Simon Dickson: Documentaries

“I’m most excited about The Family – it’s big, it’s original, and it’s absolutely what Channel 4 is all about. Our docs are confident; authored; unafraid. They seldom look like your dad dancing. Will they continue to develop? They had better: or I will be in trouble.

I’m very comfortable with the idea of my department being recognised as the ‘home’ of British documentary. If we continue to come up with the best ideas, and attract the best up-and-coming talent, I see no reason why we can’t continue to punch above our weight, creatively and in terms of audience ratings.

Will we take more risks? Yes, where the subject requires it. The audience is less shockable than ever before. We need to surprise them by making programmes that inform and inspire. In an age of dull, predictable ‘me-too’ factual television, that really would be controversial.”

Simon Dickson: Deputy Head, Documentaries, Channel 4