A unique collaboration sees the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 come together for the first time to share a special film for all viewers at the same time across their biggest channels. 21 channels in total will simultaneously broadcast the film. This rare TV moment will mark and celebrate the role UK broadcasters play across our culture. This poignant message is brought to life with the aid of Uncommon Creative Studio, who were appointed collectively by the broadcasters to deliver this brief to our screens.
In these unprecedented times, British public service broadcasters come together to share a formidable message — in a two-minute film — demonstrating the power of their television and digital services to bring people together during a period of profound uncertainty.
The film airs in a one-off roadblock special on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, STV, S4C, 4Seven, E4, More4, Film4, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITVBe, 5STAR, 5USA, 5Select, Paramount Network, and BBC Four.
The film takes us on a road trip across the UK, we journey through everyday familiar environments to more distinguishable and famous locations. We see farmers’ fields, Cornish coastlines, factory floors, London estates to the Angel of the North and the Royal Academy gallery. In every shot, flat screens and tablets continue to appear in these recognisable scenes, that make-up our lives and routines. The film was directed by Sam Walker through Pulse Films — the cinematic look and feel aims to create scale and tell the collective united story for our public service broadcasters during these uncertain times.
The film tells a moving message of unity and pride through the lens of British TV. It draws our attention to the countless stories that have changed us and helped us see the world differently, reminding us of the role British TV can play in our own stories too, with the powerful point: “This is the story of everything we’ve done. And everything we could be. This is us. This is who we are. Our stories are your stories.”
Providing a unique perspective on the lives of people throughout the country is at the heart of each service — ‘Our Stories’ encapsulates this united core purpose. Free to air broadcasters also support and invest in the UK creative economy, commissioning programmes from independent production companies across the country. This is the first time such a collaborative and co-ordinated approach across the UK public service broadcasters to launch a campaign has been undertaken; the launch itself aims to reach 50% of the country’s adult population.
The film features iconic moments from some of the UK’s favourite and most-loved television. These include clips from the BBC’s Blue Planet II, Fleabag, Strictly Come Dancing, I May Destroy You, BBC News and BBC Sport, EastEnders, Man Like Mobeen and Normal People. ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Harry’s Heroes, This Morning, Coronation Street, Quiz, ITV News and ITV Sport. Channel 4’s Paralympics, Great British Bake Off, Ackley Bridge, Channel 4 News, Gogglebox and Derry Girls. Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, Cruising with Jane McDonald, New Lives in the Wild with Ben Fogle, Channel 5 News, Cold Call and Around the World by Train with Tony Robinson.