Much promotional flurry this week from The History Channel, who are screening The People Speak directed by Colin Firth.
Inspired by its US equivalent, The People Speak is going to feature some of our most familiar actors performing the accounts of citizens who experienced some of our most remarkable historic moments. The event was filmed at the Prince of Wales Theatre last month, and is going to be broadcast on 31st October. That’s quite an alternative to the usual Halloween TV.
Whilst its great that broadcasters are thinking how to bring history alive, it’s so frustrating that they’re missing such an obvious chance to engage and involve the public (History Channel, we apologise if you have secret plans).
There are so many successful oral history projects out there. The TUC for example have done loads of work collecting audio accounts of workers who rebuilt our cities after the Second World War, and a partnership with one of these organisations to bring alive digital content provided by the general public (as opposed to simply the thesps) would have been BRILLIANT. Many oral history projects contain compelling videos, but need a little help bringing this to life through some better-designed interfaces and some entertainment thinking.
Sadly, in this instance, The People can Speak, but only if they’ve got a BAFTA nomination.
Come on History Channel, if you’re spending loads of money on a TV ad campaign, invest a little in the great potential of your idea and generate more value for everyone.
