Whilst this documentary about the the making and crucially the impact of the hit tv drama Ghostwatch is rather flat - essentially just interviews with the makers, stars and various fans, it does though provide some interesting insights.
Firstly, it is fascinating how difficult it was for the producers to get it made because firstly no-one at the BBC seemed to understand what it was and in addition the programme highlights the phenomenal bureaucracy that drives the BBC - weird committees, strange demarcation lines between departments that don't seem to understand they should be working to a common aim.
Secondly, the reaction from some people, but clearly mostly raked up by the press, about how shocking the whole thing was, as if putting out something remotely controversial is not within the remit of the BBC was bizarre. The notion that people were too stupid to think it was a piece of theatrical conceit and we're there embarrassed and complained seems about right - it was a scary bit of fun.
Thirdly, how BBC executives, driven to this day by fear of public opinion and political pressure, disowned it and buried it such that It rarely gets shown despite cult following and high regard.
All in all, interesting stuff.
Firstly, it is fascinating how difficult it was for the producers to get it made because firstly no-one at the BBC seemed to understand what it was and in addition the programme highlights the phenomenal bureaucracy that drives the BBC - weird committees, strange demarcation lines between departments that don't seem to understand they should be working to a common aim.
Secondly, the reaction from some people, but clearly mostly raked up by the press, about how shocking the whole thing was, as if putting out something remotely controversial is not within the remit of the BBC was bizarre. The notion that people were too stupid to think it was a piece of theatrical conceit and we're there embarrassed and complained seems about right - it was a scary bit of fun.
Thirdly, how BBC executives, driven to this day by fear of public opinion and political pressure, disowned it and buried it such that It rarely gets shown despite cult following and high regard.
All in all, interesting stuff.