Video Diaries(1990)

Video Diaries is a BBC documentary series that gave ordinary people the tools to tell their own stories. Created in 1990 by producer Jeremy Gibson, the show trained members of the public in basic video production, then sent them out with camcorders to document their lives. Participants received ongoing support through editing and post-production, transforming raw footage into finished diaries. Bob Long joined as a producer during 1991–1992, helping shape the series' distinctive approach to grassroots filmmaking. The programme's success led to its evolution into the Video Nation project by 1993, cementing its influence on participatory documentary television in Britain.