and “Reggie Yates: Life and Death in Chicago.”
Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three, says: “We know young people in the UK are fascinated with the US and there is a lot to say about the US in 2016. Trump v Clinton will define a generation, Obama’s legacy and Black Lives Matter will have an impact over here the UK. It’s important young people in Britain get a perspective on what is happening in the US, and why.”
In “American High School” BBC Three will show young people in the UK what it’s like to grow up as an African American teenager in an American High School, in what will be a 6-part documentary from Swan Films.
Filmed over the course of a year at a High School in South Carolina, “American High School” follows a charismatic principal and his students, including star football players, Ivy League hopefuls, male cheerleaders and young mothers as they prepare for the next step in life.
The series reveals life through the eyes of young African Americans, from Homecoming to graduation; from dates at the diner, to senior Prom; and captures life-changing moments on the journey to adulthood, providing UK audiences with a unique insight into how it really feels to be young and black in America today.
Executive Producer Joe Evans says: “It’s been a privilege to follow the lives of these teenagers over the last school year. Their experiences, and views of contemporary America, not only make for compelling human interest documentary, but against the backdrop of Black Lives Matter, and the forthcoming Presidential election, feel more urgent than ever for us all to understand.”
Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three, says: “’Life and Death Row’ won a Bafta for BBC Three and I have similar hopes for ‘American High School,’ it is filmmaking at its best. The taster brought tears to my eyes.”
The 6-part documentary series is directed, produced and filmed by Marcus Plowright, produced by Sarah Collinson, executive produced by Joe Evans and Neil Crombie. Commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, and Clare Sillery and Jamie Balment, BBC Documentaries.
Second, “Reggie Yates: Life and Death in Chicago” is the latest documentary for BBC Three from award-winning documentarian Reggie Yates and Sundog Pictures.
Against the backdrop of unprecedented gun violence, Reggie Yates travels to Chicago to investigate gun crime in President Obama’s adopted hometown. Chicago’s murder rate has soared by 72% in 2016 with shootings up more than 88&. There were 468 murders in 2015, a 12.5% increase on the previous year, with many of the victims young African American men. “So, who is to blame?” the documentary will ask.
Reggie Yates says: “’Life and Death in Chicago’ might just be the strongest film I’ve made yet, it’s an incredible personal journey and unfolding narrative. With the realities of black-on-black violence and police brutality an unfortunate reality for Chicago, this I feel is a film that tells a story we’re aware of from the perspective of the people.”
Damian Kavanagh; “I can’t praise Reggie highly enough, ‘Life and Death In Chicago’ is another exceptional documentary Reggie has made with BBC Three, and with this he is taking it to the next level.”
Sam Anthony, Executive Producer for Sundog Pictures: “Making such an important film at a time when all eyes are on America- and Obama’s legacy- was a real opportunity to make what I think is our most ambitious Reggie Yates film yet.”
“Reggie Yates: Life and Death in Chicago” is directed by Toby Trackman. Producer is Becky Read. Associate Producer is Reggie Yates. Executive Producers are Dov Freedman and Sam Anthony.
Commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three and Jamie Balment, Commissioning Editor, Documentaries.
