Masterclass: Simon Ford on making observational documentary

Simon Ford worked at the BBC for twenty years where he won many awards, including BAFTAs for the Secret Policeman and The Tower: A Tale of Two Cities. His documentaries always say something about the world we live in now. They make audiences sit up and listen - and politicians too. The multi-award winning Simon Ford has made some of the most talked-about and impactful documentaries of the past decade. Whether it's Ambulance, Coppers, 24 Hours in Police Custody or Drugsland, they all have compelling storytelling at their heart. Simon shared some of his top tips in this Industry Greats Masterclass which happened on 30 March 2020. He talks about gaining access, dealing with contributors' egos and finding diamonds in the edit. The event was supported by the ScreenSkills Television Skills Fund which invests in training for the freelance television workforce, and was sponsored by the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5. It is part of a ScreenSkills programme designed by media consultant Donna Taberer to support freelancers to upskill and stay connected, helping keep the industry resilient in the coronavirus crisis.